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Italian Greyhounds

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What you MUST Know Before Getting a Puppy
Forget about the normal list that everyone writes about..."puppy proof your home", "choose the right breed".  The information you must know, goes MUCH deeper than that. This is insider information that no one talks about, the behind-the-scenes info you really must know before you make your choice....Click to Read More

Average Height: 13-15 inches (33.02 - 38.1 cm)
Average Weight: 8-12 pounds (3.62 - 5.44 kg)
Pronounced: IT-al-e'-en Gray-Hownd
Group:  AKC Toy
Life Span: 15 Years
Average Litter: 4
Origin: Ancient Greece & Turkey, Developed in Italy

Description

This dog is a member of the sight hound dogs. They are sometimes called an "I.G.", or "Iggy" for short.  Sight hounds are also called gazehounds.  These are dogs who  primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent as scent hounds do.

In many ways very similar to the Greyhound, the small breed dog Italian Greyhound has a much smaller stature. The head is narrow and long and the top of the skull is just about flat.  Eyes are usually  very bright and give off a look of intelligence.  The ears are exceptional, as they are small, very fine in texture and are thrown back and folded, except when this small breed dog is on alert.   Long and graceful, when this dog moves, it is with a high step and very free flowing.

Colors

Any color fur is acceptable except brindle and tan markings.  The large choice of colors are due to this breed's coat being controlled by 9 sets of genes.  It is the pigmentation of the dog's nose which often gives truth to its color.  A seal colored dog often is dubbed chocolate, however  true chocolate Italian Greyhounds will have brown noses.

Personality

This dog is known for its very gentle nature.  The one quirk that stands out is their need for attention.  In face, temperament is quite different from his larger relatives, the Whippet and the Greyhound.  An owner of this small dog should make sure that they can devote lots of time to interact, play and physically be with their pet.

If an owner must be away, setting up the right environment and desensitization training is usually necessary, but when done correctly, all is fine. These little dogs love to sleep in their owner's bed!  In fact, as the breed was being developed, they were used as bed warmers to keep people comfortable on cold nights!

Italian Greyhounds have puppy behavior for up to 4 years, much longer than many other dogs; for this reason, it is common for owners to say that they have a "permanent toddler".  This type of dog does best in a home in which they can be given attention and the environment is calm and happy.  Italian Greyhounds can become very stressed and upset if their human family members yell or become upset with them.  Other pets are usually not a problem, as long as this dog is not bullied. All that is really needed is knowledge of proper care and tons of love!

Origin & History

Despite the name, this small dog breed originated in Mediterranean countries over 2000 years ago, most likely in what is now known as Greece and Turkey.  During the 16th century, Italians and Southern Europeans fell in love with the breed and wanted to develop it further, hence the name.  The AKC recognized Italian Greyhounds in 1886.

Feeding

 While a high quality dog food is strongly recommended for any dog, this particular breed often loves green beans, carrots and peas.  If you are to home cook or allow Italian Greyhounds to eat some human food, corn should not be given, as the small digestive system of this dog cannot handle it very well.

Health

Some possible health issues may be: Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease), luxating patella (common with small breed dogs, as the kneecap slips out of place), seizures, von Willebrand's disease (in which blood does not clot correctly) and fractured limbs (due to thin bones). 

There is also 1 other heath condition which is unique to these small breed dogs:  Color mutant alopecia (this is a condition in which there is considerable fur loss and this can happen occasionally to blue or fawn dogs)

Exercise

Even though this small dog has a sporting indistinct, its small size and short coat and lack of body fat make this breed not a dog for the outdoors.  Italian Greyhounds do not like to go outside in cold weather.  Since a daily walk is necessary for good health, when you must go out in the rain or snow, it is highly recommended to put a sweater or rain jacket on your dog.  This breed usually performs very well in agility and obedience events. 

Grooming

Because of the very short coat, brushing and combing does not take long at all.  Attention must be paid to nails so that they do not become ingrown and to the teeth to prevent any tooth infections.

Care & Training

Due to Italian Greyhounds behaving like puppies well into their 4th year, an owner must be able to give this dog lots of attention.  In addition, when you are away from home for work or other...it is vital that the proper environment be set up and that you use the correct skills in leaving and coming back home to help with Separation Anxiety. Owners - Click to For More Detailed Information


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