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Strange, true and completely charming facts about greyhounds.
1. They sleep with their eyes open.
Already impressive sleepers (up to 18 hours a day!). Many sleep with their eyes partially open. Disconcerting the first time. Completely normal the hundredth. You'll get used to it.
2. Happiest on their back with legs in the air.
Known as roaching. Flipping onto their back with all four legs pointing skyward, completely relaxed, likely sleeping, definitely unbothered. It looks undignified. It means they are extremely happy.
3. They'd rather not sit, so they invented the hover.
Such a lean, muscular frame that sitting is uncomfortable. Instead, the greyhound hover. A dignified half-sit that says "I heard you, I respect you, and I have chosen the floor." Not stubbornness. Biomechanics.
4. They can almost see behind their own head.
A 270-degree field of vision. Humans manage 180. Your greyhound can see things you cannot.
5. Many are universal blood donors.
A high red blood cell count and, for many, the universal donor blood type (DEA 1.1 negative) make them prized donors in veterinary medicine. Gentle, calm and life-saving. The full package.
6. Their teeth chatter when they're happy.
Dinner's coming. You're home. Someone said "walk". Many greyhounds chatter their teeth with excitement. It sounds odd. It's joy.
7. Stairs are a whole new world.
For many greyhounds, a home is brand new. Stairs, glass doors, mirrors and even the TV can take some getting used to. A little patience and they're pros.
8. Some of them sing.
Known as rooing. A long, loud howl, often set off by a siren or another greyhound. Joyful and impossible to ignore.
9. They have a rich, noble history.
Dogs very like greyhounds appear in ancient Egyptian art. In 14th-century England, anyone without land was banned from owning one. Today they are available to anyone with a couch and a kind heart. That's progress.
10. They fly twice in every stride.
At full gallop, all four feet leave the ground twice per stride, reaching around 70 km/h. Then they come home and sleep for the rest of the day.
Got questions? Find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.
It's a personal, one-on-one process – and our trusted adoption agencies are wonderful at it. They know these animals best and they know how to set both you and your new greyhound up for success.
Every greyhound is individually assessed and matched, and the same goes for those who want to adopt. While the exact criteria vary by agency, you can generally expect:
You can also have a trial period with the greyhound in your home before making a commitment. Get in touch with one of our trusted adoption agencies to find out more.
There are many greyhounds looking for homes right now – you can reach out to one of our trusted adoption agencies.
Adoption fees vary by adoption agency. In general, they cover health checks, vaccinations, desexing, dental work, council registration and essential accessories.
That’s a question for your landlord, as pet policies vary and you’ll need their permission before adopting. The good news is that greyhounds are often an easy case to make – they’re calm, quiet, clean, and gentle in the home, and many landlords are open to them once they learn more about the breed.
Foster carers work with adoption agencies to provide a temporary home while a greyhound transitions to pet life – building their confidence, teaching them the ropes of domestic living, and making them even more ready for their forever home.
To find out about fostering opportunities in your area, get in touch with one of our trusted adoption agencies.
