Greyhound Adoption Terminology.

Greyhound adoption groups use a wide variety of terminology that can be confusing and, in the interest of political correctness, a bit misleading. In the interest of understanding, we will define adoption terms.

Cat / Small Dog Test: The greyhound is muzzled and kept on a very short leash. A cat or small dog is then put on the floor before the greyhound and the greyhound's reaction is judged by the handler.

Cat / Small Dog Safe: This term is very misleading. A more correct term would be cat / small dog tolerant. Cat / small dog safe also refers to tolerance inside the house; never outside. No greyhound should ever be considered 100% small animal safe. Greyhounds are a hunting breed that have been bred for thousands of years to hunt by sight. Their natural quarry is rabbit; animals close to the size of a rabbit or hare, including small or toy dogs and cats, should always be closely supervised whenever they are around a greyhound. Greyhounds should never be allowed to interact with small animals, known or unknown to them, outside. The greyhound's natural instinct to chase or, rather, run down a rabbit will most certainly take over outside.

Side note: This check is also with the cat(s) or small dog(s) in the foster home and does not indicate that the greyhound will be tolerant of the adopter's cat or small dog. A lot depends on the personality of the cat or small dog as well as the personality of the greyhound.

Tested Cat / Small Dog Safe: This refers to the cat / small dog test results being favorable but does not mean in any way that the greyhound has been living with small dogs or cats. It just means they were tested and the result of that test was favorable. Never assume a greyhound has been fostered with cats or small dogs if you see this term.

Child Safe: Once again this term is misleading and again it should reflect tolerance only. It means the greyhound has been introduced to children and showed to be tolerant; preferring to get up and move away from children if annoyed. This is where a parent needs to be observant of both the child and the greyhound. A greyhound, like all dogs, can only be pushed so far before they've had enough. Greyhounds are tolerant but they do not have the patience of Job. If the child continues to annoy it, a greyhound will snap at the child. Due to the greyhound's quick reflexes, the snap will most likely make contact but not break the skin; leaving only a red mark. This was not a bite, but a warning to the child and to the parent. For anyone who has children under five years of age, you really need to think long and hard before deciding to adopt a greyhound. A greyhound is not the choice dog to teach your child proper animal etiquette.

Cat Correctable: This is a very dangerous term. What it means is the greyhound will chase or run down a cat or small dog in house but could in time possibly be taught not to. Personally, I believe the greyhound should be considered not tolerant of small animals.

Not Cat or Small Dog Safe: This term is a nice way of saying, the greyhound was intent on hunting and ultimately killing a small dog or cat. While the absolute wording may not be pleasant, it is the truth. Again the greyhound is and was bred to hunt, run down, and kill small animals by sight.