What’s more adoptable, a cuddly canine or a great big rugby giant? The Greyhound Board of Great Britain puts the question to the test in its new campaign ‘Adopt a Sporting Legend’ – a spoof documentary starring rugby icon and resident joker, Joe Marler.

In the tongue-in-cheek film, Marler goes head-to-head with an ex-racing greyhound showcasing the pleasures that can come with adopting one of these dogs… and the displeasures of homing Mr Marler.

The film comes off the back of the paw-dropping statistic that over a third of UK adults who would consider getting a dog, hadn’t considered an ex-racing greyhound, with the same amount completely unaware they were available for adoption.

Greyhounds are retired, yet young. Fast, yet slow. Sleek, yet cuddly. But too many myths cloud their reputation. Adopt a Sporting Legend sets out to correct this, showing Brits why they’re really barking up the wrong tree.

The research revealed that 41% of people think greyhounds need loads of exercise, when in reality two 20-minute walks a day is more than enough. Affectionately known as the 45mph couch potato, their racing days are behind them – these days they’d sooner curl up with you.

GBGB partnered with recently retired sporting legend Joe Marler to highlight these facts, in the side-splitting video where Joe’s adoptive family give a much warmer welcome to their four-legged friend than the rugby icon. Unlike Joe, greyhounds come trained in basic commands and have a gentle, calm and affectionate nature, aligning perfectly to the public’s number one factor to consider when adopting a dog – temperament.

The storied sporting legends are as unique as they are beautiful, and there are over a hundred homes across the country with greyhounds waiting to find their forever homes.

Mark Moisley, Commercial Director at GBGB agrees, saying, “greyhounds are racing legends that have brought joy to the UK public over their sporting careers, and can now bring lifetime joy to new owners”

“We are passionate about fostering that special connection between dogs and owners that comes from adoption, and we have the facilities to create these relationships through over 100 approved adoption centres across the country.”

To find out more about adoption, visit http://www.withagreyhound.org.uk.