Do greyhounds play?

There is a Greyhound where I work (Dog Daycare) and it plays just like all the other dogs. I think the retierd racing dogs are a lot calmer, and maybe don't know how to play, because they were in cages for most of their life as a racing dog. But this one was just a pet, and also one of the sweetest dogs there.

Sighthounds do play, but each of them have different playstyles.  They like to chase and be chased.  Some of them like to wrestle and some of them will even play catch or fetch.  Most of the retired racers I know have to wear muzzles because they can get carried away at times.

Most of the ones I have seen go to dog parks, but  don't neccesarily play with other dogs.  I think it just depends on the temperment, but I do know of a greyhound that does like to play with other dogs.

Sure they do. They're not going to wrestle and play fetch like other breeds - most of their play involves chasing - they actually like to be chased almost as much as chasing other dogs - and they like to play "peeky-BOO" and "stomp" with people - peeky-BOO is when you hide and you jump out right when the dog finds the area you're in and exclaim "BOO", then they run like hell! [sm=lol.gif] It's fun. Stomp is when you stomp your feet and get the dog to play bow then, again, run like hell! [sm=lol.gif] In both games, the Greyhound runs and then comes running back at you with a huge grin on their face and scares YOU half to death because you think they're going to ram you and break both your knees. [sm=lol.gif] I've fostered Greyhounds and been around others that have them. If they're off the track, they don't know how to play unless they're young, in which case, they haven't forgotten puppyhood yet, but it's easy to get them to lay. Being sighthounds, they do not like anything, including hands, thrust in their face, so limit the interaction to games that don't involve something in their face. They don't catch well because they don't see well up close, but throwing something away from them so they can chase it, like a big white soccer ball, is great fun.

I have owned greyhounds throughout the past 10 years and they DEFINATELY do love to play. Most people don't recognize their play as such because they sometimes play very different than other breeds. They love doing the "play-bow" thing and if they get really excited they make a sound called "rooing". It is a deep roo- roo-roo sound and it means they are very happy.  Also, you may not see them play all that often in dog parks with other breeds. Retired racers have only known greyhounds and sometimes are uncertain of other breeds of dogs. If another greyhound comes in the dog pak they will attach to that dog right away and begin the greyhound way of playing. Greyhounds are also good at playing on their own and they LOVE squeaky toys! At the greyhound rescue I volunteer at we have to be careful giving squeaky toys to some of the dogs becasue you will hear nothing but "squeaks" all day!

I have actually been doing a lot of research about greyhounds(including joining a greyhound forum), as I am planning on adopting one or two someday.  I have learned a lot about them that I once thought to be untrue.  And they do all seem to be so different.

Debbie:  My greyhound mix Buster plays stomp...it is so funny!  [sm=biggrin.gif]

I hope that a greyhound finds its way into your life. I LOVE all dog breeds, but I have to say that greyhound have a special place in my heart. I have never met a greyhound that I didn't trully love right away (and volunteering at a rescue I have met hundreds of them!). I can't say the same about other breeds of dogs. If you haven't already found it try going on [linkhttp://www.greytalk.com]www.greytalk.com[/link]  as it is a great forum and also a book I would reccomend for anyone who is considering them is the adopting a greyhound dummies book (actually this book has some wonderful training and other tips in it and would recommend it for any breed!). Some cities have an organized greyhound walking group too that can be a good way to meet the breed (an you can bring non-greyhounds too!). Visiting a local rescue is also excellent and can definately dispell some of the "myths" we hear. Your Buster is so cute! I can definately see the greyhound in him. Maybe someday he will get a friend from the race track! 
 

jjsmom06:
 
Thanks.  I am on greytalk...I have learned so much already from the people over there!
They have also suggested the dummies book.  Right now there is so much going on in my life (and so many animals []), but at least I can research and dream of getting one soon.
 
Buster is a greyhound pitt mix and he is so sweet.  I've never met a greyhound in person so I'll have to consider one of those greyhound walking groups you mentioned.

Do they like living with dogs of other breeds, or do they not enjoy it?  If we get a second dog I would like it to be a rescue, and I have always admired greyhounds.

Scout says, "Greyhounds are okay. But black ones are not. I know I'm not supposed to be predjudice, but they're very scary. One time when I was a little puppy one of them ran me into the ground. I tried to get back to my mom in time so she could protect me, I almost made it and thought I was safe.  But the greyhound crashed into mom and she fell over and he started playing bitey  with her head.  I was so scared because if the greyhound can knock my mom on her keester then what might he do to me!  Whenever I see a black one come to the dogpark I find my mom as quick as possible and stand between her legs.   Not because I'm scared and I need protecting, no DEFINITELY not that.  But I want to make sure she never falls down again. Yep I'M protecting HER! YEP!"
 
Emily interjects that he's doing much better with greyhounds. He played with a brindle one the other day and he's stopped hiding between my legs now when that one particular dog shows up. oor silly Scout. And I make sure my feet are more squarely planted so I don't fall on my keester ;o) Also, I love greyhounds. They're amazing to watch them run. And they really wind up the other dogs when they get on their running chase me tear! ESPECIALLY the herding dogs who feel that the greyhound needs to be herded[sm=biggrin.gif] 

Sillysally, if you're seriously considering this you should check out www.greytalk.com   

I have learned so much about greyhounds over there and I got hooked.  So now I'm hooked on two forums []

Greyhounds do great with other breeds of dogs. If they are just off the race track they may be a little confused by these other "strange looking creatures" because all they have ever known has been greyhounds. Most greyhound adoption sites will do a home visit and they will want your other dogs to meet the grey that you are adopting. The home visit is done so that they can also check for potential dangers ( fences not high enough, mirrors, windows, slick floors and other things that a greyhound has never had experience with).  The rescues will absolutely make sure that the dog you adopt seems to get along fine with your dogs and cats and fits well with your family. This may mean that they pick the dog out for you (not every rescue does it this way).  Some people get turned off by the people working at the rescues because it feels uncomfortable to have someone come in and critique the home environment and pick the dog that they think is best for you. Just know that it takes a lot to get these dogs off the track and ready for a loving home. As it is they can only save a few at a time and tons the leave behind to be killed so the ones they save become very special to them. They want to make sure the dog is the right fit for that particular family because they don't want the dog to "bouce back". Every time a dog has to bounce back to the rescue because things don't work out, that dog becomes less and less adoptable in the future. All of my greyhounds have been major bounce backs with lots of issues (issue aren't typical in the breed) and I am getting ready to bring home an absolutely terrified girl to see if my male can mentor her and help her figure that life isn't so scary and overwhelming. Many people actually agree with Scout. . . that the black ones are scary!  Blacks are my favorite of all the colors and right now my black JJ has an amputated tail and he is HUGE  for a greyhound so most folks we encounter think he is a dobie and stay clear of us!! Great guard dog!          

I really actually like the black one that scared Scout.  He's really gorgeous and muscular.  His coat just glistens!