As of July 2007 MI REGAP will only adopt greyhounds to new families with children 4 years of age and over . While greyhounds are generally gentle dogs and usually get along well with kids, there are certain factors that occasionally override this generalization and creates this rule.

Size: Greyhounds are classified as a large breed dog. Remember, a toddler is face to face with a greyhound. In the normal course of play, a grey could unintentionally knock down a small child and cause injury.

Socialization: Family life is new to retired racers. Throughout their racing careers, they’ve mainly had contact with adults only. Thus, kids can be perceived as anomalies to the greyhound mind – humans that are smaller than the dog. This can sometimes lead to dominant behavior, and while greyhounds aren’t aggressive by nature, they may try to “boss” or bully small children. No harm intended to the child, it is just normal dog behavior.

Supervision: Every adult knows that kids don’t always listen. It’s not their fault; it’s just part of growing up. Despite repeated parental warnings, a child may startle a sleeping grey by waking it up or accidently step on the dog, which can lead to a growl or bite which causes the child to be fearful and ultimately the dog’s return.

REGAP’s new policy is put in place to be proactive in promoting a positive greyhound adoption experience and to ensure, to the best of our ability, a forever home for every greyhound we place. We ask that you be patient. Consider adopting a greyhound from REGAP when your children are older. We’ll still be here, and we’ll have plenty of adoptable greys.

For families with children 4 years of age and over, REGAP will conduct an in-home visit so everyone in the home can meet a greyhound up close and personal. Suggested reading for all families is the book Child-Proofing Your Dog, by Brian Kilcommons. Also, upon adoption we will mail you the book, as part of our adoption package, Living With Kids and Dogs...Without Losing Your Mind: A Parent's Guide To Controlling the Chaos by Colleen Pelar, CPDT. As always, we provide follow up support through out the adoption process and through the lifetime of your greyhound to ease the transition of your new best friend into your home.