Greyhounds begin their life as racing dogs on the farm, where greyhounds of superior lineage are bred with the hopes of producing outstanding offspring. Greyhound litters are usually between 5-10 puppies. The first 5-8 weeks are spent with the mother until they are weaned, and then they are moved to a separate kennel but still close to their mother. Typically the litter remains together for their entire life on the farm, unless one becomes a bully or likewise and in that case they may be moved to a more appropriate grouping of pups.
The pups are handled often and interact with many other dogs and humans on a daily basis. Many think this is the framework to their gentle and well-socialized nature. They are exposed to racing very early in their lives whether it is friendly competition with their littermates or racing around in their large runs, practicing for their glory days to come.
At about 3 months of age, the pups’ ears are tattooed. The left ear tattoo indicates the dogs’ litter number, and all puppies in the litter are marked by the same number in their left ear. The right ear tattoo indicates the birth date. The first number is the month of their birth (i.e., 3 for March or 12 for December) and the second or third digit is the year of their birth within the past decade (i.e., 9 for 2009 ). The letter at the end encodes litter order. It begins with A and the letter indicates the order the pups were tattooed. If the tattoos read Right Ear: 127D and Left Ear: 45264 that would mean the greyhound was born in December of 2007, and all puppies in that litter are tattooed 45264. After tattooing, the entire litter is registered with the NGA and they are on their way to becoming pro-athletes!
At around 5-6 months, the pups are separated into groups and moved into large fenced runs where they will develop and continue to grow, run and play. They are equipped with concrete shelters for shade or when the weather gets cold, and the pups are given kiddie-style pools in the summer for a nice refreshing break from the sun.
Just shy of a year old, the greyhounds are introduced to many different things including proper behavior around humans, walking on lead, wearing the muzzle and recognizing the squawker – which is a predator call they are taught to respond to. At this time they may also be introduced to the Whirly-Gig. The whirly-gig is a long-armed device that rotates and dangles the squawker in front of the pups in a circular motion so they pups become familiar with running around a bend.
After the pups celebrate their first birthday, they are moved to an indoor kennel to simulate life on the track. Each greyhound has their own large kennel with carpeted floors and shredded newspaper for bedding. This is probably where they pick up their professional nesting abilities and cockroach skills! The kennels are stacked two high; females on top, males on bottom. The greyhounds are turned out four to five times per day, giving them a chance to relieve themselves, stretch their legs and interact with their littermates and kennel-mates.
Throughout the next 6 months the dogs will go to “training camp” two times per week to learn how to chase the artificial lure on the track and monitor their progress as racers. The dogs that don’t make the cut or aren’t excelling during their training period are released into adoption where they will begin their journey to their forever home. The rest will continue to train and practice and prepare for their journey to the racetrack as real bonafide athletes!
Greyhounds begin racing at 18 months old and can legally race until they are 5 years old. At that time they will either go to an adoption group or back to the farm where they were raised for breeding or until they are moved to adoption. Many of our adoptable greyhounds have raced in Florida, Texas, Alabama, etc. but after retirement were brought back to their breeding farm to wait until we can take them into a foster home. Thanks to the support from the farms where they were bred, they are given the opportunity for a great life after their racing career has ended.
It is clear that Retired Racing Greyhounds have an extremely unique and structured upbringing, making them wonderful companions and excellent family pets! Please visit All About Greyhounds for additional interesting information about greyhounds from Birth to Track.
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