We have a retired racing greyhound in my home, her name is Sasha. She had a very long career so when she initially came to live with us she was like a robot--she didn't know what to do or what was allowed/not allowed. It took her a few weeks to relax and a couple of months to finally learn how to wag her tail. She's been well settled in now for about 5 years and we've found that she's not at all like the typical greyhound. She has very little interest in going out exploring (she seems to be timid around new things) and as a result hardly ever leaves the property even if the gates or doors are open (we live on a private drive, so there's no danger of her running out into traffic). We actually have a little bit of a problem with taking her for walks...she doesn't like to venture more than a hundred yards from home.
She's extremely affectionate and gentle with us at home, and loves to just lay next to you and be petted. She is shy around strangers, though, and people have to visit the house a few times before they'll ever even get a glimpse of her...she usally retreats to one of the restrooms if anyone new shows up (they are her "safe" rooms). We're glad to see her becoming more socialized as the years have passed, though. She's started to become somewhat social (though reserved) when I throw parties, idly wandering from person to person (usually folks she recognizes) collecting little pets and bits of affection from each before wandering on. She likes to keep one of us family members within eyesight at all times, though...just to make sure that she doesn't get separated from her "pack".
The flipside though: She's also a scary predator to ANY land based non-dog or non-human critter that is stupid enough to intrude into the yard. She'll chase cats, squirrels, possum...anything...and if she catches it, she turns into a monster--all gnashing teeth and barking and mauling. She's reduced the squirrel population significantly here, and NO strange animals come into the yard anymore. The first time I saw her catch a possum, I had to admit it looked very scary--huge mouth and fangs and unhinged aggression. I was, however able to get between her and the possom without her having ANY aggression directed at me, and she'd just "turn it off" if I was nearby (she definitely knew who was friend and who was "foe" and never confused the two). I was able to pick up the possum in a shovel (it was playing dead) and toss it over the fence.
She's a little bit clumsy sometimes (which is hilarious). When she gets up on the couch or bed, she's kinda awkward...it's like having a baby deer on the couch. She's a real darling, and though she's the largest dog I've ever had in the family (I've always had toy sized dogpound mutts), I would recommend a rescued greyhound to anyone who is looking for a dog for their family. I don't know anyone who turned out to be disappointed in adopting a greyhound. It's a really good breed of dog...the only purebreed dog that I think I could have with a clear conscience.
...and yes, her eyes ALWAYS glow like that, and she speaks in a growling, baritone old world latin dialect quite often (usually accompanied by the smell of sulfur). Someday I really must translate what she's trying to tell me.
Here's a pic:
