Regan Black

In keeping with my alpha female kick, I’d like to introduce you to the unique world of alpha female greyhounds.

Racing greyhounds spend more time with their mothers and litter mates than other dog breeds, since they’re training to fulfill their purpose of learning how to race against other greys.

Like other dogs, greyhounds are pack animals – so they learn who’s boss of the pack (or the litter) pretty quick. You might imagine, Mom ranks as alpha female for a good many months.

And it seems that matriarch mentality can linger – even into retirement. Males who are bigger or older, will often defer to a younger female in the house.

In our early days of greyhound adoption, we were told by one elder of the group that you could add as many retired male greyhounds as you wanted to a home with a female grey, but rarely would they add a female to the mix.

Sounds paranoid to you? It’s actually proven to be a sound theory and accurate in more cases than not.

Our first greyhound, Bubbles, was our only hound until late in her life. When Kayla was dumped during an event, Bubbles was fine until we brought her home. Then we got the withering look, “You realize she’s still here, right?”

After a vocal scolding or two from Bubbles, Kayla just gave her a little more room until they settled. (took about 2 weeks) We had no idea Bubbles harbored such alpha female tendencies.

Eventually they were good friends. I was told this was a rare accomplishment and it might be, but it really comes down to knowing the personality and tolerances of your greyhound.

When Bubbles and Kayla passed on, Faith came to live with us. She helped us foster many dogs, mostly boys, but a few girls.

Maybe it was mothering experience (she had two very successful litters, including an amazing champion), but Faith didn’t have any trouble maintaining order with the newly retired girls.

It’s fun to watch a good alpha female greyhound teach newly retired hounds how to live the post-racing life. The alpha tends to keep everyone in line, usually with just a look – or a quick verbal correction.

With a good alpha female in the house, dog beds and couches are allocated fairly and with the proper deference for age, rank, and need. Most often a  female will rise to the alpha occasion as the joy of retired life sinks in.

(Boo is a prime example of a mid-rank female who learned from a guest how to run the show. She’s been enjoying her rise to power ever since. Tune in next week for her story.)

Alpha female greyhounds are a blessing on their adopted family. But once retired, we bestow a different moniker on the alpha female: Queen

Live the adventure!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

They should put a warning label on the collar: Adopting greyhounds may become addictive.

We started with one greyhound – Bubbles – a wedding present to ourselves. Late in her life, we were adopted by another hound who’d been dumped at the pet store during a meet and greet.

When those two passed away the house felt so very empty and it wasn’t long before another greyhound was stealing our hearts and our couch. Faith was a wonderful dog and after a few months with her, we started fostering for our local greyhound adoption group.

Brody was the next permanent addition and I was set. Then a family needed to return a dog we’d fostered and due to circumstances, he became permanent too.

Then, because we’ve met such awesome people through the hounds, we were asked to babysit two greys while their family vacationed. It was a pleasure – truly – to do them a favor, but it was an easy favor.

So we were up to five hounds for about ten days – and it wasn’t too many! (days or greys)

After all, greyhounds are used to hanging out with each other. They’re not very vocal, so there wasn’t a chorus of barking – unless they were cheering each other on while romping in the yard.

As long as we had one more dog bed than dogs (a rule we follow no matter how many greys are in the house) life was peaceful.

Calm even. Really!

All five had been retired long enough that we didn’t have fights over food, just natural curiosity. The two guests slid into our routine and amazingly, there were always enough hands to keep all five dogs content.

Yes, greys can be addictive but I guarantee they’re not hazardous to your health. They might actually do you some good.

Studies show sharing your life with a pet is good for your blood pressure and improves your overall happiness, just to name two of countless benefits.

Greyhound adoption is an addiction that should be encouraged!

Live the adventure!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites

The meet and greet experience – or whatever your retired greyhound adoption group calls these events are wonderful for the general public to meet greyhounds available for adoption.

Spending a couple hours at a pet store, community event, or convention is a greyt way for people to discover how wonderfully unique these dogs are.

Usually these events bust a lot of myths about greyhounds:

Aren’t they hyper? Unequivocally no. I tell people greyhounds are the cats of the dog world – napping as much as 16 hours a day.

Don’t they need a lot of space? Again, not usually. Greyhounds seem quite content to give up the busy track life for a comfy couch or cushy dog bed. If you’ve got room for a crate, you’ve got room for the dog.

A big yard isn’t even a requirement. Greys are usually good walking companions and don’t need an excess of activity in retirement.

Do they bark a lot? Not typically. Greyhounds are less vocal than most breeds, a trait that makes them ideal dogs for those living in condos or close neighborhoods.

Of course we have the exception to the rule in Brody, but even he doesn’t bark incessantly and only sings happy birthday on request.

Additionally, new retirees can mingle with happily retired greyhounds at the meet and greet. This teaches them how to socialize with people and dogs of all ages.

This is a valuable way to learn good manners in the retired life. It’s also a good way for the group to learn more about the dogs fresh from the track.

There’s no pressure at a meet and greet to be anything but adorable and somehow most newly retired hounds know it. (the dogs leave the chatting to the people as long as there’s a hand dishing out lovies)

How can a person not be charmed by the big eyes and frequent smiles of these lean, lovely dogs?

Live the adventure!

p.s. Brody would remind you that the best part – if you happen to be the top dog in a house fostering a greyhound puppy – you get a couple hours of rest while he’s out of the house…and peace when he comes home exhausted!

Bookmark It

Hide Sites