Now the jury is out on this one and we’re expecting you will all have a different opinion!
Also, bearing in mind greyhounds are sighthounds and have been taught to chase small furry animals, it is advisable for them to wear muzzles when newly adopted until they settle in. Once an adopter knows the dog and is sure it is safe around smaller animals the muzzle can be removed. Most greyhound rescues advise the wearing of a muzzle for the first two weeks of being in a home.
It is a sign of being a responsible dog owner too, and all our kennel hounds wear muzzles when out on their daily walks. (photo Sue Bentham)
It’s often believed that greyhounds can’t live with children.
Greyhounds are good pets to have around children since they are generally of a gentle and placid nature. As with all breeds, common sense and adult supervision is advised.
Makants do not rehome greyhounds to families with children under the age of 5. This is due to the size of greyhounds as small children can easily be knocked over by an excitable dog. We do, however, consider each application individually and are open to discussion with applicants.
Obviously children will need to give the dog space and leave the dog alone when asked. If they are able to do this they can form a wonderful bond with the dog and many families have welcomed an adopted Makants hound into their home. (photos used with parents permission)
The question we are asked the most often is ‘Don’t they need a lot of exercise?’ and the short answer is always ‘No, they don’t!’
Greyhounds, when racing, only sprint for a short period of time and don’t tend to have a lot of endurance.
As a pet they are happy with two 30 minute walks a day. Of course they can walk further if the occasion calls for it and may enjoy longer walks at the weekend. Younger greyhounds may also enjoy more exercise but generally they are happy with a couple of short walks each day and like to spend most of their day sleeping! They aren’t called the ’40 mph couch potato’ for nothing! (photo David Hallows)
Many people believe greyhounds are too big for a small house.
Greyhounds do range in size with females generally being smaller. Some females are no larger than a large whippet weighing about 25 kg but on the other hand we know large males can weigh 37 kg! You certainly know where they are though, they certainly don’t get under your feet, and once adopted you soon adjust to their size. Just take a look at recently adopted FLASH here, he certainly can make himself smaller if the bed calls for it! (photo: Wendy Draper)
Many people believe greyhounds don’t need to wear coats. Our answer to this is oh they really do! It isn’t simply a ‘fashion thing’ …. even though many hounds do have a considerable wardrobe.😂 Simply put greyhounds have very little fat and fur and this makes them susceptible to extremes in temperature. Care has to be taken to ensure they don’t get too hot or too cold and extra layers are important in cold weather, hence the coats! Coats, while looking attractive, are essential to the wellbeing of the greyhound.