FAQs About Greyhound Behavior

Greyhounds and Lurchers are affectionate, friendly, and thrive on human companionship. Raised closely with their litter-mates and often handled from a young age, they develop strong social bonds and a love of attention. Their gentle nature makes them wonderful family pets, though they aren't well-suited as watchdogs due to their naturally friendly demeanor.

Yes, in the right setting. The ideal home includes school-aged children or older. Each family is carefully evaluated to ensure a safe and positive fit.

Most Greyhounds/Lurches get along well with other dogs, especially those of similar size and temperament. Their early socialization at kennels and racetracks helps them develop strong social skills. While Greyhounds aren't typically raised around cats or small dogs, we can offer preliminary testing to assess their compatibility with smaller animals.

Most retired racers are between 2 and 5 years old. Some older Greyhounds, such as former brood moms, may be available as well. The Lurchers that are available are typically young. Their age is estimated by the condition of their teeth and other physical traits at the time of their rescue. In some cases, a DNA test is done to determine their age. 

Greyhounds are healthy, athletic dogs with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Beyond the initial adoption fee, expect typical pet care costs such as supplies, vet visits, and food (about $3 per day). Greyhounds require minimal grooming, thanks to their sleek coats, and tend to have less odor than other breeds. A simple brushing with a grooming glove keeps their coat and skin in great shape.

Yes. Most are easily house trained because of their kennel training, which encourages them to keep their living space clean. Lurchers usually share this behavior due to their early sheltering experiences and pack-living dynamics. The Lurchers available for adoption have generally had exposure to crate training while at the kennel. Male dogs are neutered which tends to lessen their "marking" habits. Male wraps also known as "belly bands" are available at the time of adoption. Getting the newly adopted dog on a turn-out schedule, watching them more closely in the beginning, considering a doggy door, and crate-training are good ideas for any new dog. Even dogs that were previously in homes as foster dogs or pets will need reinforcement in order to be successful with house training. 

They enjoy daily walks and the occasional sprint around a secure yard. While they are fast runners, they’re surprisingly low-energy indoors. A securely fenced yard (5–6 feet tall) is essential, and leashes are a must in unenclosed areas. Due to their thin coats and low body fat, greyhounds are indoor dogs and should not be left outside for extended periods. (*A word of warning--retractable leashes are unsafe to use for Greyhounds since they cannot bear the strain of the dog pulling strongly against it. Anyone that owns a powerful Lurcher or Greyhound will tell you that if you are walking them and their prey drive kicks in--you will want a shorter leash and good hold on it to prevent them from getting loose.)

• Males: 26–30 inches tall, 65–85 pounds
• Females: 23–26 inches tall, 50–65 pounds
• Many of the Lurchers are smaller than retired racers--most likely this is due to their prominence of other breeds in their DNA. 

Yes, but not excessively. Like all dogs, they shed year-round and may shed more during life changes or seasonal shifts. People with allergies may or may not tolerate a greyhound; reactions vary depending on sensitivity to dander or coat.

Some do, especially if bored or curious. Their strength means they can dig faster and deeper than smaller dogs. A designated digging area or sandbox can help redirect this behavior, and barriers may be helpful for protecting gardens.

Greyhounds do bark, though they tend to be quieter than many other breeds. Barking is a natural form of communication, but they're generally calm and not considered excessive barkers.

We love your enthusiasm—being prepared makes all the difference! To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of recommended supplies you'll need before bringing your Greyhound/Lurcher home.

APFUG was founded by Laurel Drew and Elaine Summerhill, dedicated greyhound enthusiasts from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They started the group after helping with an unexpected litter of greyhound puppies from Iowa. Drawing on their experience with show dogs, they fostered and placed over 100 greyhounds, overcoming challenges like rescuing sick pups and capturing strays. Despite limited networking tools before the internet, their efforts laid the groundwork for the group. After about a decade, they passed leadership to volunteers in Lubbock, Texas. Additionally, they applied for exemption as a non-profit 501c3 Charity and were approved in 1997. This status remains in good standing today. A Place for Us Greyhound Rescue was incorporated in New Mexico where it remains recognized and in good standing. 

Since 2008, APFUG has been primarily based in Lubbock, Texas, with Linda Dunn and her husband, Bryan Dunn leading the operations there. Starting small with fundraising garage sales, the group now places two to three greyhounds per month and has successfully found homes for over 500 Greyhounds and Lurchers since its reorganization.

Prior to 2021, over half of the greyhounds placed came from the racing industry, including retired racers and those not suited for racing due to their temperament or minor injuries. At that time, APFUG worked closely with a local racing family in Lubbock to find homes for these dogs. The family has ceased raising Greyhounds to race. 

Throughout its history, APFUG has rescued greyhounds used for hunting. The group became acutely aware of poor conditions for dogs bred to hunt or Lurchers very early in its reorganization when asked to help with a Lubbock County animal cruelty case in 2009-2010, ultimately finding homes for all seven of the neglected dogs Another animal cruelty case arose in 2023 when six Lurchers were rescued from Tulia, Texas. In over 90% of the cases where Lurchers are rescued and the group assumes their care-the dogs are found abandoned running loose, in animal shelters, or other perilous situations. Whenever the group learns of a Sigthound in peril, they do their best to try and rescue them even if it involves capturing them. DNA testing helps confirm the dog's genetic background so that adopters know they are getting a dog that has a strong heritage as a Sighthound. 

Adoption fees cover a small fraction of the costs for healthy dogs after their rescue. The group has received grants and donations from individuals over the past five years that have helped pay for its expenses. Donations are the mainstay for funding. 

No, APFUG does not maintain its own kennel. Instead, it pays a weekly rate to house dogs waiting for adoption at a local well-run and well-respected kennel. If suitable foster homes arise, the dogs are kept there. At the kennel, the dogs get walks, play-time in the turnout yard, excellent care, and good food! Over the years, several remarkable recoveries of dogs that were terribly malnourished, injured, fearful, and/or poorly socialized have received care and consideration at the rescue kennel. 

Dogs awaiting adoption are located in Lubbock. 

Qualified adopters can meet the dogs at the rescue facility. 

APFUG requires these steps to ensure potential adopters are truly qualified, responsible, and committed to providing a safe, secure home. This helps conserve the group’s limited volunteer time and resources.

Absolutely! APFUG welcomes foster homes, transportation help, adoption event assistance, and dog walking at kennels. Volunteer needs vary depending on the dogs currently under care. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out and get involved.

APFUG maintains a neutral position on greyhound racing. If future opportunities arise to help retired racers--APFUG is poised and happy to do so.