Greyhounds make terrific pets, says Greyhound Pets of America Wisconsin, the state’s premier greyhound adoption group.

For anyone pondering adopting a Dairyland Greyhound Park dog, GPA is an authoritative source of information about the breed.

GPA’s Web site states that greyhounds are “intelligent, affectionate, laid back and exceedingly clean. Although they are classified as large dogs, they are relatively unobtrusive, polite and easy to live with.”

GPA Wisconsin President Ellen Paulus said the one absolute requirement — besides a loving, indoor home — is the greyhound must always be on a leash when not in a fenced yard. They have a genetic chase instinct, a love for running and racing training.

Greyhounds hunt by sight, not by smell, and if they become lost they’re unlikely to find their own way home.

More guidance from GPA’s Web site:

n Greyhounds are short-haired and have almost no body fat, so they are strictly indoor pets.

n They don’t shed much and require little grooming.

n Most are good with children.

n Some do well with cats and other small animals, while some need to be the home’s only dog or animal.

n They are not usually barkers.

n They have virtually no “doggy” odor — even when wet.

n They are generally very healthy and live for 12 to 15 years.

n They do not need a lot of exercise but will enjoy as much as the owner has time to give.