Your guide to finding and caring for a Greyhound in Wausau
Bring home a Greyhound
While we don't have enough dogs near Wausau, keep in mind that many rescues may offer transport.
F, 2 y., 789 miles
Labrador Retriever, Greyhound
F, 3-7 y., 794 miles
Labrador Retriever, Greyhound
M, 3-7 y., 796 miles
Greyhound, Mixed Breed
M, 3-7 y., 802 miles
Greyhound
M, 3-7 y., 810 miles
Greyhound
F, 6 mo.-2 y., 818 miles
Greyhound
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 818 miles
Greyhound, Mixed Breed
M, 6 mo.-2 y., 836 miles
Greyhound, Mixed Breed
M, 4 y., 847 miles
Foxhound, Greyhound
M, 2 y., 850 miles
Greyhound
Few dogs are built as purely for speed as the Greyhound. This ancient sighthound type was refined in England to chase game by sight, and its deep chest, long legs and flexible back let it top 40 miles per hour. In the United States, most pet Greyhounds are retired racers placed by adoption groups, usually between two and five years old.
Off the track, many Greyhounds surprise people with how calm they are. They often sprint hard for a few minutes, then sleep for much of the day, earning a reputation as gentle, quiet companions. Their thin skin, short coat and lean frame mean they feel cold quickly and need soft bedding, while a strong chase instinct means many need careful introductions to cats and small dogs and should never run loose in unfenced areas.
Having a Greyhound in Wausau
A Greyhound pairs a sprinter's body with a surprisingly mellow home personality. How it handles cold, small animals, anesthesia and the transition from kennel life shapes what daily care looks like, especially for an adopted former racer learning to live in a house.
Greyhounds tend to be gentle, quiet and affectionate, and many are polite with visitors and other large dogs. Some former racers are shy at first and need time to learn stairs, glass doors and household noise. Prey drive varies widely, so adoption groups often test individual dogs with cats and small pets before placement.
Most Greyhounds are sprinters rather than marathon runners. Daily leashed walks plus a chance to run flat out in a securely fenced area usually satisfy them, followed by long naps. Their speed and chase instinct make off-leash time in open spaces risky. Gentle games and short training sessions help newly retired dogs settle and build confidence.
Greyhounds have unusual medical needs that a veterinarian should know about, including sensitivity to some anesthetic drugs, higher bleeding risk after surgery and bloodwork values that differ from other breeds. Dental disease, corns on the paw pads, bloat and bone cancer are also seen. Retired racers benefit from a thorough first checkup and dental assessment.
Despite their size, many Greyhounds adapt well to apartments or houses because they are quiet and spend much of the day resting. They need soft bedding to cushion bony joints, a coat in cold weather and protection from heat. A secure yard is helpful but not essential when daily walks and safe running time are reliable.
| Expense | Typical cost | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Food | $55 to $110 per month | $660 to $1,320 |
| Pet insurance | $55 to $110 per month | $660 to $1,320 |
| Routine vet care | $250 to $500 per year | $250 to $500 |
| Other* | $540 to $1,590 per year | $540 to $1,590 |
| Estimated yearly total (after year one) | $2,110 to $4,730 | |
Other costs are national averages for Greyhounds; we don't have costs specific to Wausau yet.
* Flea, tick and heartworm prevention, a dental cleaning allowance, a dog license, toys and padded bedding, light home grooming, and winter coats for a thin-coated breed; license fees vary by city.
Now that you know more, let’s find you a new best friend. These rescues and shelters below have dogs available in and near Wausau.
Here are the rescues & shelters in the Wausau area with dogs available for adoption, worth asking whether a Greyhound is coming in.
Looking for a different breed? Browse other dogs available for adoption in Wausau.
