Italian Greyhound - Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound Temperament

The smallest of the sighthounds, the Italian Greyhound is often referred to simply as the IG. These dogs can be spirited and playful when they want to be, yet are also known to be quiet, extremely affectionate, and very gentle. The Italian Greyhound has a very amiable and friendly disposition, but some can lean towards timidity, which makes early socialization important. Although the Italian Greyhound loves to receive affection and enjoys being strokes, avoid sudden touching or creeping up on him, as he gets startled very easily. Although the Italian Greyhound does love his creature comforts, he is also a very energetic dog when younger, although his energy levels will moderate as he grows older. He is a very fast dog and is excellent at jumping, so you should ensure that he is able to exercise in an area that is safe and securely fenced. You should also ensure that he is not let off the leash when out for walks because if he runs he will disappear in the wink of an eye.

The slightly stubborn and very sensitive nature of the Italian Greyhound can make training a little difficult so he is best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership and training. Housebreaking the Italian Greyhound can be extremely hard. When it comes to children the Italian Greyhound gets along with them well, providing they are gentle and considerate. He will also get along well with other pets such as cats and dogs, but watch him around smaller animals as he does have a high prey drive. With strangers the Italian Greyhound can be reserved and timid, and some can be stand offish. The Italian Greyhound will usually bark to alert if something is amiss, making him an effective watchdog.
Italian Greyhound Appearance

The Italian Greyhound is a very slender dog, and is the smallest of the sighthounds. He stands at around 13-15 inches in height, and weighs around 8-13 pounds. His short coat is very glossy and close. The coloring of the Italian Greyhound can vary and includes fawn, red, cream, blue, black, and other colors, sometimes with white patches. The Italian Greyhound has a long muzzle, long, slender legs, and an alert and sweet expression.
Italian Greyhound Grooming

For those with little time for grooming this could be the ideal dog. His glossy coat needs just an occasional brushing and a rubdown with a soft, damp cloth in order to keep it looking good. This is also a very low shedder, and could therefore prove ideal for those with allergies.
Italian Greyhound Health Problems and Life Expectancy

There are a number of health problems linked with this breed, and amongst the health issues to look out for are: sensitivity to drugs and chemicals, thyroid problems, seizures, leg fractures stemming from vigorous jumping, luxating patella, autoimmune disorders, and PRA. You should also bear in mind that the Italian Greyhound can be extremely sensitive to cold because of his size and thin skin, and should always wear a jumper in colder weather. Soft bedding will also be necessary to reduce the risk of pressure sores developing as a result of his thin skin. The slender build of the Italian Greyhound also means that he can be easily injured if handled roughly or if allowed to jump around from heights. The parents of the Italian Greyhound puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates. The lifespan of the Italian Greyhound is around 13-15 years.
Italian Greyhound History

As the name suggest, the Italian Greyhound originates from Italy, and has a history that spans over two thousand years. One of the first breeds to be bred as a companion in ancient history, these dogs became popular with Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, and others. The Italian Greyhound was registered with the AKC in 1886.

# AKAPiccolo Levrieve Italiani
# SizeSmall
# Ease of trainingLow/Medium
# GroomingLow
# SheddingLow
# Exercise neededDaily walks
# Energy levelMedium/High
# ProtectionCan make an effective watchdog
# Good with childrenYes, with gentle, older children
# Health clearancesOFA, CERF
# Popularity59/155