The Black Dog Dilemma

Emma, the queen

Thinking stylish black

Adopt a black "grey" today

And bring the style back

When my husband and I decided to adopt our first greyhound, color was the last consideration.  We asked for a female, and that was that.  On the day we went to pick up our dog, several females were available.  One at a time, the dogs were brought out for our inspection.  Previously, I had thought that a fawn colored dog would be my choice.  But ultimately, we went home with our little black girl.  We were fortunate to be able to meet each dog and experience a little of her personality.

So cute

Today, much has been written about BDS or Black Dog Syndrome.  In many shelters, black dogs take longer to find their forever homes.  In my research, some authors believe this is a real problem, and others say individual factors may dictate whether this is actually a “syndrome” or not.  However, from time to time on rescue sites, you may see a push to acknowledge the beauty and personalities of black dogs.  To differentiate by color seems to me to concede that there is an issue. 

To dog shelter workers, BDS is a real problem.  When they see a dog languishing in the shelter waiting for a home, their hearts hurt.  The reasons for the inability to adopt these dogs out quickly points to several factors.  First, black dogs, whether greyhounds or mixed breeds, don’t photograph as well as lighter colored dogs.  When my husband showed me the photograph on the rescue site of our most recent dog, Emma, she was not a stand out (sorry, honey).  However having had several other black greys, we knew that a picture could not tell the whole story.  When we went to pick her up, saw her shiny black coat, and looked into her beautiful eyes, we fell instantly in love.  Try not to base your choice on just a picture.  Read the personality write-up.  There is so much more inside that you don’t see.

Hanging out

Other reasons for shying away from black dogs may be triggered by superstition.  A belief that black represents evil could prompt an aversion to a black dog.  The portrayal of large black dogs in movies, books, and other literature could unknowingly color opinions.  As I walked one of my first black greyhounds one day, approaching walkers crossed the street to avoid us.  At some meet & greets, I’d have to encourage some individuals to meet my black dog.  A person’s body language can communicate their apprehension to a dog’s appearance.

Resting on my throne

In a shelter, black dogs do not show up well.  Unless there is sufficient light to show off their features, a person may not even notice them.  Black dogs’ muzzles may gray sooner and be more noticeable than a light colored dog making the dog appear older then they are.  Just recently, at a greyhound outing, a person thought Emma was the older dog because her muzzle is beginning to gray.  Emma just turned three.

Another thought is the number of black dogs to the general population.  The black color in greyhounds is common.  Randomly, I looked at a greyhound rescue site that had 32 greyhounds available for adoption.  Nine of those were black. Having a number of varied, lighter colored dogs available may pull adopters awareness away from the lovely black greyhounds.  When at meet and  greets, people comment first on how beautiful Kiowa, our white, red spotted grey, is, and then they see Emma, who’s personality and beauty they realize is stand out.

Taking a selfie

Three of our eight greys have been black.  In my experience, each dog, no matter what the color, has its own unique personality.  The lighter colored dogs may be more striking at first, but, if you really look at these black beauties, their exquisite features and delicacy will win your heart.

All greyhounds exude beauty of a singular sort no matter what their outer appearance.  Whether fawn, brindle, blue, white, red, or black, spotted or solid, a dog brings with it a distinct essence.  The soul of each individual dog is what captivates, and its grace shines through.  When adopting, please take a few extra minutes to consider a black greyhound.  As I watch my own little black girl laying majestically on the grass in our backyard, I wonder why there was any need to have written this.   

Posing at GIG

Resources:

Black Dog Sndrome Teaches Us a Crucial Lesson about Science   
     by Esther Inglis-Arkell           io9.gizmodo.com

Black Dog Syndrome                  en.wikipedia.org

Big Black Dog Syndrome 

    by Nancy Marano                  treetopsrescue.org

Black Dog Syndrome                  petfinder.com

Retractable Leashes: Safe or Not

         Retractable leash to walk the dog?

         A convenience some might say,

         But drop it once and then you’ll see,

         The damage it might display.

You’re sitting on a park bench enjoying the warm sun, your dog companion laying stoically at your feet, when down the path comes someone walking another dog.  She grips a retractable leash in one hand as she uses the other to text on her cell phone. The dog does not look particularly fierce and seems happy enough.  As she approaches, you check out the hand holding the leash and hope that the lock is secured.  She continues to text as she passes, and WHAM, her pooch pulls the length of the leash and jumps your dog aggressively.  Yes, this happens.  

A Greyhound Outing

Many people use the retractable leash when walking their dogs.  The use of this type of leash can be the cause of injuries to dogs and humans alike depending on who is controlling the other end.  In my opinion, greyhound owners should never use this leash.  I want to stress that the leash itself does not cause the accidents.  The people using it need to be knowledgeable of its potential dangers.    

I can understand why this type of leash may be appealing.  It allows the dog some degree of freedom to run and sniff if you do not have a fenced in yard or dog park nearby.  If this is the reason for use of this leash, other options could be advisable.  For example, make a doggy play date with the owner of a fenced in yard.

We love the beach!

The basic construction of this leash is a plastic handle with the retraction mechanism inside, a cord, and a collar that is supposed to attach to your dog’s collar for safety.  The plastic handle is the first problem.  The handle only allows you to use one hand to grip the leash.  If the dog jerks ahead suddenly, it can easily come out of your hand.  If the dog decides to run, now you have a runaway dog thinking something is chasing him. 

Years ago, a greyhound foster’s son took a foster dog for a walk.  The young man dropped the leash, and the grey took off with the handle clunking loudly on the street and hurdling toward him.  When finally found, the greyhound had multiple injuries, and it cost the foster thousands of dollars to nurse the dog back to health.   If the walker had used a regular 6 foot leash and walked the dog with a loose leash, his right hand would be through the loop and his left hand would be controlling the tension.  He would have had two hands on the leash.

Basic Construction

Secondly, I have an issue with the lack of control when using the retractable leash.  Any dog no matter how well trained upon seeing something that interests him (i.e., squirrel, rabbit, etc.) will want to chase it.  If that happens and the leash is not locked, the dog might travel the length of the leash which can extend up to 26 feet in some cases and experience a wicked stop when it runs out.  For a greyhound, that could mean a broken neck and death.  In addition, instead of teaching proper leash manners (i.e., not pulling), the retractable teaches the dog to pull because pulling extends his mobility.  

Possible Injuries
Valhalla Rescue

In many of these leashes, the section of leash closest to the handle eventually morphs into a cord.  In a situation where there is a dog to dog interaction, the owner might want to quickly pull the dog away.  If the interaction is hostile and the action needed quickly, there is a tendency for the individual to grab the cord.  Doing this could cause severe burns.  Also, when the leash is extended, it is possible for both dogs and humans to be entangled in the cord.  

Enjoying the Afternoon

In Florida this year, we encountered numerous people walking their dogs using these leashes.  One day on our walk, we approached a couple with an English Bulldog.   As we walked by, we made sure to give the dog plenty of room.  The woman had the dog on a short length of her retractable leash.  I passed with Kiowa having no incident, but as my husband passed with Emma, the dog lunged and attacked her.  Nothing substantial happened besides a lot of noise and air biting, but instead of apologizing to us for her inattention, the woman looks at the dog and reprimands him.  Another time, a couple was taking their four little dogs for a walk.  Each person had two retractable leashes extended to possibly their full length, and the dogs were crisscrossing in front of them in every imaginable way.    

What a fun day!

Dogs are dogs.  They will do what dogs do.  They are inquisitive, social, sniffing machines and can tend to be unpredictable.  It is important for us, on the other end of the leash, to not space out and forget that a dog is attached.   Attention should be on the dogs, but unfortunately for many, it might be a time to think about what they may be having for dinner that night.  Even with a regular leash, things happen; however, with it there are less moving parts to try to figure out in an emergency.

This post was not meant to offend.  It was meant only to reinforce the reasons we walk our dogs.  Companionship, exercise, and socialization are probably our goals.  It is a time to pay attention to our pets and teach them good walking manners and to follow our lead.  Please consider the dangers inherent in the retractable leashes, and if you must use one, be aware of how it operates and take notice of what your animal is doing.

What's down there?

Summer Sun in Winter

                                                                                  Summer sun out of sync

                                                                                      with Mother Nature’s calendar.

                                                                                         Palms sway in the breeze

                                                                                             as sunshine warms the traveler.  

We have experienced some harsh winters the last few years, thus our exodus to the Keys for February and March.  February was chilly down here, but now in March, the weather has coalesced into warmth and sunshine.  Not that I’m complaining, you understand.  We and our spoiled greys feel lucky to be here.

On our daily walk

Kiowa thinking?

This was Emma’s first  experience in the Keys.  Possibly because of her youth, everything she sees, smells, and feels makes itself considerably exciting.  The creatures slinking along the ground or on tree limbs, and the cooling palms she lays under are all worthy of her attention.  On walks, smells of the native grasses and trees stimulate her investigations.  

Emma has encountered many firsts on this vacation.  Her first iguana siting brought her to attention with her ears erect, nose sniffing, and eyes glued to the slithering creature as it dove into the aquamarine canal.  I was a bit concerned at her focus thinking that she might follow him.  She didn’t.  However, since we have arrived, she has shown great interest in the water, and I have been nervous that she might take an exploratory dive.  Luckily, she has not done it so far.  However, a few weeks ago, we attended a dog and pizza party.  (Dog meaning the four legged ones not hot dogs.)  

Emma and her coconut

This event was held at a friend’s home.  The dogs, which included two greyhounds, a lab, a shorthaired pointer, a golden, and a couple of designer dogs from the shelter, were very well behaved until one of our friends urged her dog to jump into the canal.  Watching the first dog jump was all it took.  It wasn’t long before another one took the plunge.  Emma’s eyes were like saucers as she observed these antics.  With her body language on point, she stretched those long legs and took the leap - and went down.  She eventually did come back up.  At which point, her helicopter parent (me) started yelling for my husband to get her out.  She swam over to him with no problem, and he helped her up the doggy ladder.  No easy climb for those long legs.  I, at least, found out that she knows how to swim.  

Fat Tuesdays, KW

Emma and Kiowa have been living the Keys dog life.  They have walked on Duval Street with the crowds in Key West, gone into shops, and stopped for cocktails with us (they usually get served first).  Inevitably,  people engage us in conversation about our dogs and want to show us pictures of their pets.  Emma and Ki have visited several beaches to Emma’s delight.  Kiowa remains a land dog, preferring only to wet his paws.  

Manatee

I had my own first this year.  As I was sitting on a low step of our dock with my feet dangling in the water, a manatee swam up within inches of me.  I have seen manatees in the canals before, but this was really up close and personal.  The sea creature looked like a huge rock as it continued to meander up our canal.

As March winds-down and our time here with it, we again will be on the road for home.  We cherish this time with our greys as much as they enjoy it with us.  It has been a lovely time in paradise.

Galgo Espanol, The Forgotten Greyhound

By OmarCurrosSimon - Own work

Creature of flight

Long legs blur the light

Toil to catch the hare

No compassion found there

Hope for the days ahead

Love and a warm bed
                   By Alice Brown

By OmarCurrosSimon - Own work

Consumed as we are with our greyhounds and their previous worlds, it’s hard to imagine there is another animal that lives a life of abhorrent neglect.  The Spanish Greyhound, or Galgo, a cousin to our dogs, lives in a country that uses its skills, disregards its beauty, and when deemed too old or too slow, discards it.  These beautiful and talented dogs live a horrible existence until they are rescued by compassionate groups in Spain and because they are not considered pet material, must be rehomed outside of the country.

By M. Teixeira/Design Madeleine - Collection Privee

At greyhound reunions, I have come upon Galgo Rescue Groups and have marveled at how lovely these dogs are.  Very similar to our Greyhounds, but more petite, they exude a joyful spirit.  They are now available not only from these Galgo rescues, but also on some regular greyhound rescue sites.  Although cousins to the greyhound, they do have some differences.  

The original galgo dogs were believed to be descended from dogs of ancient Celtic tribes.  These Celts migrated across Europe and down into the Iberian Peninsula which houses Spain and Portugal. Their dogs were developed for hunting the hare in rough, wild and mountainous countryside.  The name, Galgo, is derived from “Canis Gallicus” meaning “Celtic Dog” or perhaps “Dog from Gaul”.  

Beautiful Galgo at GIG

Although originally brought to Spain by noble persons and held in high esteem, the years of haphazard breeding by the lower classes resulted in them being looked upon as a “trash dog”.  Bred for hunting and coursing, these elegant sighthounds display varied colorations, coat, and size.  Their height ranges from 23 inches to 27 inches at the shoulder and weight, from 50 to 70 pounds.  Their coats can be smooth or wire-haired.

Hanging around at GIG

Today, Galgos are still used to hunt hares in the Spanish countryside.  They continue to be bred carelessly by their handlers called “galgueros”  They spend much of their lives in “damp, dirty, tiny holes or windowless shacks” and are fed bread and water.  Denied light and affection, these sweet dogs continue to be second class animals in Spain and are not owned as pets.  At the end of the hunting season each year, the ones deemed worthless are destroyed in inhumane ways or abandoned to the streets.  Some are sent to “killing stations called perraras”.  Luckily, there are a few caring shelters that rescue these dogs and try to rehome them outside of Spain.  The number of dogs either abandoned or killed at the end of each hunting season can reach 100,000.

By Tux-Man - Own work

The temperament of the Galgo is very similar to that of the Greyhound.  They are calm, quiet, gentle, and love to sleep.  They have a tendency toward shyness  due to their lack of socialization in their prior life.  However, they bond strongly with their adopting families and display joyful personalities.  Like greyhounds, they are fast and agile and must be leashed in open areas.  Unlike greyhounds, they can jump fences so a higher fence is necessary.

As I researched these dogs, I came across some stunning photographs on the internet.  One of my resources was proof.nationalgeographic.com.  On it was an article called Restoring Dignity to Spain’s Mistreated Hunting Dogs by Janna Dotschkal in which she interviewed Martin Usborne who has photographed many of these dogs. Check this out when you can.

By OmarCurrosSimon - Own work

It remains a mystery to me how in this day and age people can still treat animals in such a cruel and uncaring manner.  You would think that they had no understanding of the Golden Rule which should apply to animals even more so due to their dependance on us.  Hopefully, just as in the case of our greyhounds,  reading and speaking about this issue may bring a new enlightenment where there was none.

Resources:

longhairedwhippet.com

foreverhomegreyhounds.org

examiner.com

       Article by Melissa Stoneburner, 10/2/12

proof.nationalgeographic.com

       Restoring Dignity to Spain’s Mistreated Hunting Dogs

                                      Article by Janna Dotschkal

vetstreet.com

en.wikipedia.org,   Galgo Espanol

Photographs:

en.wikipedia.org,   Galgo Espanol  
  

The Greyhound Mystique

Eyes, ears, body so lithe

A fragile yet powerful beast

The regal bearing so belies

Sweet nature held within

                                     

It’s a beautiful day.  I’m strolling down a sidewalk with the sun streaming through the sheltering trees, my two greys in tow, when coming toward me are a few people walking my way.  We all smile and greet each other as we approach, but instead of just passing by, they stop and ask a question.  “What kind dog is that?” or “Is that a rescued greyhound?”  If you have one or more greyhounds in your household, you have experienced this same reoccurring phenomenon.

Over the twenty-five years of being a greyhound guardian, I still find fascination in the interest people take in my animals.  I can walk by myself and be completely invisible.  Take my greys out for a walk, and it’s a different story.  We instantly lead a parade.  If we travel to any outdoor craft show, visiting a vendor for me seems improbable.  People stop me every few steps.  If my goal is to shop, I travel without my companions, and then I become invisible again.      

Greyhounds have this special effect on us.  Just consider the regal way in which they hold themselves and their charming prance when out for a walk.  They have a bearing that captivated royalty in ancient times.  Why shouldn’t they continue to captivate the modern world with their beauty?  That outside beauty is merely a slight reflection of what they possess on the inside, though.  The sweetness and loyalty that are the greyhound play well into their mystique.  Whatever it is that attracts us, they are completely unaware of their magical effect and their ability to make us love them.

Somehow, this greyhound specialness transfers itself remarkably to the other end of the leash.  The person holding it becomes extraordinary due to its attachment.  A spark of whatever it is that pulls us to these dogs sizzles up the cord to make us special too. Suddenly, we hold awareness and insight not possessed by normal man.  This specialness, in truth, has nothing to do with us.  These dogs are compelling and work their magic within us.  We have no choice but to express details and advice on this magnificent breed.  We happily become part of their mystique. 

If you have multiple greys or even just one, you feel this magic and know that part of your objective with greyhound guardianship is to spread your passion for the greyhound.  It becomes part of the job description, so take up that banner willingly.  Stop and talk to people, answer their questions, give out information, and freely share your love for the greyhound.  You will never know where your influence ends.  Have you taken a walk with your greyhound today? 

A Tooth in Need

A racing grey with pearly whites,

                                                                                                 A lofty goal for some to preach,

                                                                     Yet yearly care to keep them there,

                                                                            With brushing often, we should teach.

Resting

Another day in paradise; reclining on our soft beds, wolfing down sumptuous meals, and being unconditionally loved creates an aura of heaven on earth.  It has been a somewhat tiring day though, after running full tilt outside.  Emma and I are curled up on our beds as tight as caterpillars in a cocoon with only one thing in mind, and that is to sleep.  As we are just about to surrender to unconsciousness, Mom rushes into the room with excitement rolling off her like a wave.  We almost thought she had won the lottery.  She didn’t, but she has news to share.  Tomorrow morning, we are traveling to New Jersey to see her friend, Lori, and her grey, Winona.  (Nona for short.)  The excitement is contagious, and at once we are out of our beds frolicking madly around her.   

The next morning, we jump without hesitation into the back of the van.  Pressing our cold noses up against the chill of the windows, a foggy haze appears adding a dreamlike quality.  We roam from window to window inhaling the thrill of the unknown.  Soon, we settle with the soft rhythms of the road and the gentle sounds of the cars whooshing by, and before we know it, we have arrived.

The Three Musketeers

We feel it the minute the car pulls in, there’s another greyhound close-by.  It’s a  sense unique to us dogs, knowing each other.  Mom opens the rear hatch, and we exit checking our surroundings using eyes and noses.  There, behind the fence, are Aunt Lori and Nona!  Nona attracts our full attention.  After sniffing all parts of each other, leashes are released, and then we go.  All three of us streak around the yard; first, to sniff and go potty, then wildness begins.  We dart around the woodpile, fly past the trees, and zoom at high speed in tight figure-eights.  Finally, drained from this explosion of energy and sauntering over to Mom and Aunt Lori, we rest.

We pass the evening in familiar geniality, all of us reacquainting ourselves.  Plunking down on the living room floor, we hounds soon fall off into a deep snooze.  The next morning is an early wakeup, and soon we are in the van again, all five of us.  We hounds are unaware of our destination, but after a sleepy ride, we arrive in Philadelphia at the National Greyhound Adoption Program’s  Veterinary Clinic (www.ngap.org). 

It's Finally Over

We have visited this place before.  It is a large building in an industrial complex with spacious dog runs outside.  We spy no greys playing outdoors today, but we have seen them there before enjoying the space.  We know it because we come here each year to have our teeth checked and maybe some shots given.  Our moms like this facility because it was established to give vet care to retired racing greyhounds.  The doctors understand our particular anatomy, especially the type and amount of anesthesia we are allowed.  If we only need a cleaning, we are put in a light sleep, and sometimes if our teeth aren’t bad, we don’t have to sleep at all.  If teeth need to be pulled, the docs put us in a deep snooze.  

We three are sent in to see the vet.  The doctor gives us each an exam and checks out our mouths.  Poor Nona has to have teeth pulled this time, and it turns out to be 11.  OUCH!  Unfortunately, many of us tend toward problems with our teeth due to poor feeding and mouth care practices when we were on the track.  Luckily for Emma and I, all we need is to get our teeth cleaned.  I don’t know how they do it, but we go to sleep for a little while, and we don’t feel a thing.  The three of us finally come out from our visit with clean mouths, and a recommendation from the staff for our moms to cleanse our teeth with a special solution between brushings.

Nona Snoozing

    

As we pile into the car again, we are happy that we are on our way home.  We were not allowed to eat this morning so when we arrive at Aunt Lori’s, we are starving.  We all chow down, are blissfully happy, and are soon asleep!  

Next day, Mom, Emma, and I are on our way home.  We had a great visit with Aunt Lori and Nona, and hope to see them again soon.  I am not too sure how to rate the doctor visit, though.  It’s fine with us if we don’t go back for a while.


                                                                Respectfully Submitted:  Kiowa 

So I'm Ready to Adopt

                                            

                                                                                                   The greyhound of my dreams awaits,

                                                                                       I anticipate the day,

                                                                                       After I have chosen wisely,

                                                                                       Lay bare my heart to a grey.

 

OK, so you’ve made the decision to adopt a greyhound.  You might think that there are no more questions to ask.  However, it’s just the opposite.  What is your lifestyle?  Is it fast paced or do you work out of your home and can spend more time with an animal?  Do you think a younger dog with more energy is for you, or are you leaning toward adopting an older one that might be a bit more lay back?  Do you want a smaller greyhound or are you into large dogs?  Do you have a preference for a male or female?  What type of temperament are you looking for in your dog?  Maybe overwhelming questions, but it is good to know how your life and the dog’s life will coalesce.

I didn’t know anything about the greyhound breed when I read that first article in the newspaper.  After I met some greyhounds in person, I was totally hooked by their sweet demeanor and sleek beauty.  I foIlowed my heart, but still didn’t know too much when I made that first call to a greyhound rescue.  Luckily today, many of the people I meet interested in greyhounds know something about the breed.  The levels of knowledge may differ, but many of them have educated themselves to make sure a greyhound would be a good fit for their family.  Smart!  That is something every family interested in adoption should do.

When I adopted my first dog almost 25 years ago, I didn't have the luxury of searching a greyhound adoption website.  My experience was much simpler.  I contacted the rescue, asked questions, and decided if I wanted a male or female.  The rescue person picked one out for me.  When the dog came in, they notified me.  That was the extent of it.  Today, the greyhound rescue websites are sophisticated.  Many of them show pictures and temperament write-ups about available dogs.  Some greyhounds have been in foster care, and that affords more insight into the animal.  This gives the adopter much more information to work with when choosing a pet.  

One of the big questions asked during a Meet & Greet is if I prefer a male or female greyhound.  I believe that each has its own positives.  When I was asked what gender I wanted for my very first dog, I did ask for a female.  My thought being that she would be smaller than a male.  She was, but that is not always true.  I have seen some large girls over the years.  Usually the females are smaller than the males, but bigger dogs can be as graceful if not more so than the smaller ones.  Each creature brings forth its own personality no matter what the size.  Teaching my boys to heel in many cases has been easier than my girls.  Although the boys are larger, the girls still have extraordinary strength and minds of their own.

I read an article recently in Celebrating Greyhounds that addressed the issue of differences between males and females.  In this article, called Battle of the Sexes, the author, Deb Levasseur, certainly hit the nail on the head for me with my present girl, “The dainty, pretty, tiny girls are usually the higher-energy types.  They are very smart little spitfires, extremely cute, and fun to train.  They are perfect hiking and exercise companions……and can be bossy little divas.  Girls are usually guilty of taking beds, toys, food, or treats from the boys.  They often bump their adoptive brothers out of the way to bolt through the door to pee first or nudge their way in for petting and attention.”   Oh yeah, that’s my Emma exactly!  Was the author looking through our window?

Although she nailed Emma, I have had three other females that were not like this at all.  Two were extremely shy and had to be coaxed out of their shells over time, and the other was a happy-go-lucky girl that was not very pushy at all.  So again, we can only generalize as to these differences. 

I have found that greyhound males are very often lovers, wanting lots of rubs and pets.  Deb Levasseur also agrees.  She goes on to address the concern that male dogs lift their legs when they pee.  Some adopters may be hesitant about getting a male for that reason.  I have had 4 males, two have squatted and two have lifted their leg.  Ms. Levasseur says, “The vast majority of Greyhounds are easily trained within a few days and reliable after about 30 days.”, and I definitely agree with that.  My boys were trained within a short time.  As long as you are consistent, the dog will learn quickly.   

Intelligence of the male or female vary from dog to dog, although I do think the girls assimilate information easier.  Many of the girls, though, understand what you want but have their own agenda.  I have found that most of my boys were lay back and basically followed orders.  I add the caveat that these observations were developed by watching my own animals.  Every dog is different, and again these could be viewed as generalizations.  

Occasionally, a greyhound comes along with a few issues.  Remember, these dogs have never been in home situations before and have been crated most of their lives.  Thrust into this new environment, some take longer to acclimate and fit into a home than others.  With love and patience, most work it through and realize improvement.  Understand that all adopted greyhounds need time to really feel at home.  Don’t give up on them as they will blossom into the animal they were meant to be. 

Greyhounds tip the scales at being over the top fantastic.  Whether you choose a boy or a girl, you cannot go wrong.  Do your homework though, assess your family needs, and then adopt a greyhound.  There are so many that will fit into your life and make it wonderful.  Each of my dogs has given me different gifts, and each gift reveals a little magic about who they are.  Your greyhound will surprise you with the same.  

Resources:

Deb Levasseur, Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Therapist, Ask the Expert: Battle of the Sexes, Celebrating Greyhounds, Summer 2015,