Greyhounds take twice as long to rehome than other dog breeds, figures from the RSPCA shows.
Every year internationally on 2 June, the breed is put in the spotlight on National Greyhound Day. But despite having a day to celebrate and raise awareness, it still takes on average 81 days for the RSPCA to rehome a greyhound.
This is compared to 44 days on average for other breeds.
Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog expert, said: “The RSPCA and other animal charities across the country have so many greyhounds who need loving new homes and it’s heartbreaking that they have a longer wait on average than other dogs.
“Why that is we don’t know – all they want is a loving home with a soft and comfortable place to have a good sleep and someone to show them love.
“On National Greyhound Day, we want other people to celebrate how wonderful the breed is. If anyone is interested in adopting a dog from us, we urge you to please consider a greyhound – the danger is that you’ll fall head over heels in love very quickly!”
Here are three facts about greyhounds…
Greyhounds have the most adorable long noses
Thanks to this long snout, greyhounds love to do scent work and enrichment-based activities. The long thin nose works really well with scent games – so not only does the long snout look adorable, it’s super useful too!
They adore somewhere comfortable and soft to relax
Greyhounds love to sleep, especially after a burst of exercise. Not all greyhounds are the same, but it’s not unheard of for some to sleep for 16-18 hours a day.
They have the best quirks
There are two words which are part of a greyhound owner’s vocabulary – roaching and zoomies! Roaching is when they lie on their back with all four of their long legs in the air – often asleep. And zoomies are that moment of energy when they zoom round a field or a garden, and with a very good sense of stopping before they bang into something!
Three gorgeous RSPCA greyhounds who need new homes
Elise is an ex-racing greyhound who is at the RSPCA’s Mount Noddy animal centre in Chichester, West Sussex. She is a nervous girl who is looking for a home where they have experience or understanding of the breed. Once she gets to know you she is sweet and cuddly – she loves to get her long nose into treat pouches and will use her long legs to her advantage and have a look on top of counters. Elise will need to be the only pet in the home, though she may be able to live with another sighthound if a meet goes well.
Happy-go-lucky Charlie arrived at the RSPCA’s Cheltenham and East Gloucestershire branch as a stray. He’s an excitable boy who is looking for an adult-only home, as he hasn’t been socialised around children. He has a high prey drive so can’t live with cats. He enjoys meeting other dogs while out exercising so could benefit from going to training classes with his new owners where he can enjoy more socialising with other dogs.
Lucky is a firm favourite with staff at the RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal Centre in Kent. She is full of affection and enjoys spending time with people. She loves to run and chase after tennis balls. Lucky walks well on a lead except when she sees wildlife due to her prey drive. Lucky is looking for a home where she will be the only animal and ideally an adult-only home.
