Greyhound racing has been a contested sport in the United States since the early 20th century. Currently, only six states have active dog racing tracks, and Florida recently enacted a ban on the sport, with all tracks set to close by January 2021.

Controversy surrounds Greyhound racing, regarding the dogs’ breeding, treatment, and the use of live lures. The major debate is about the dogs’ fate after their racing days end. Florida’s track closures have heightened this awareness. As the state has 11 of the country’s 17 active tracks, thousands of Greyhounds will be seeking homes when the ban takes effect.

The history of retired or injured Greyhounds is grim. Before humane groups became involved, many Greyhounds were put down when they were no longer profitable. Others were sold to labs for experimentation.

Verifiable statistics on how many unraceable Greyhounds are adopted versus those facing less humane fates are lacking. However, rescue efforts have grown, with many organizations dedicated to helping Greyhounds transition from tracks to homes. If you’re interested in adding a smart and sweet Greyhound to your family, read on to learn about adopting a retired racing Greyhound.

What Are Retired Greyhounds Like?

Misconceptions exist about retired Greyhounds. Many people believe they have excessive energy or are aggressive due to competition. Another assumption is that Greyhounds are no longer young and lively at the end of their racing days.

Thankfully, these assumptions are mostly false. Greyhounds are highly adaptable, adjusting well to household life and making excellent family pets. Though bred for speed they are the fastest breed of canid in the world, and can reach speeds up to 43 miles per hour adopted Greyhounds are more likely to be couch potatoes, enjoying naps with their humans as much as running in the backyard.

Greyhounds are known for their social personalities, companionship, grace, and gentleness. They do well in apartments and require no more exercise than other dogs their size. However, retired Greyhounds should not roam off-leash in unfenced areas, as their strong prey drive makes them hard to control once in pursuit.

Where (And How) to Adopt a Retired Greyhound

If a Greyhound seems like the right fit for you, many organizations can help with adoption. National organizations include:

For a list of Greyhound adoption organizations by state, visit the National Greyhound Association’s adoption page.

The adoption process varies by organization. But unlike adopting retired TSA dogs or retired police dogs, there are many adoptable Greyhounds to go around, and you likely won’t have to face a years-long waiting list.

To adopt a retired Greyhound, research organizations to find one that suits your needs, then follow their adoption procedures. You’ll likely be able to browse available dogs, as with other breed rescues. You will need to meet certain requirements, which vary by organization but usually include access to a vet experienced in treating Greyhounds. Rescue fees also vary but are typically comparable to other dog adoptions.

Grow Your Family With a Rescued Greyhound

Retired Greyhounds offer much to their humans and ask little in return, aside from love, cuddles, and a cozy coat for winter. With many needing homes now and in the future, you can make a significant impact not just for the dog you adopt, but for the breed as a whole.

To learn more about adoptable Greyhounds, visit the sites of the linked organizations above to discover Greyhound history, care, and how to make one a loving family member.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Characteristics

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, commonly known as the Staffie, is a medium-sized member of the terrier group. These dogs stand between 14 to 16 inches tall and typically weigh 24 to 38 pounds. With a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, they’re known for being sturdy, loyal companions.

Staffies have a short, smooth coat and come in a wide variety of colors, including black, blue, brindle, fawn, red, and combinations of white with these shades. They are not hypoallergenic.

Their temperament is what truly sets them apart. Known for being sweet-natured, sociable, and easygoing, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often described as mellow yet friendly—traits that make them excellent family dogs.

• Coat type: Short and smooth
• Origin: Southern United States
• Group: Terrier

History and Origin of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (H2)

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier traces its roots back to the Elizabethan era, when powerful dogs were bred for bull baiting. These early ancestors often weighed close to 100 pounds and were built for brute strength.

As needs shifted, particularly among miners who wanted a smaller, faster, and more manageable dog, the breed evolved in 19th-century Staffordshire, England. This new version was created by crossing Bulldogs with various terriers.

• Original purpose: Bull baiting
• Developed by: Miners seeking a compact, agile fighting dog
• Crossed from: Bulldog and terrier breeds

Despite the popularity of the bull terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier wasn’t immediately recognized by the Kennel Club due to its association with dog fighting. However, once the practice was banned and the breed’s friendly temperament became more evident, recognition followed in 1935.

The breed eventually made its way to the United States in the late 1800s. It wasn’t until 1975 that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier was officially accepted into the American Kennel Club.

Today, the breed’s purpose has shifted significantly. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, many Staffies now thrive in modern roles.

• Rescue or service dog (in some cases)
• Family companion
• Show dog
• Obedience and agility competitor

This video shows the bond one Staffie has with his family through the view of the children:

Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier the Right Dog for You?

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a strong, affectionate breed that can adapt well to apartment living—as long as daily exercise needs are met. Known for their love of children and high intelligence, these dogs thrive in homes where they receive consistent structure and attention.

• Apartment-friendly, provided they get regular exercise
• Excellent with children when properly socialized
• Intelligent and responsive to training

Firm and consistent training is essential. Every member of the household should be involved and recognized by the dog as a pack leader. Without clear boundaries, Staffies may develop behavioral issues or become overly dominant.

This breed has low grooming requirements but comes with legal considerations. In some areas, ownership of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier may be restricted or banned due to breed-specific legislation.

• Minimal grooming needs
• Potential legal restrictions in some regions—always check local laws

If you’re ready to invest time in training and exercise, a Staffie will reward you with unwavering loyalty and affection.

Exercise Needs of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

High

HIGH: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is an energetic breed that requires regular physical activity to stay healthy and well-behaved. Despite their muscular build, they adapt well to apartment living or homes without yards—as long as they receive daily exercise.

• Daily walks or play sessions are essential
• Mental stimulation through games or training is beneficial
• Agility or obedience activities can help burn off excess energy

Due to their strong prey drive and bold nature, Staffies should always be kept on a leash when outdoors. Their curiosity and speed can lead them to dart off unexpectedly, making off-leash outings risky without proper training.

Learn more about off-leash etiquette and safety to ensure a safer experience during outdoor time.

Grooming Requirements for the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Low

LOW: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their short, smooth coat requires only a quick weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat looking healthy. Bathing is only necessary when they get particularly dirty.

Basic grooming goes beyond the coat. Like all dogs, Staffies benefit from routine care to prevent health issues.

• Brush their coat once a week
• Bathe only when needed
• Clean ears and check for signs of infection
• Trim nails regularly to avoid discomfort or injury
• Wipe the eyes and watch for irritation or discharge
• Maintain oral hygiene by brushing teeth or using dental chews

Good dental care is often overlooked but crucial to long-term health. Learn more about why dental care matters for your pet.

Common Health Problems in the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Medium

MEDIUM: Like many purebred dogs, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is prone to certain health conditions. While not all Staffies will experience these issues, being aware of them can help owners take preventative action or seek early treatment.

• Eye disorders (such as cataracts or hereditary juvenile cataracts)
• Hip dysplasia
• Tumors (especially mast cell tumors)
• Digestive sensitivity, including frequent gas

Many of these concerns are manageable with routine vet care and early diagnosis. If you’re getting a Staffie from a breeder, always request proof of health screenings—particularly for eye conditions. A certified eye test should be standard.

Breed-Specific Legislation and Travel Restrictions

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is often affected by breed-specific legislation (BSL), which restricts ownership, breeding, or sale of certain dogs based on perceived aggression. Although these laws primarily target breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier—often viewed as a descendant of the original bull-baiting dogs—Staffies are frequently grouped in as well due to their similar appearance and lineage.

• BSL exists in some U.S. states and other countries
• Restrictions are often based on visual traits, not behavior
• Staffies may be banned even if they have no aggression history

Because of this, it’s important to review local laws before bringing a Staffie home. Even responsible ownership may not override these restrictions in certain areas.

Breed-specific rules also impact air travel. Some airlines ban specific breeds or enforce strict transport policies. For example, United Airlines once prohibited several terrier-type dogs but later reversed the decision after public backlash, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.

• Travel rules vary by airline and may change frequently
• Breed allowances don’t guarantee simple boarding—crate rules often apply
• Always confirm up-to-date requirements before booking

To avoid issues during travel, check United Airlines’ current pet restrictions, and ensure your crate complies with airline regulations. Here’s a guide on how to choose a travel-safe crate.

This video compilation offers a view into the obstacles that face these dogs and their humans, and includes some seriously cute pictures:

Adopt, Don’t Buy

If you consider getting a Staffie for your next pet, check adoption resources first. Even purebred animals can end up in shelters. Try Petful’s adoption center. Also, read our two-part pit bull primer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Additional Resources

If managing your pet’s needs sometimes feels like one more full-time job, Chewy is here to lighten the load. From food and flea meds to the world’s most indestructible squeaky toys (we see you, BARK), their fast shipping and thoughtful service have made them a go-to for busy pet parents — especially when the vet bill just hit and the litter box is empty.

Even better? They’re not just convenient. Right now, Chewy is offering solid deals for new customers, weekly markdowns on popular brands, and a seriously impressive give-back program for animal shelters.

Verified deals for pet parents

• Free shipping on your first order over $25
• $20 eGift card when you spend $49+ on your first order with code WELCOME
• Spotlight deals rotate weekly — right now that includes 20% off big-name brands like Greenies, Blue Buffalo, and Hill’s Science Diet. See today’s deals here.

One recent standout: 20% off BARK toys and treats — a solid win if your dog tears through plushies like it’s a full-time job.

Chewy’s Autoship program is also worth a look. You can usually save 5–10% on essentials like food, litter, and meds — and save yourself the panic when you realize at 9 p.m. you’re out of kibble.

Their give back program is the real deal

Beyond convenience, Chewy is walking the walk with their Chewy Gives Back program — and it’s impressive.

Since 2012, they’ve donated:

• Over 130 million meals
• More than 86 million pounds of food
• And over $183 million in pet supplies to shelters and rescues across all 50 states

And you can get involved directly. Browse your local shelter’s Wish List on Chewy and ship essentials straight to the animals who need them most — no special checkout steps or complicated logistics. You can also search adoptable pets in your area right from their site.

CoolMom tip

Bookmark the “Today’s Deals” section and check it weekly — we’ve spotted limited-time markdowns on things like flea + tick treatments, BOGO treats, and even pet vacuums (because no one tells you how much your new dog will shed).

The WELCOME code is only for first-time customers, but if you’ve shopped before, you can always create a new account with another household member’s email. No judgment here.

Shop Chewy’s deals here and treat your pets — and yourself — to a smarter, smoother summer.

If your pet is a rescue, you might not know their exact age—or even their birthday. In lieu of an annual birthday party, many pet owners celebrate their pet’s “gotcha day,” the day they adopted their pet and made them part of their family.

No matter how you came to bring home your pet, this day is special as it marks the beginning of your life together. Celebrating your pet’s gotcha day every year is a great way to remember all the good times you have shared.

Read on for tips and ideas to make your pet’s gotcha day special and memorable.

Adopting a new pet can be extremely exciting—and also extremely nerve-wracking. And the same goes for buying all the pet supplies you might need. We interviewed fellow pet parents to find what you should buy when you first adopt a new pet—whether that’s a cat, dog, or even a rabbit. 

Depending on the furry animal you’re adopting, there are some obvious basics you’ll need right away. We’ve tested hundreds of kitten products, so don’t forget to stock up on cat food, scratchers, and a litter box. If you’re getting a dog, don’t forget the poop bags, potty pads, and a quality crate. Here’s what else we recommend buying to be extra-ready once you welcome your new pet to your household.

Adopting a pet is one of the most exciting, fulfilling decisions you’ll likely ever make. But it’s also a major commitment—one that requires time, energy, money, and other resources. After all, you are bringing home a living, breathing creature that is completely reliant on you for everything from food and water to exercise and affection.

Here’s how to know if you’re ready (or not ready) to adopt a pet, according to animal shelter employees.

Trusting the Experts

Animal shelter employees are some of the best resources you can rely on when deciding whether to adopt—they take care of dozens, if not hundreds, of animals each day, depending on how large their shelter is.

“Shelter staff are dedicated to helping you find the right match,” says Kelly Renner, shelter manager at the Longmont Humane Society in Colorado. “If an animal is recommended for a specific type of home, such as adults-only, we are trying to ensure the well-being of everyone involved. Our goal is to prevent you from bringing a pet into a situation where they won’t thrive, and to avoid placing a pet in an environment where we know they’ll be uncomfortable.”

Signs You’re Ready to Adopt

Your lifestyle won’t necessarily prevent you from adopting a pet. But it might help you—and shelter employees—narrow down which animal is the best match. For example, maybe a senior cat would be a better fit than a young puppy. 

“Most of the time, it isn’t about whether a person should have a pet, it is about how they can find the right pet compatible with them and their lifestyle,” says Laura Linneman, director of animal care at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey.

Here are some ways to know you’re more than likely ready to bring a new pet home.

You Have Enough Time

One of the most important factors to consider is the time commitment involved with owning a pet—both on a daily basis and for the many years to come.

Though it varies from pet to pet, all companion animals will require some amount of your time, whether that’s for walks and dog park outings, play sessions, snuggles, cleaning, food preparation, or training. In addition, many pets are social creatures that want to spend as much time as possible with their humans.

“Every pet—even ‘easy’ ones—requires daily care, time, and attention,” says Nina Thompson, a spokeswoman for San Diego Humane Society.

Think about how much time you’ll realistically be able to dedicate to a pet. How many hours do you typically spend away from home each day? What’s your commute like? How much flexibility do you have at your job? Do you have roommates, friends, or family members who can help you take care of your animal? How much do you like to travel? These are some key questions to ask yourself when determining if the time commitment of pet ownership is right for you.

You Can Afford It

You don’t have to be wealthy to adopt a pet, but you should consider the financial implications of bringing an animal into your life.

In addition to the initial adoption fee, you can expect to spend money on vaccines and preventative medicines, food, toys, treats, leashes, collars, crates, boarding and daycare, and, possibly, training. Also, even though your pet may seem perfectly healthy now, she may someday need emergency medical care—and that’s usually not cheap.

Take a close look at your budget to make sure you’ll be able to afford these and other costs. And, if possible, try to stash some money away in savings for surprises.

“At my house, we have an ‘oh-no’ fund with enough money saved for each animal to go to an emergency vet for any unforeseen circumstance,” says Renner. “Starting with emergency savings and adding funds for regular vet care, food, and enrichment can set you off on the right track.”

Your Household is Aligned

If you have roommates, children, or a spouse living in your home, it’s important to ensure they’re all fully on board with getting a pet, too, says Thompson. Also, make a plan for how you plan to split up and share the responsibilities and expenses of pet ownership. If you already have other pets, think about how they might react to a newcomer, too. 

Owners need to be able to provide their pets with a safe, secure physical environment. So, before adopting a pet, you’ll want to consider your own living arrangement. If you live in a rental, does your landlord allow pets? And, if so, what are the rules and fees? Are there any parts of your home or yard that might pose a threat to an animal’s safety? Do you have enough space for the type of pet you’re considering? 

“Will you be able to provide a stable environment for the pet long-term?” says Vicki Day, a cat expert at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley in Milpitas, California.

You’re Emotionally Prepared

Making sure your home is physically able to house your new pet is just half the battle. One commonly overlooked consideration of pet ownership? Emotional preparedness. 

Yes, pets undoubtedly bring lots of love and joy into their owners’ lives. But there will also be frustrating times, sad times, and uncomfortable times. Are you ready for the highs and lows of a lifelong commitment? 

“Taking time to reflect on your feelings can help you determine if you’re truly at that point,” says Renner.

Taking the Next Step

If you do decide to bring a pet home, remember you are not alone. If you or your pet are struggling in any way, most animal shelters and rescue organizations will gladly support you in any way they can. They may be able to provide reassurance, training tools, and other resources, including financial assistance. 

“Call and chat with the shelter—we are all happy to help,” says Renner.

Linneman echoes that sentiment.

“Our staff and counselors are always happy to support potential adopters on their journey,” she says. “We want pet owners to have joy and success with their new pet.”

Moving to a new place—filled with unfamiliar people, sounds, scents, and objects—can be stressful, no matter an animal’s background. Your new pet may not warm up to you right away—and that’s OK. Before you adopt, prepare yourself for the fact that your pet may need time and space to get acclimated. 

Renner recommends keeping the “3-3-3 rule” in mind:

• Three days for a pet to start to relax in a new space
• Three weeks to realize this is their new, permanent home
• Three months to appropriately bond and begin to trust their new humans

“Give yourself and your new companion grace as you navigate this change together,” says Renner. “Patience and empathy are truly the best gifts we can offer our new companions as they adjust.”

Alternatives to Adopting a Pet

After some reflection, you may determine you aren’t ready to adopt a pet, and that is more than OK. There are several other ways you can support animals in and around your community, including fostering, volunteering, or donating supplies. And when you are ready down the line, your local animal shelter will be happy to help you bring your forever friend home.