On this page you will find comments and advice from greyhound and lurcher owners, who once like you, were considering which dog to adopt and what breed. They decided on a greyhound. Below you will read of the reasons why and also some advise about what to expect when you bring your first hound home.

We hope this helps you decide a greyhound is for you and gives a feel for what these wonderful creatures are like.

If you own a greyhound or lurcher and would like to post a comment here to help others please contact us.

I was first introduced to greyhounds on the Cleveland and Hartlepool racing track, as my grandad is a bookmaker. I didn’t know the extent of the greyhounds problem then. They were so fast and always licked my face when I met them off the track. 

My first grey, as a pet who started my ‘obsession’, was Abby in 1993 from the RSPCA (photo right). We had her till she was nearly 18. The first good reason to own a grey is they live quite a long time for a larger breed of dog. I grew up with westies who are nice but ours were typical terriers, noisy and our two were not good with other dogs. Abby was worlds apart- gentle, quiet, tolerant of me and my sister but loved affection and a cuddle. She never gave us a day’s trouble and was wonderful with other dogs.

Since then I have had 5 greys of my own over the last 3 years and foster for the rescue. I could not have 4 dogs of any other breed in my house, as it is not that big and bouncy dogs would be too much. However, my lot once they have had their walk and breakfast/tea just want to lie around and sleep. They occasionally move to a warmer spot if one of the others gets up or if we go to the kitchen thinking there, may be food for them but they are very relaxed dogs. This is typical of the breed. I could talk all day of how wonderful they are but I will let others do that :-)

Gill and Paul Hope

We got Shadow from Pat and Val a couple of years ago after losing our Labrador. We had never owned a sight hound before and I just happened to "stumble" across an article about Greyhounds and Lurchers on the internet. Both our kids had left home and we were looking for a quiet, placid dog that didn’t bark much!! From day one Shadow has been a joy to own-- she really is the perfect dog. She is placid, undemanding and basically just loves to laze about all day. She is so loving and loves you to stroke her-if you don’t she nudges you till you do!

Most people that we meet when we are walking her seem to think that she needs loads of exercise but that is not true. She would be happy with a couple of short walks each day- she does get more as my husband loves walking!

They make ideal pets for both the young and old. Another bonus is the fact she very rarely barks, after having a Labrador I wanted a dog that was a bit quieter! I can truly recommend getting a Greyhound. We have never regretted it!

Helen Speck and Sarah Garner

When we went for our first dog a few years ago we wanted a terrier type dog from The Dogs Trust, with us being in wheelchairs. The staff there didn't think that kind of dog would be suitable and they asked us if we ever thought of having a greyhound as they are easy to look after and don't need much exercise. So we took Blaine home, a lovely brindle lad. We have never looked back and I personally wouldn't have any other breed now. All the greyhounds we have had have been easy to toilet train and as you know may be quiet for the first couple of weeks then their personality comes out, once they have settled in. In short, they are a joy to own.

Helen and Drew of the Northallerton Greyhound Gang

We only wanted a small dog, a lapdog, a companion. We thought that we should go buy a puppy. But after giving it more thought, we decided rescuing might be a better option. Anyone can buy a puppy. Attending our local RSPCA after being assessed for a small dog, looking in the pens, two dogs catch our eye. A beautiful muscular, black and white greyhound with an angels face, and a 12 months old staffie, with a horrible start to its life. I am terrible for not making a decision, and was ready to flip a coin, the next time we went up, but by the time we got there the staffie was reserved, and we brought home the fastest, strongest dog with the most beautiful nature. We have never looked back.

We knew nothing about them, but that's the cool thing, finding out. We did research on Millie, and found out her name, birthday, which to our surprise, was the day we brought her home. FATE.

For a 34 kg dog she curled up so small, and despite doing laps of the garden, was clean and undemanding. Watching her run for FUN was a dream, she was free, until playmate number 1 arrived. Graham the greyhound. They were made for each other. They ran, they ate, they slept. They loved people and any attention, and were considered novel. Who keeps greyhounds? By now they and the plight of the greyhound had captured our hearts. Quiet, loving, honest dogs, exploited for a talent. Sally joined the gang last year, and Rupert 3 months later, accidentally whilst the wife was holidaying in Morocco. 23 stones of dog, gentle and funny, fast but lazy, always a pleasure and never a chore. Having these dogs in my life makes getting up each day an amazing journey. Unless they are having a lie in, which isn't uncommon means the day just starts later. Best described, my greyhound's life is 22 hours sleeping, 1 hour 59 mins exercising, 30 seconds going to the toilet, and 30 seconds eating...... oh and 24 hours being totally in love with you. Kojak is now our 5th, and has bonded already, they are so loyal, and want to be part of your group. Greyhound ownership is a passion that I never want to fade.

Eileen Tourret

I used to have a Labrador but when she was put down I was so depressed, I had to have another dog fairly soon and a friend suggested a whippet. I wasn't very enthusiastic at first but soon warmed to the idea. Fortunately, a 6 year old whippet became available and I took the plunge. What a lovely gentle, eager to please bitch she turned out to be. Kiwi loves the car, can be left at home for 4 hours or so with no trouble, is great on the lead and even gets on with cats. All she asks is plenty of gentle love and attention. Quick movements frighten her so I have to be careful how I approach her. Based on her gentle nature and on my observations of sight hounds at Greyhounds Galore meet and greets, I decided to get a greyhound as well. I made a careful decision and chose a quiet, gentle lad to go with Kiwi and Paddy has turned out to be the perfect gentleman with her. He will even send off boisterous dogs who approach Kiwi and frighten her. I will never consider another breed of dog. If anything happens to either Kiwi or Paddy, I will definitely get another sight hound. They are so gentle, eager to please and very little trouble.

Bracken “fell in” to our family perfectly. Although we have only had her 6 months, it feels like she has always been with us. At first we were adamant that she would not come upstairs, but sure enough we caved in once and now the three of us battle for space in bed every night! The first time we let her run free on the beach was an amazing sight, and actually brought a tear to my eye!

Bracken has her problems due to her poor and abusive start in life. She doesn’t like kids or men; she shy’s away with her tail between her legs. She doesn’t get that not all dogs want to play, and she has trouble understanding why the boys on the field behind us won’t let her play with their footballs! But despite her little ‘niggles’ she is a wonderful dog and we wouldn’t change her for the world. We hope in the near future to get another greyhound as they make such wonderful pets, however this time we will probably adopt an ex-racer so we can give them a life they have never had. For a big dog, you can easily forget they are there! Greyhounds make very little noise, in fact when Bracken barks we look at her in shock! Bracken is incredibly loving and loyal, and all she asks for in return is a comfy sofa and a place in our family.

Katy Collingwood

We began discussing adopting a dog in the autumn of 2006. We wanted to thoroughly research dog breeds to find a dog to suit our lifestyle as well as suit the dog’s needs. As we both work, but different hours, we knew we wouldn’t have the ability to adopt a breed of dog that would require a massive amount of exercise and stimulation. Really we needed a dog just like me, likes to sleep and eat!! I had always had a soft spot for lurchers and greyhounds. We began to research and found that contrary to popular belief, due to the Greyhound’s ability for short bursts of speeds, a 20-30 minute walk twice a day would suffice. Research also described greyhounds as ‘lazy’, or having a love of sofas! Additional to this was the large number of Greyhounds requiring homes due to finishing their racing career at a young age and thus surplus to requirements. We were sold! We began looking for the perfect dog to join our family. Colour or sex was not important. On our first visit to the RSPCA in Great Ayton we fell in love with a beautiful white and tan spotted 8 month old Greyhound Bitch called Bracken. We put in a homing request and eagerly waited for the news! Within a week she was ours!

Denise

Greyhound gets into your blood. I have owned several breeds of dog but for the last 10 years it has been the greyhound and lurcher with which I have been enamored. When I adopted my first greyhound I already had two rescued rottweilers. I was not looking for another dog but when I saw this big, black lad it was love at first sight. Happily he fit in excellently with my other two dogs. I am truly hooked, adding two more greyhounds and two more lurchers. I have also fostered four greyhounds.

Greyhounds and lurchers are graceful, gentle hounds. They are intelligent,inquisitive, quick to learn and make excellent loyal companions. Contrary to popular belief they do not need excessive exercise, two twenty minutes walks will suffice and they walk well on the lead. This makes them suitable for the elderly or disabled. Many of these beautiful dogs have had a bad start to life and deserved to be cosseted, cared for and loved. As I write this my seven dogs have wound down for the night and are chilling out on their beds. As long as I am able to give these fantastic dogs a good home, I will continue to do so with out hesitation.

Cathy Brumby

You are choosing to make as your companion a dog whose history stretches back thousands of years; deified by Ancient Egyptians, immortalised by Roman artists, exclusive hunting dogs to medieval English nobility and the only canine mentioned in the Bible. They move with poise and grace, almost feline in motion and to watch a sight hound run at full pelt, free and happy, is a privilege. They have wonderful temperaments and, known as “40 mile an hour couch potatoes”, after a walk, and hopefully a run, they’ll crash out for the day. And, you don’t have to bend down to pat them! To walk with a greyhound is to walk with celebrity for you cannot go far before someone stops you to have a chat about your hound or talk about their own. It is a misconception that sight hounds are a stupid breed; I attend clicker training classes with my young lurcher, Mischa, and she can wipe the floor with any of the other breeds there, being extremely eager to learn. Obviously, sighthounds are hard wired to run, however, with training and patience good recall is possible, but this applies to any other breed of dog.

The fact that you are looking at this website means you are considering adopting and for that I applaud you. All my dogs have been rescue dogs and I have been rewarded with years of wonderful doggie companionship. A rescue dog is different, it may be wishful thinking on my part, but they seem to have a sense of being given a second chance and remain forever grateful. Val and Pat at Greyhounds Galore, through considerate discussion, helped unite a four month old rangy bundle of mischief with me and my family and over the past nine months have watched her grow into an elegant ebony beauty eager to absorb all the love we can offer. But do remember this; sight hounds are like crisps…you can’t have just 1!

Alexandra and Richie Gilbert-Lee

We have always had rescue dogs and all of them have been a huge part of our lives. In fact I could say nearly everything evolves around them! I love all dogs but became aware of the plight of Lurchers and Greyhounds when I worked in the kennels of an Animal Welfare Charity. There are thousands of them out there just abandoned, tortured and neglected. Even when they have been through such torment they are gentle, mischievous, fun and extremely loving. As with all dogs there are certain things we have to be on our toes about but its well worth it. We have 2 wonderful rescue dogs at the moment a Lurcher Nelson (Nelly) and a Greyhound Marjorie (Barjy Marjy). They love training - they can do tricks, agility and they are so enthusiastic its wonderful to watch. Its all done with praise and treats and people are amazed because they see these dogs as untrainable- but they are not. Yes they are often quiet and disinterested when you first meet them but what pleasure and what a privilege it is to see their confidence grow and blossom. We would recommend rescuing a Long Dog anytime - there are so many out there abused, scared and let down by human beings, please consider letting one or more into your lives and into your hearts.