When one thinks of greyhounds, speed and discipline, rather than cuddles and naps, may come to mind.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But Tasmanians who live and work with retired racing greyhounds say the breed are characterised by a relaxed temperament and kind nature.
Word is getting around, as greyhound adoption numbers in Tasmania continue to increase.
The Greyhound Adoption Program Tasmania (GAP Tas) facilitates foster care and adoptions for greyhounds state-wide.
GAP Tas coordinator Susan Gittus grew up in a greyhound racing family, and adores the breed so much she has six greyhounds at home.
"They've got run of the place...they get along, they pretty much just sleep," Ms Gittus said.
The greyhounds that go through GAP Tas all come from the racing industry, although they may not have necessarily raced.
They're placid, they don't take a lot of exercise...they're just lovable and very good companions.
- Greyhound owner Tracey Watts
When a dog's racing career ends or it leaves the industry, the owner can enrol it in GAP Tas, who assess the canine and complete its veterinary work.
They find a foster home for the dog, where they stay for six weeks, and carers can come to know the dog's character and idiosyncrasies.
Subsequently, an online profile is collated.
Ms Gittus laughed that the process was not unlike online dating, as the greyhound was matched to a home with a family, pets and space that would suit its personality.
GAP Tas adopted out 68 greyhounds in 2015, and the figure had doubled the from the year before.
An expose on the greyhound racing industry, which aired on ABC's Four Corners in February, 2015, sparked a national conversation about the ethics of the racing industry, and concern for its canine victims.
The investigative report catalysed the Review of Arrangements for Animal Welfare in the Tasmanian Greyhound Racing Industry in February 2015.
The Four Corners report exposed concerning live baiting practices in racing industries in Queensland, NSW and Victoria.
"I think there was a lot more attention drawn to greyhounds from there, so we certainly had more interest," Ms Gittus said.
"We had already started to grow prior to that, but it did make more people aware of greyhounds."
Ms Gittus said GAP Tas worked hard to dispel misconceptions about the breed.
By law in Tasmania, greyhounds must wear a muzzle and be on a leash of no more than two metres when out in public.
"The muzzling law, which still exists in Tasmania, there's still people that are turned off by that, thinking it's because of aggression," Ms Gittus said.
"It's just an old law we're still working quite hard to have removed in line with the other states."
Ms Gittus said although industry greyhounds were often raced, they rarely ran for more than 40 seconds.
"They pretty much sleep for most of the day," Ms Gittus said.
TasRacing took over GAP Tas in 2010, and it had previously been volunteer run.
Ms Gittus said that the increased interest in greyhounds and concern for their welfare since the Four Corners revelations had been welcomed.
"It has been really well embraced from everyone I've spoken to, everyone's embracing that, [that] they do have that opportunity to go on and have a second opportunity."
Tracey Watts, of Evandale, has truly converted into a greyhound devotee.
Ms Watts adopted ex-racing dogs Flash and Baby through GAP Tas.
"I was having to put my eldest dog down, she was 17, and I didn't want to be without a dog so I thought I'd rescue a dog," Ms Watts said.
"I went to the RSPCA and nothing clicked with me."
Ms Watts was inspired by a friend who had adopted through GAP Tas.
"I got Baby, I picked her off their website and went and met her and that was it - she was coming home."
She was so taken with Baby she decided to get another greyhound through GAP Tas.
"I rang Susan up and I said 'surprise me', she brought him, so I fostered him and he never went back and I adopted him.
"They don't take a lot of exercise - ten minutes in the backyard and they've had enough.
“They're very quiet, you don't hear them bark much...[people] do think they're aggressive and it couldn't be further from the truth...there's nothing vicious about them.”
Ms Watts said GAP Tas provided adopters with a comprehensive racing history of their new pet.
“By going through GAP, they're there to support you,” Ms Watts said.