New, Wicked Fast Racer in the House

[the1sen]

Hi,

"On Your Mark, GO" was his racing name. They called him Marco for short in the kennel.

Here are his stats:

-3 years & 3 months old
-48 total races - retired a week ago
-(8) 1st places, (7) 2nd places, (7) 3rd places, (8) 4th places, and various others at 5th, and 6th.
-fastest time on the 550 yard dash - 30.71 seconds (the track record Greyhound recorded the 550 at 29.54 seconds) To give you an idea, that's about 18 - 19 yards covered PER SECOND
-fastest clocked speed - 46.3MPH
-average career time 31.71 seconds @550 yards, 40.58 seconds @660 yards

Here are some quick photos I shot at the track a couple of weeks ago. The dogs actually take flight at 2 points in their stride. Easily seen - and amazing to witness. They accelerate from a stop up to 45MPH in 3 strides.

We were shocked to see how well cared for they are. The dogs come from different breeders and are placed in individual kennels inside a building. They're randomly tested for steroids and drugs and are each looked over by a veterinarian before each race. They race up to 3 times in one night, and they're given a twinkie and some play toys when they win a race.

The industry has been cleaned up since the 70's and 80's. Back then, up to 60,000+ puppies were born each year, and only 3-4000 were adopted and the rest were euthanized. A sickening statistic at best.

Now, 25,000+ are born, 20,000+ are adopted, 2-2500 are put out for stud, and the remainder are euthanized with severe, unrecoverable racing injuries. However, that is changing due to amputation, people's willingness to adopt a "special needs" dog, and other alternative medical procedures.

If you have an opportunity, you need to see these dogs run. They were BORN to run - like a Lotus was born to race. Their personality varies, but generally they are known as the "45MPH Couch Potato".

Oh yeah, and they're HUGE... Marco weighed in at 77 pounds on his last race day. they say he will gain 5-10 pounds from home life.

If anyone is interested in adopting one or learning more, Arizona Adopt A Greyhound Inc. is a good source of information to start with.

Feel free to ask me any questions. My wife and I are very pleased with our new family member. He's a keeper!

[VisualEchos]

Wow, this is very cool, thanks for the post. I've never been interested in seeing this type of racing, but after your post I am! Hooray for Marco!

[RacyTracy]

Adopting animals.....what a great thing to do.

[goelise]

Man that dog can MOVE!

Needs a pic next to an Elise.

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by VisualEchos

Wow, this is very cool, thanks for the post. I've never been interested in seeing this type of racing, but after your post I am! Hooray for Marco!

After you see one race in person - you will be amazed. There is something about them that just SCREAMS, 'I LOVE TO RUN!' but when you get them home, they don't want to leave their bed. Not the best breed for children, as the dogs have very thin skin and don't understand that a child doesn't move like an adult.

We thought the races would be horrible, but after the 1st time, we went every week until Marco came home.

goelise wrote: Man that dog can MOVE!

Needs a pic next to an Elise.

Actually, once I teach him how to sit, I'm buying him some doggles and we are going for a ride in the Lotus! I'll make sure my wife takes some pics.

_______________________

One thing I forgot to mention is that these dogs haven't seen the inside of a house before. Things like mirrors and sliding glass doors, and even stairs can be a challenge... Cats are a NO NO in a lot of cases, but they have ways of testing prey drive to ensure the dog is "cat safe". They know ZERO obedience skills - so you have to show them what is expected and learn their language.

This is his second day home... so he is still adjusting. I will shoot a photo of him with the Elise when he acclimates some more.

[PatrickShim]

That's awesome. I might have to consider this.

I have a German Shepherd, and she needs a friend.

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by PatrickShim

That's awesome. I might have to consider this.

I have a German Shepherd, and she needs a friend.

That's awesome sir.

Just so you know, the Greyhound is a VERY social dog - they have lived with other Greyhounds their entire life. They will fit well into any pack. Your German Shepherd should be taught to be gentle with your Greyhound though. Their skin is so thin that the slightest bit of play can pierce them.

It's totally doable to have them socialize with other breeds - people do it ALL the time. Just something to be aware of.

Some other things you might want to know:

1. They have a generally gentle disposition and are hysterically funny the first couple of days
2. There is ZERO hip displacia, despite their size due to very strict breeding
3. They do not smell like a dog - they don't have the oil coat to them and so even when wet, they have no smell
4. They don't shed very much - surprising given the nature of their short haired coat
5. They are great in small living environments - they can live in an apartment despite their gigantic size
6. After retirement, they don't generally run often.
7. Every Greyhound adopted comes spayed/neutered, chipped, teeth cleaned, shots done, nails trimmed, Martingale collar, leash, and the fee varies between tracks
8. They're quiet 90% of the time... we got lucky and have a loud one
9. They're the Bodybuilder breed - all muscle - you have to provide them with some padded laying environments...
10. Some are retired with slight injuries which require a massage here and there - you can usually do it yourself
11. They're sight hounds and need to be leashed 100% of the time when not in an enclosed environment, unless of course you can run 45MPH+ to get in front of them to stop them from running into a car
12. Our boy runs when he dreams - it's hysterical

If you need any other information, just let me know!

[Timmah]

You think that's big, try Brutus, my 170 lbs Dane rescue

[luxige]

#7: BRG with racing stripes!

Those pics are the perfect demonstration of performance through light weight...

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by Timmah

You think that's big, try Brutus, my 170 lbs Dane rescue

WOW! He's a small horse! I love Dane's ... such beautiful animals.

I suppose I was attracted to the Greyhound for his grace, speed, and low energy level. They fit our lifestyle so well!

It's wonderful to see that there are so many different breeds of dog - I guess they all fit a different lifestyle for different folks!

I couldn't afford a Great Dane... to feed a 170 pound dog must be a HUGE food bill!
___________

I agree - They were built for speed in EVERY way imaginable. Nature added a lot of lightness!

[mgsst23]

You would be surprised at how LITTLE a big dog eats, our 140lb mastiff eats 2 cups of kibble (Natural Balance Large Breed light) 2x a day, plus snacks and she is still growing, out not up!!!!! I may have to cut out her and my own snacking! I think but am not sure that it's related to their relatively low energy levels. But aside Marco is beautiful, I love brindles. I didn't know that dog racing was such a clean sport now! That's very heartening. Good luck with him. What is a Martingale collar BTW and how long do greyhounds live for????? Also do they shed much?? She who is pictured below is a nuclear winter of fur.

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by mgsst23

You would be surprised at how LITTLE a big dog eats, our mastiff eats 2 cups of kibble (Natural Balance Large Breed light) 2x a day, plus snacks and she is still growing, out not up!!!!! I may have to cut out her and my own snacking! I think but am not sure that it's related to their relatively low energy levels. But aside Marco is beautiful, I love brindles. I didn't know that dog racing was such a clean sport now! That's very heartening. Good luck with him. What is a Mandalay collar BTW and how long do greyhounds live for?????

Your Mastiff is BEAUTIFUL!

Funny you should have a Mastiff! We met a puppy (11 month old) Mastiff yesterday at the specialty pet food store I go to! She dwarfed Marco girth wise, but his quads and shoulders had a much greater musculature to them. Marco looked like a Lotus next to a BMW 750il! Both beautiful, but VERY different purposes!

Wow! That's incredible. I guess when someone says, "I have a 150+ pound dog" I should look it up before assuming... sorry.

Yes, the racing track scene has been cleaned up immensely. The particular breeder we got Marco from has a relationship with all his pups, even picking them up and holding them like puppies as adults. He also runs the nail trimming clinic at the track once a month. For $5, you get your dog's nails trimmed and your money gets donated to the AZ Adopt A Greyhound association. I read a book about the retired racers and how f-ed up the whole sport was not too long ago. It truly IS heartening to know that they have made a better life for these amazing animals.

A Martingale collar is a collar that acts like a choker to some extent, but does not catch the skin of the dog. As I mentioned, Greyhounds have thin skin. You will notice it at first touch. If one was to use a traditional choke collar, you could potentially cut into their neck and or cause damage to the neck skin. Additionally, a choke collar is only effective if tightened. A Greyhounds' neck is larger in diameter than his head, which requires a collar to be "snug fitting" without choking AND not letting him slinky out of the collar by virtue of their natural stride. In other words, it keeps your 45MPH Couch Potato from leaping out of your life at a whim to grab old Peter Cotton Tail that they see 1/4 mile away.

They live for 12-15 years. I have talked to other owners who have had ones die early, like at 5 from Cancer, and another couple who had theirs for 16 years! I suppose it is a crap shoot in that respect, which is why we plan to enjoy our time as best as possible no matter how long or short...

Key Features about a Retired Racing Greyhound

-These dogs come crate trained
-They're leash trained
-They are professional athletes, they have very few health issues
-They live for 12-15 years
-They don't smell like "dog" even when wet because they have no oil coating
-They are very clean - like cats
-They can live in a small area without issue
-They're the worst guard dog - EVER
-They're stubborn, but highly intelligent and trainable
-They're sighthounds - you must keep them leashed unless in an enclosed area. They will be gone before you know it if they see something they like and you will not catch them. 3 strides = 45MPH - Legitimately reproducible.

Any other questions, just ask! My wife and I are really enjoying our Greyhound experience! Can't wait to get him some doggles and go for a ride in the Lotus!

[shokwaves]

That's awesome!!! I'm all for adopting these beautiful souls. They'll love you just for caring. My mom has two miniature poodles which she adopted and they are the best. Fun to watch, super personalities (like little kids). I wish the world adopted animals instead of breeding them for profit or with negligence.

[the1sen]

I agree.

My wife and I don't really watch TV and never watch the news, so forgive my retardedness, but I guess there was a football player who did some unspeakable things to animals recently. It's inconceivable how a human could do anything to one of these beautiful creatures, let alone what I heard that bastard did.

Also, there was another story I heard about an illegal puppy mill they had in Tucson AZ. With the overpopulation of animals being what it is right now, it is a deplorable shame to know that people like this are still in existence.

Did you know there is a man named Gary Michealson who is offering $25,000,000 to the person(s) who invent a safe, humane sterilization injection for dogs and cats? In the meantime, all we can do is save one animal at a time and do our best to volunteer when we can to help in whatever way we can.

[Nawambo]

Very nice, congrats. Great dog!

[mr.woolery]

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:

[luxige]

One of the Hound of Hell, eh?
Does she ride in your Atom?

[AnsisK]

We've had a pair of Greyhounds. My parents currently have Hoover, he's rescued but never raced as he sucked too much to even make it to post-time. You can tell when he runs too, he's all clumsy and his legs are all over the place. Nothing in comparison to Monty (named after Burns) who was a champ. It's just amazing to see these animals take off. They're ultra gentle and great pets and friends. Ask away if you've got any questions, I've got a decent amount of experience with these furry creatures.

Here is the Hoover. He's as dumb as he looks.

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by mr.woolery

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'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.

She is Gorgeous.

Wonderful to see that I'm not the only one!

If she had a long career, she must have been an awesome racer. Did she have puppies? Another awesome little factoid about Greyhounds is that they are 100% documented from medical records to racing records, and you get copies of it when you adopt.

Scary predator - that, sir, is no lie. Marco is rated with having a very low prey drive, meaning he is safe around cats or smaller dogs. I am fearful of the day when/if we come across Peter Cotton Tail that catches his eye the right way. As I am sure you know with Sasha, they are extremely powerful dogs and are truly first class athletes.

OTOH, even in his "coming out of his shell" state right now, he is very gentle with us and our cats.

Sounds like Sasha has a case of the death breath... maybe you should take her for a teeth cleaning? We give Marco Cow tendons to chew and even though it has only been a couple of days, there is a marked improvement in the pigmentation of his already cleaned teeth and breath. If you would like the name of the product, I will be happy to find it for you.

I'm looking forward to the day when Marco is comfy in his new home enough to strike a lovely pose like Sasha

Originally Posted by AnsisK

It's just amazing to see these animals take off. They're ultra gentle and great pets and friends. Ask away if you've got any questions, I've got a decent amount of experience with these furry creatures.

Here is the Hoover. He's as dumb as he looks.

That's hysterical.

Marco is a bit stubborn... He really doesn't want to go in his crate - even when I bribe him with a Kong or treats and praise. And he gives the worst sad puppy face when you help him into it.

We are also having some issues with house training him. He's a little distant, and I understand that his entire world is upside down. I am hoping it will come in time. Suggestions or sources for info are greatly appreciated. I'm all ears.

It's of note to mention that his gas is absolutely eye-watering. I got him some enzymes to help him digest a bit easier and eliminate the, uh , gas problems to an extent.

[mr.woolery]

Originally Posted by the1sen

If she had a long career, she must have been an awesome racer. Did she have puppies?

Sounds like Sasha has a case of the death breath... maybe you should take her for a teeth cleaning? We give Marco Cow tendons to chew and even though it has only been a couple of days, there is a marked improvement in the pigmentation of his already cleaned teeth and breath. If you would like the name of the product, I will be happy to find it for you.

Yeah, she did have a long career...a little over 4 years, which is amazing for a greyhound. Apparently she came from champion stock, her grandfather was supposed to be a famous dog, the greyhound equivalent to Seabiscuit in horse racing. However, I haven't bothered to look into her past racing history as it was a different part of her life...she's a lovepuppy now.

Regarding her breath: I was just kidding about the sulfur breath...I was trying to make light of the glowy eyes in her pic. She actually has very healthy teeth and her breath smells good...for a dog.