Italian Greyhound Breed Facts and Information

Training: As with all breeds, Italian Greyhounds respond best to positive reinforcement and treat-driven training. Because they are a sensitive breed, Italian Greyhounds require supportive and kind trainers. These intelligent dogs do well with regular playtime during training sessions. Socialization is important for your Italian Greyhound, but considerations should be made regarding the size of their playmates. Large dogs may unintentionally be too rough with an Italian Greyhound puppy and could cause injury to their delicate skin or slightly built frame.

Barking: The Italian Greyhound has a bit of a yippy bark when compared to its larger relative, the Greyhound, but it still will command your attention. Generally, Italian Greyhounds will only bark when startled or extremely excited. In addition, Giles says that Italian Greyhounds are also known to howl. If you plan to leave your dog alone for the day, make sure that they have plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and unwanted barking.

Personality: Known for their compassion and dedication to their owners, Italian Greyhounds make wonderful companions and do well with families and kids alike.

Temperament & Behavior: The Italian Greyhound is known to be a sweet and affectionate dog who will do practically anything to ensure that you are paying attention to them. According to Gail Giles, an Ontario-based Italian Greyhound breeder and member of the Italian Greyhound Club of America, they can be a little aloof or nervous, simply due to their size. Once properly socialized, Italian Greyhounds are very friendly and enjoy company, Giles says.

Behavior with Kids: With their high energy and a high tolerance for playful behavior, Italian Greyhounds make an excellent dog for a young family. However, because of their diminutive size, children should be taught how to safely handle them. To prevent accidental injury to an IG, it may be best to avoid owning this breed with very young children.

Protection: Although these little dogs do bark, there is not much bite behind it. Italian Greyhounds may try and protect your family, but realistically, the best they can do is wake you up in case of an intruder.

Life span: Italian Greyhounds live between 14 and 15 years.

Inherited Health Issues: Generally speaking, the Italian Greyhound is a fairly healthy breed. However, as with all breeds, they are predisposed to develop a few health conditions that can occur at an increased frequency within the breed or through inheritance. These may include, but are not limited to, the following conditions: Pattern baldness, Cutaneous hemangiosarcoma, Cataracts, Vitreous degeneration, Glaucoma and Progressive retinal atrophy.

Preventive Care: Italian Greyhounds are slightly built dogs, and as such, can fracture bones relatively easily. Their light coats offer little protection to their thin skin from injury. In order to minimize the risk of injury, Italian Greyhounds should be handled gently and should avoid playing with very small children or large dogs.

As with all dogs, Italian Greyhounds should receive regular veterinary care, including physical exams once or twice a year. The goal of this care is to diagnose and treat minor problems before they become more severe. Routine daily toothbrushing at home should be performed to decrease the frequency of anesthetized dental cleanings.

Weight management is a critical step in keeping an Italian Greyhound healthy. If overfed or insufficiently exercised, Italian Greyhounds can quickly become overweight. Keep your delicately built four-legged friend at a healthy body condition by offering portion-controlled meals of a properly balanced diet. Avoid offering table scraps or too many treats, since these goodies will quickly pack on unnecessary weight.

Daily Consumption: An adult Italian Greyhound eats 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dry food per day

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: Although Italian Greyhounds are built for speed, they only need a few walks per day and some playtime to keep them fit and happy. Italian Greyhounds love to chase anything that moves and will continuously amaze you with their speed. The breed has been known to excel at competitive agility, lure coursing, tracking and racing.

Climate: The Italian Greyhound is a small dog without a winter coat. If you live in a colder climate, you will need to invest in a coat and boots for your dog to keep him warm outdoors.