Many people are under the false impression that lurchers, greyhounds and other similar breeds don’t make great family pets due to their general association with being working dogs, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Let’s face it – hunting, racing and other ‘sports’ that these breeds are forced to take part in are not enjoyable for dogs in the slightest, and they would much rather be cuddled up on the sofa with a loving owner instead!
Owning a lurcher, greyhound or other similar breed of dog can be such a fun and rewarding experience. However, they require a lot of care and attention, and have their own unique needs that you should take the time to understand before you consider welcoming one into your family. It’s important that you can take the opportunity to research the topic of caring for lurchers and greyhounds if you plan on adopting one, as this way you can make sure they benefit from the best quality of life as soon as they enter into your care.
Thankfully, this guide contains some of the best steps that you can follow to look after your lurcher, greyhound or other similar pup, helping to keep them as happy and healthy as possible. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to learn more so that you can confidently care for your long nosed furry friend!
Finding The Right Collar
First and foremost, when you adopt a lurcher, greyhound or other similar breed you need to make sure that you can find the right collar. You won’t be able to leave the house without it, as you need something secure to attach their lead to whenever you take them outside for a walk. The main issue with a normal, average collar is its shape in comparison to the shape of a lurcher or greyhounds head. In many cases their neck is actually thicker than their jaw or head, meaning a basic collar will slip right off if they were to pull their head back for any reason. Unless you want your dog to have a high chance of escaping, then you need to find a specially designed thicker collar that won’t slip off their more narrow head! It’s easy to find the right collar, just search specifically for a lurcher or greyhound style so that you can maintain total confidence whenever you take them outside.
Walk, Walk & Walk Some More
Lurchers, greyhounds and other similar breeds absolutely love exercise, and would enjoy nothing more than running ragged around an open field for hours on end. However, this isn’t always feasible when you have a hectic schedule and no land to release them on, so you need to make an effort to walk them as much as possible. It’s a good idea to aim to walk your new lurcher or greyhound for at least 2-3 hours per day, although it is well known that greyhounds can be “couch potatoes”. You should take them around some natural locations if possible, as walking by the side of the road will provide them with little stimulation and will likely be very boring for both you and your dog. If you don’t have the time or energy to walk your lurcher or greyhound for several hours a day, then find a local dog walker who can take them out – exercise is essential for their well-being, and it’s your responsibility to ensure their needs are met.
Check Their Health Regularly
Unfortunately, there are a variety of different health conditions that a lurcher, greyhound or other similar breed will be more susceptible to compared with other types of dog. As a result of this, you should always take the time to visit the vets and check their health regularly. Having a basic check up every few months will allow you to spot any potential warning signs that could be causing pain or discomfort for your dog, and you can implement preventative measures to minimise their chances of falling ill. Any good dog magazine will detail information about potential conditions that your dog may experience in their lifetime, so do your research.
Looking after a lurcher, greyhound or other similar breed can be so fulfilling, as they are such loving and affectionate dogs that are so loyal. Following some of the steps detailed above can certainly help you to take great care of your pup, so take the time to utilize these recommendations for the sake of their long term health and happiness. Start by finding the right collar, walk them often, and be sure to check their health regularly.