andrave wrote:my old poly sci professor and her husband had one of those ex racing dogs. So damn nervous and finicky. Thing threw up everytime it was left alone, anywhere. It had to wear a blanket if it was less than like 75 degrees out. Dunno, they are beautiful dogs, just so much work.
They do need to wear coats when it's cold outside due to their insanely low body fat, but they're not all quite that nervous. In general, they're shy and reserved with strangers.
Unfortunately, some of the ex-racers were horribly abused and have subsequent behavioral problems. Reputable adoption places will let owners know about dogs that are extremely skittish or have other problems. They don't want people adopting the dogs and then abandoning them after they can't handle the animal's problems.
I'd guess that your poli-sci teacher either wasn't informed of the dog's nature, or knew about the problems and decided to take it in out of the kindness of her heart.
I've met quite a few greyhounds that, although maybe not extremely enthusiastic in strange places, were still fairly calm and friendly. I also know a few folks who own them and don't have any problems leaving them alone.
They *do* need frequent exercise. Then again, so do I.