The Greyhound has become one of the most well-known breeds in the world due to them being the fastest dog in the dog world. While Greyhounds originally used this speed to help with hunting, it has, unfortunately, been put to use in the dog racing industry.
Thankfully, the racing industry has been outlawed in many parts of the world, but it is, unfortunately, still legal in some parts of Australia and New Zealand.
While these dogs usually make wonderful pets, many are left at rescue organisations after being retired from the track, so there are often far more Greyhounds available for adoption than pups for sale.
Registered Greyhound breeders are so scarce because many of the best dogs end up on the race track, so many breeders only sell to the racing industry.
Thankfully, a few registered breeders still sell to people outside of the industry. Here at Pets Online, we have listed some reputable registered breeders based in Melbourne and around Victoria.
Greyhound puppies can be very difficult to source if you want to get one from a registered breeder. You will likely find many more dogs for sale on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, but these dogs often come from backyard breeders who don't DNA test for genetic diseases.
As many Greyhounds have retired from the race track, adoption may be a good first choice. You should ensure that, whether the dog is for adoption or a puppy for sale, the animal is treated well and cared for correctly. You should also check to see if the breeder is complying with the breeding rules set by the RSPCA.
A great way to check the reputability of a breeder is by looking online for reviews, so you can see what owners of dogs from previous litters have to say about the breeder.
Few Greyhound breeders don't breed dogs for the racing industry in Australia, so registered breeders can be difficult to come by.
It is still better to adopt than to support backyard breeders, as they can often operate unethically by not DNA testing the dogs they breed. Some owners even become foster carers for Greyhounds as well.
Below we will list some registered Greyhound breeders and adoption agencies based in Melbourne and around Victoria.
The Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP), a prominent initiative by GRV, is dedicated to placing retired racing greyhounds into affectionate family homes. Operating out of a purpose-built facility in Seymour, a town located 90 minutes north of Melbourne's CBD, GAP continually strives to simplify the adoption process. To facilitate this, they conduct regular off-site testing days at multiple racetracks throughout Victoria.
Amazing Greys is a volunteer-run greyhound rescue group located in Melbourne, Australia. They hold an immense admiration and affection for greyhounds, considering them as unique, sensitive, and loving souls that are deserving of the best lives possible. Established in 2011, Amazing Greys dedicates their resources to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of ex-racing greyhounds and greyhound crossbreeds. Their greyhounds originate from racing kennels or shelters, or are privately surrendered to them.
Tannery Estate Greyhound Rearing is a reputable establishment known for its exceptional care and breeding of greyhounds. This organization takes pride in raising greyhounds with utmost attention and affection, ensuring they grow in a nurturing environment that prepares them well for their future endeavours. The breeders and carers of Tannery Estate are committed to the holistic development of these animals, focusing not just on their physical health and conditioning, but also on their overall well-being. They ensure the greyhounds are socialized from an early age, facilitating their easy transition to different environments, be it for racing or adoption.
Greyhounds are generally quite expensive dogs, so depending on whether you adopt or buy a puppy, the price will vary between $200 to $4500.
A Greyhound puppy should come with a certificate of registration, a health checklist, pedigree papers and a vaccination booklet.
Yes, it can be quite safe if you do enough research on your chosen breeder.
If you are concerned about a breeder, contact the local breed club to find out about their reputation and legitimacy.