How old are Greyhounds when they retire?
Most Greyhounds begin their career at approximately 16 months and finish their career between the ages of 2 and 5 years. They may retire due to injury, lack of skill or simply slow speed (40 mph instead of 41 mph). Males and females are raced together and both are available for adoption. They are not altered during their racing career so that superior individuals may be selected for breeding. Only a small fraction however are needed for breeding.

How long do Greyhounds live?
Most healthy Greyhounds will enjoy a lifespan of 12-15 years.

When can I let my Greyhound run loose when off my fenced property?
NEVER! Greyhounds are sighthounds and can see movement a half mile away. No matter how strong their attachment to their new life and family, the movement of something as simple as a leaf blowing in the wind may signal the centuries old instinct to chase. A Greyhound is never safe when outdoors without a safety collar and leash unless you are in a fully fenced area.

When will I be able to trust my dog to stay by my side when not on a leash?
Never, no matter what breed the dog may be as it only takes a moment for a tragedy to happen. "Click here" to see related Toronto Star article dated May 11/02

Do Greyhounds make good watchdogs?
NO- not in the way most people use the term. Greyhounds generally do not bark and are happy to greet strangers and friends alike. There are some exceptions of course but most dogs truly watch. They do let you know if someone is in the vicinity but do not guard.

Are Greyhounds housebroken?
Prior to the foster period, Greyhounds have never been inside a home. They live in a crate and as such are crate-trained. They will not eliminate in their crate. We recommend that you use a crate as a transition tool. Most dogs learn within a day or two that your house is their new crate and are thus very easily housebroken.

Are Greyhounds good with children?
Greyhounds are gentle and patient. They tend to walk away from a problem rather than confront it. Any dog has its limits however. No dog should ever be left alone with small children without supervision.

Can I specify the colour and sex of my new dog?
Greyhounds come in an amazing variety of colours. The National Greyhound Association registers 27 coat colours. We feel every colour is beautiful. Greyhounds are selected at the tracks for their suitability as pets, not based on colour. The goal of GINA is to select the dog whose personality best suits your home. If you feel strongly about a certain colour we will try to honour your request but you must realize that your waiting time will be increased.

Are Greyhounds compatible with other animals? What about cats?
Greyhounds enjoy the company of most animals and a wide variety of dog breeds. There are only a small percentage of Greyhounds that would not be able to live with small animals such as cats. Our dogs spend time in foster homes with cats and other critters to identify those that are not suited to life with a small animal.

Are Greyhounds suited to apartment living?
Greyhounds are quiet and used to a crate and can be excellent apartment dogs. Greyhounds (and people) have different personalities, so they are evaluated while they are in a foster home to verify that they would make a quiet apartment dweller. We must have permission from your landlord prior to placement however.

Aren't Greyhounds "hyper"? Do they require a lot of exercise?
NO. Greyhounds are "40 mile-an hour couch potatoes" when at home. Most will love a walk on leash and/or a sprint around their fenced yard but that will be followed by a 4-hour nap. They do not require any more exercise than any other breed of dog.

Can Greyhounds handle cold temperatures and snow?
Greyhounds are housedogs. They are comfortable where you are comfortable, and should not be left outside alone for extensive periods in any weather conditions. If you walk your dog on an especially cold day, we would recommend a dog coat. This can be as simple as an old sweatshirt but GINA also has coats personalized by colour or pattern for sale. Many dogs love the snow, but be sure to check between their pads for pieces of ice after a walk or their romp in the yard.

What is the adoption process and how long does it take?
If you are interested in adopting one of these exceptional creatures you should fill out and mail the application. A representative will contact you for a home visit. The representatives will bring one of their own dogs to your home to evaluate the reaction of your family and current pets and the personality of a dog that would fit your needs. We will also go into more detail about the special needs of a Greyhound. If you choose to proceed with the adoption after this step, a dog will be selected for you. The entire process usually takes 1-8 weeks after your home visit but may take longer if you have a special request.

If Greyhounds are unwanted at the track, why aren't they free?
The adoption fee is required to provide for the appropriate care of the dogs. Each dog has extensive blood testing including tests for tick borne disease, and a heartworm test. All of the dogs are spayed or neutered and have their teeth cleaned during the foster period. Your dog will also have routine inoculations, have a fecal examination and be treated for worms and possible fleas. In addition, he or she will be placed with a special safety collar and matching leash. We suggest you call your veterinarian to investigate the costs of these services for any other dog.

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions