About the Breed

Greyhounds are an ancient and noble breed. Greyhound-like dogs are depicted in temple drawings dating to 6000 B.C. They are the only breed of dog mentioned in the Bible (Proverbs 30:29-31; King James version), and were written about by Homer, Chaucer, and Shakespeare. Such historical figures as Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, Queen Victoria, and General George Armstrong Custer kept Greyhounds.

For thousands of years, Greyhounds have been bred to run like the wind in pursuit of small game. Because of these talents, they were imported to America in the mid-1800's to help control the jackrabbit population in the Midwestern and plains states. Informal racing competitions in farming communities evolved to the modern day sport of Greyhound racing. The first track opened in Emeryville, California in 1919. In 2003, Greyhound racing was held at 42 tracks in 14 states.
 

With the popularity of racing came the problem for Greyhound racers. The  thousands of dogs bred for the tracks simply had no place to go at the end of their racing careers, at age 5 or less. Until the Greyhound adoption movement began in 1982, retired racing Greyhounds not used for breeding were put down. Sadly, while thousands of former racers are now adopted into homes each year, thousands of Greyhounds continue to be euthanized at the end of their racing careers.
 

When you adopt a former racing Greyhound, you take home a wonderful, gentle companion. You also save the life of a magnificent purebred dog that will spend the rest of his years returning your favor with unconditional love and affection.