.png)
Debunking the Biggest Myths About Greyhounds
Let's set the record straight on the most common greyhound myths.
One of the questions our team hears more than almost any other is whether greyhounds are high energy dogs. It makes sense given their racing background, but it could not be further from the truth, and it is just one of several misconceptions that hold people back from considering a greyhound. Let's set the record straight on the most common greyhound myths.
Myth: Greyhounds are high energy dogs.
The reality: Greyhounds are sprinters, not endurance athletes. They are built for short, explosive bursts of speed rather than sustained activity, which is why most greyhounds are happy with a couple of short walks a day and spend the rest of their time resting. In fact, greyhounds are often nicknamed 45 kilometre an hour couch potatoes for exactly this reason.
Myth: Greyhounds need a big backyard to be happy.
The reality: A large yard is not a requirement for a greyhound's wellbeing. Their naturally low energy indoors means they adapt well to apartments and smaller homes, provided they get their daily walks. Floor space to stretch out and a comfortable bed matter far more than square metres of lawn.
Myth: Greyhounds are aggressive.
The reality: Greyhounds are one of the gentlest, most even tempered breeds around. Their calm, affectionate nature makes them wonderful companions, and they are not known for aggression toward people. Any greyhound adopted through GAP is temperament assessed before adoption to help ensure a good match for your household.
Myth: Greyhounds cannot live with cats or small pets.
The reality: This varies from dog to dog rather than being true of the breed as a whole. Many greyhounds are cat tolerant and can live happily alongside cats and other small pets with the right introductions. Our team assesses each greyhound individually and can help match you with a dog suited to your existing pets.
Myth: Greyhounds are difficult to train.
The reality: Greyhounds are generally intelligent, responsive and eager to please. Many arrive with good house manners already in place from their time around people, and they tend to pick up new routines quickly with positive, consistent training.
Myth: Greyhounds bark a lot.
The reality: Quite the opposite. Greyhounds are a notably quiet breed and are not known for excessive barking, which makes them a considerate choice for apartment living or homes close to neighbours.
Myth: You need to be an experienced dog owner to adopt a greyhound.
The reality: No prior dog experience is necessary. Greyhounds are known for their calm, adaptable temperament, and GAP provides lifetime support to help first-time owners feel confident from day one.
Myth: Adopting a greyhound is expensive.
The reality: Every greyhound adopted through GAP costs a flat $100, and that fee includes a pedigree, purebred dog who is already desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and flea treated, complete with a coat, collar and lead. It is one of the more affordable ways to bring a purebred dog into your home.
Myth: Greyhounds can never be off leash.
The reality: Pet greyhounds must always be kept on a lead in public in Victoria, including in off leash areas, so this one is partly true, but it does not mean they miss out on freedom altogether. Secure, fully fenced greyhound only areas (known as “slipping tracks”) give greyhounds a safe space for the occasional off lead sprint while still meeting their legal lead requirements everywhere else.
Myth: Greyhounds are unhealthy or fragile because of their racing background.
The reality: Greyhounds are generally a healthy breed, and every dog adopted through GAP is health checked before going to their new home. Like any dog, they benefit from routine vet care, a good diet and regular exercise, and their leaner build is simply part of what makes the breed so athletic rather than a sign of fragility.
Myth: You cannot bond with an adult dog the way you can with a puppy.
The reality: GAP adopters find the opposite is true. Greyhounds are affectionate by nature and often form close, immediate bonds with their new family, without the unpredictability of raising a puppy from scratch. Watching a greyhound settle in and grow more comfortable each week is one of the most rewarding parts of adoption.
Myth: Greyhounds do not get along with other dogs.
The reality: Many greyhounds genuinely enjoy the company of other dogs, particularly other greyhounds, and can do well at the dog park with the right introductions. As with any dog, individual personalities vary, which is why our team assesses each greyhound and can offer guidance on introducing them to other dogs safely.
Most of these misconceptions come from understandable assumptions about a dog with a racing background, but they rarely hold up once you get to know the breed.
Meet the real greyhound
Once the myths are out of the way, what is left is a calm, affectionate, low maintenance companion who is far better suited to everyday family life than most people expect. The best way to see this for yourself is to meet one in person.
Ready to meet the real greyhound? Get in touch with the GAP team on (03) 5799 0166, we would love to help you find the right greyhound for your home.
%20(1).png)
.png)
.png)
Meet our dogs ready for adoption
All greyhounds adopted from GAP are de-sexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and health checked.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Name
0 Years Old
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla.
Murphy ARP
Murphyis a handsome, laid-back boy with a sweet and affectionate nature. Murphy is friendly and personable, he enjoys spending time with people. Murphy loves food, and is very food motivated, treats are sure to be the quickest way to win him over. Murphy may be suitable to live as an only dog or may be suitable to live with medium or large dogs. He may also be suitable to live with children aged 10 and over.
This greyhound is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). Through this program, greyhounds stay with their current owners while they wait to find their perfect forever home.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
George
Crippa
Scooby
Audrea
Sonny ARP
Sonny is a most dashing and spirited gentleman of the greyhound world. Handsome, charming, and impossible to ignore, Sonny carries himself with the confidence of a true gentleman while still embracing a delightfully puppyish enthusiasm for life. Friendly and outgoing, he seeks connection with eager eye contact and a desire to please that is most endearing. Known to be quite the conversationalist, Sonny enjoys "speaking his mind" with cheerful chatter, all while his signature waggy "helicopter" tail ensures no entrance goes unnoticed.
With his lively and excitable nature, Sonny would be best suited to a home that can indulge his active spirit and zest for play. His enthusiasm can make him a little erratic on the lead at times, but with guidance and patience, he will shine as the perfect companion. Sonny may suit living with or without a canine friend of similar size and would do well with children aged 10 years and older. A home with a backyard would suit him splendidly, offering the space he needs to frolic and burn off his boundless energy.
Sonny is part of our Assisted Rehoming Program (ARP). We have behavioural and health assessed this lovely dog, and they will remain with their racing owners until they find an adoptive home, at which point they are brought back into GAP. This means that should you be interested in adopting this dog, we are bringing the dog into GAP on the understanding that you will be adopting this particular dog, and no other dogs currently in our care.
Xandi ARP
Sweet Xandi is a pretty and gentle soul who is looking for a patient, understanding home where she can build her confidence at her own pace. Having previously lived inside and even enjoyed sleeping on her owner's bed, she is familiar with home life and appreciates the comfort and security of being close to her people. Quiet, sweet and personable, Xandi is easy to handle and forms lovely connections through soft eye contact and her affectionate nature. While she can be timid and a little anxious in new situations, she always tries her best and responds beautifully to kindness and reassurance.
As an introverted and submissive girl, Xandi will likely take a few days to come out of her shell in a new environment, but once she feels safe, her loving personality begins to shine through. She would thrive with an owner who can give her the time, patience and encouragement she needs to settle in and feel secure. Xandi may suit living with or without a canine companion of any size and could be well suited to a home with children aged 15 years and older who can respect her gentle and sensitive nature.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Eddie ARP
Lovely black Eddie is a calm and easy-going gentleman who takes everything in his stride. Quiet, sweet and laidback, he has a friendly and confident nature that makes him a pleasure to be around. Having previously lived inside a home, Eddie is familiar with household life and is ready to settle into his next chapter with ease. He enjoys spending time with his people and has a personable charm that helps him make friends wherever he goes. With his gentle temperament and relaxed outlook, Eddie would make a wonderful companion for a variety of homes. Whether joining you for a leisurely stroll or simply relaxing by your side, he is happiest when sharing life's everyday moments with those he loves. Eddie may suit living with or without a canine friend of a similar size and could be a lovely addition to a family with children aged 5 years and older.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
Intex ARP
The lovely Intex is a delightful girl with striking white markings and an equally beautiful personality to match. Social, friendly and confident, she enjoys meeting new people and charms everyone she encounters with her affectionate and outgoing nature. Intex loves being involved in whatever is happening around her and is always ready to share a cuddle, leaning into family life with enthusiasm and grace. With her personable temperament and easy-going outlook, Intex is sure to make a wonderful companion for a variety of homes. Whether she's spending time with her people, making new friends, or simply relaxing by your side, this sweet girl is happiest when she is part of the action. Intex may suit living with or without a canine brother of a similar size and could be a lovely addition to a family with children aged 5 years and older.
If you're interested in adopting this dog, we'll arrange for them to come into GAP specifically for you to meet and complete the adoption process. Since the dog is being brought into the program based on your interest, we ask that applicants be reasonably confident this is the greyhound they'd like to welcome into their family. Unlike our standard adoption process, you won't be able to meet multiple dogs at the same time however our team will share lots of information about this greyhound to help you determine if they're the perfect match for your family.
