Greyhounds are clean, gentle, quiet, sweet-natured, people-loving, and very smart companions.

When you get your retired racer, he or she will be fully grown. Like people, Greyhounds vary in size depending on whether you choose a male or a female. Males weigh between 65 and 85 pounds, and females weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. Their height at the shoulder is usually between 24 and 30 inches. Greyhounds are very "small" large dogs. They are almost cat-like in their ability to get into the smallest places and curl into the smallest ball.

Greyhounds come in colors that range from white to black, from brindle ("tiger striped")to blue ("grey"), from fawn to red - and any combination of these colors and white.

Although all Greyhounds are sweet and loving, sometimes males tend to be a bit more tolerant than females. But just like humans, the personality of each greyhound is unique and special.

Although large dogs, Greyhounds can live to be 12 to 14 years old. Since they are athletes, Greyhounds tend to be a very healthy and robust breed. Greyhounds do not have any of the inherent health problems which some of the large breeds experience. One important point to remember, since Greyhounds do not have the body fat that most canines have (less than 16%, less than half the amount of dogs of a similar weight in other breeds), they cannot metabolize anesthesia well. Be sure your vet is familiar with this fact, as the amount of anesthesia given to a 75 pound Doberman would be fatal to a 75 pound Greyhound!

Although Greyhounds do shed, we have found that they seem to shed very little. A rubdown with a damp rag or dog brush will keep the shedding down to a minimum. Greyhounds do not seem to have a "doggy" odor that some breeds do. Because of the lack of odor and their short hair, Greyhounds tend to be better tolerated by people with allergies.

YES! Greyhounds thrive on human companionship. They bond quickly to their adoptive family and live to make their adoptive family happy. Greyhounds certainly can keep you entertained with their silly antics.

Some wonderful information about understanding the dog/human dynamic can be found at Why you need to be 'Top Dog' and Dog vs. Child. Thanks to the folks at Dog Breed Info Center for their permission in linking to their site for this info!

No! Generally, Greyhounds are too people-friendly and used to being around different people. There are, however, some Greyhounds who will bark to make their owners aware of something "not quite right." The Greyhound's biggest impact is its size. Although a large breed, they are gentle giants.

Greyhounds, by nature, are very friendly and socialize well with other animals. Until now, they have only been exposed to other Greyhounds; so, there will be an introductory period for your Greyhound and the other animals in your household. It is very important to tell your H.O.T. adoption counselor exactly what kind and how many other animals you own. Only then can we help you find the right Greyhound for your family. When you bring your Greyhound home, we suggest that you supervise them closely. When you are not home, separate your Greyhound and other animal members of your family until all family members are comfortable. If you have other animals, H.O.T. suggests that you add a special Greyhound muzzle to your Greyhound take-home supplies. A muzzle is not punishment for your Greyhound, but a training aid - and helps give you peace of mind during the initial acclimation period.

Because we have found that Greyhounds tend to take on the activity level of the household in which they live, your Greyhound may need as little as turn-outs in your fenced-in backyard to a couple of daily walks. Basically, Greyhounds are "45 M.P.H. Couch Potatoes."

Greyhounds are sprinters, used to going short distances at high speed. When a person jogs, they go for longer distances at a "human" speed. So, just as you needed to acclimate yourself, your Greyhound will need to be trained for longer distances at a slower pace, as well.

Most canines are "scent hounds" - meaning they hunt and track by scent. Greyhounds are "sight hounds" - meaning they hunt by sight rather than by scent. Greyhounds have the ability to see up to a distance of approximately 1/4 mile. If a bag blows across the street, your Greyhound, with its intensive track training, will chase that bag. If there is a street between your Greyhound and the bag, the Greyhound does not see the danger - only the prize of catching the bag!

NO! Greyhounds should never be kept outside for an extended period of time. Due to their lack of body fat and very thin skin, Greyhounds do not adjust well to very hot or very cold weather.

On the track, Greyhounds were kept in crates the majority of time. Due to this fact, many Greyhounds find comfort in having a crate that they can climb into to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal home life. The crate becomes the Greyhound's "safe place." A crate is also a good training tool to assist in housetraining your Greyhound.

YES! Since Greyhounds are "kennel-trained," they quickly learn to think of your house as their kennel. So, generally, they will not soil inside the house. H.O.T. Hounds are all fostered in homes and come to their new adoptive home about 85% housetrained. However, for the first few days, put your Greyhound outside frequently, and your Greyhound will quickly learn that outside is the place to relieve him or herself. When you are not home, it is a good idea to limit your Greyhound's movement to an area of your home in which, if an "accident" happens, there will be easy clean-up. As time passes, you will learn to trust your Greyhound, and your Greyhound will learn what is expected, so that the area he or she is allowed in when you are not home can be expanded.

On the track, your Greyhound's diet consisted of raw meat, high-protein kibble, water, cooked vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals. After retirement, a Greyhound's diet should consist of 3 to 6 cups of good quality kibble fed once a day. The percentages that are recommended are 21% protein and 12% fat. Many Greyhounds like goodies added to their daily ration, such as boiled, boneless chicken, rice, pasta, or cooked vegetables.

There is no mandatory age for a Greyhound to retire. Usually, a Greyhound will race between 2 to 5 years. What puts them up for retirement is an injury, losses or grading off (a consistent lowering of racing ability).

Along with the H.O.T. Greyhound Guide, we also suggest reading "Adopting The Retired Racing Greyhound", an informative, quick read about Greyhounds by Ms. Cynthia Branigan, and "Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies", a greyt book written by Ms. Lee Livingood. There are also other books available dealing directly with Retired Racing Greyhounds. Click on the book icon to review. If you purchase this or any other book or product at Amazon.com through the H.O.T. Web Site, a portion of each purchase will directly benefit H.O.T.!