Are you thinking about adopting a greyhound and have small children? We suggest if your children are under 3 years old, that you wait to adopt. If your children are between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, we will do an extra "kid screening" consisting of a home visit with your family and the dogs before approving the adoption. Some dogs are better with kids than others, as well as some kids are better with dogs than others (this goes for all breeds). Children must be aware of and able to remember certain things to help the dog transition into your home without incidences. We will go over these specifically with the adults during the phone interview and again with the kids during the home visit.

We have found that it rarely works when a family with kids does not have a fenced in yard. Can you realistically expect your kids to go out with you every time the dog has to relieve itself, and are your children old enough to be left unattended inside the house? What about tending to opening doors and knowing where the dog is at all times to prevent a fatal escape?

Greyhounds are (usually) not a "rough housing" type of breed. They will typically take rough play and the loud noise and activity levels of children as a threat. Some children are disappointed with a dog that does not constantly interact with them. If a dog to wrestle with is what you're looking for, your family may want to consider a different breed. We do occasionally see a grey that enjoys rough housing play, but it's not a common behavioral trait.

Greyhounds have very little or no exposure to kids when we get them. Sometimes a trainer will have their children around the dogs at the track which can help guide us to the dogs that may enjoy the company of children. We do have some foster homes with children so we will know if those particular dogs are doing well in a "living situation" with kids. In general, males seem to be more tolerant of children, but it is wise to choose the more outgoing dog (male or female). Steer clear of those dogs that seem to be afraid when your kids approach them. Sometimes, shy dogs (of any breed) will tend to be fear biters if cornered. We will guide you towards specific dogs to choose from but encourage you to observe the response of a particular dog when it is around your child. Sometimes there is no mistaking which dog will be the right one. Keep an open mind until you meet the greyhounds that are available for adoption. Our biggest challenge is matching the right dog with the right family the first time. When the match fits, your family will have a great companion!