Italian Greyhound Breed information & Pictures

Italian Greyhound Breed Description

Life Expectancy
12-16 years

Learning Rate
High

Litter Size
3 to 5

Size
Medium

Weight
Dogs: 6-10 pounds
Bitches: 4-8 pounds

Height
Dogs: 12-15 inches
Bitches: 10-13 inches

Country of Origin
Italy

Groups
AKC Toy Dogs
FCI Group X.: Sighthounds
TKC Toy

Other Names
Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Italian Greyhound, sometimes is referred to as the “IG”. This breed is the smallest of the sighthounds. They are elegant, miniature fine-bond breed with a long head thinning gradually to a pointed muzzle.

They are very similar to the Greyhound, but are much smaller and more slender in all proportions. These dogs are lively, happy and full of good spirits and want to please. They crave affection and returns it gladly. Italian Greyhounds will adapt well to indoor living. Prone to chills and should be kept in a draft-free environment and given a warm bed to snuggle in.

Italian Greyhounds are not a noisy dog. They get along well with other pets. They are a clean, odorless dog. Handle your Italian Greyhound very gently and do not placed in a noisy household.

Temperament

The Italian Greyhound is playful and intelligent, generally these dogs are not difficult to train provided their handler is consistent with them. They are gentle, submissive and affectionate dogs.

They become very attached to the masters and can be reserved with strangers. They are often naughty and aware of it. They can be high strung and timid and must be handled very gently. This is a pet for a quiet household where there are no lively children, although they do get along well with behaved children and other dogs and cats. This breed is very dependent and peaceful. Can be snappish if it is frightened. This dog can be difficult to housebreak. They are generally easy to get along with and take care of.

This dog is extremely fast! Young Italian Greyhounds are very active. They are not good companions for large dogs. They do get along well with other Italian Greyhounds and some recommend that you have more than one of this fine breed.

Colors

Solid black, blue, cream, fawn, red or white or any of these colors with broken white.

Coat

They have a short, fine and glossy coat. They are one of the easiest dogs to groom. All that is needed to keep the fine, silky coat gleaming is a rubdown with a piece of toweling or chamois. Only bathe when absolutely necessary. This breed sheds little to no hair.

Health Issues

The Italian Greyhound is hardier than it appears. They are prone to broken legs and slipped kneecaps. The adult dog is certainly not delicate but until they are about eighteen months old, their bones are quite fragile and they can break a leg rather easily, so be careful when they off the lease.

Italian Greyhounds are prone to PRA and epilepsy. Bitches whelp easily and are well-suited to motherhood. To minimize the risk of your dog developing any hereditary health issues, you should buy an Italian Greyhound puppy from a reputable breeder.

Living Environment

The Italian Greyhound is good for apartment or house, indoors, city or country life. But they need daily exercise and attention. This breed is very sensitive to cold temperatures and should wear a sweater to go out in the cold weather.