THE RUFF GUIDE TO greyhounds
In our ongoing series for dog-lovers, we celebrate another of Britain’s best-loved breeds
Children’s author Jo Simmons remembers the elegant retiree that once lived with her family in Brighton
When my husband, two sons and I went looking for a dog, we knew we wanted a rescue. Although I’d grown up with a Labrador, I talked to a friend who owned a greyhound. On learning that these gentle giants needed just two 20-minute walks a day, I was sold. A trip to nearby kennels run by the Greyhound Trust matched us with Lucky. Fearing the name might tempt fate, we changed it to Betty and brought her home.
Greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds, with a 4,000-year history. Once the hunting dogs of noblemen, most are now bred for the racetrack. Betty had had a three-year career – quite long for a greyhound. Many exit the business prematurely due to injury; there have been scandals around the unethical killing of unwanted dogs and welfare charities have called for the sport to be phased out. Since the 1970s, however, homing charities have offered them a future by spreading the word that they make excellent pets.
Betty spent the drive home straddling the back seat, rear paws in the boot. She’d clambered over and got stuck. Not a dignified start, and the first of many new-life lessons. Raised in kennels, she had never lived in a house. She did not understand stairs and routinely got stuck at the top of them. Once, when we cooked steak, she got so excited by the smell that she peed on the floor. Separation anxiety – young greyhounds are kennelled in pairs, so they’re unused to solitude – and poor toilet training are two common issues that new owners could face. But with patience and love, most greyhounds settle well into domestic retirement.
With thin skin and fur, they appreciate a warm coat in winter and a soft bed
Betty soon established her favourite spot on the sofa, running down the corridor to greet us – at terrifying speed – whenever she heard the door. Her personality slowly emerged: steady and affectionate, but not exuberantly so. She wasn’t a tailwagger, but she did appreciate an ear scratch and occasionally demanded a tummy rub while upside down on the sofa, looking like an alien stick insect. Jabs would make her howl like a diva, but sh
