The Italian Greyhound is meant for a quiet apartment or home. She does not do well with loud, rough children as her bones can be brittle as a puppy and she is delicate in both body and mind. She is a good watch dog and loves her family. She can do well with other respectful dogs and animals, especially if she is socialized with them at an early age. If she is housed with other dogs, be aware that they should not be large dogs. She is a climber and may even climb out of a fenced enclosure. Keep her controlled when outside as she can run very fast and can be about impossible to catch if she does not want to be.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Italian Greyhound is 12 to 15 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 6 to 10 pounds. There is a under 8 pound class and an over 8 pound class.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Italian Greyhound is no exception. Although they are a healthy breed, be on the look out for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), slipped stifle and epilepsy (common in dogs). Additionally, Italian Greyhound puppies under eighteen months old are prone to broken legs due to fragile developing bones. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Italian Greyhound has a short, fine coat that is like satin to the touch. She just needs an occasional rub down with a soft cloth. When she needs a rare bath, be sure that she is dried properly and kept warm.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Italian Greyhound can live between 14 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Italian Greyhound comes from Italy. They are a small sight hound and were bred as pets. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.

Some Registries:

*Italian Greyhound Club of America

*UKC United Kennel Club

*NKC National Kennel Club

*CKC Continental Kennel Club

*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

*AKC American Kennel Club

*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain

*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club

*ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 3 to 5 Italian Greyhound puppies.

Category: Toy

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

They barely shed.

Not a spoiled brat.

Generally has good manners.

Good watch dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Can be a chore to housebreak.

Can be destructive, especially if left alone.

Does not like criticism.

Does not like it cold.

Poor guard dog.

*Other Names Known By: Piccolo Levrieri Italiani

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Have you thought about how your Italian Greyhound will be taken care of in your absences? With just a little planning and thinking ahead you can make adequate arrangements for all your pets for the times you need to be away from them. This article will help you do some of that planning.

Can your Italian Greyhound wait 10 hours to go for a walk? What if you can’t come home Wednesday nights because of a prior commitment?

Anytime an Italian Greyhound owner needs to go away on vacation, stay long hours at work or has regular scheduled activities that take them away from home they must consider how their Italian Greyhound will be cared for. Your Italian Greyhound provides entertainment and companionship but is also a huge responsibility. You show respect for your Italian Greyhound by taking its needs into consideration and planning accordingly.

Fortunately there are many services available to assist you in caring for your Italian Greyhound during times when you can’t personally give them the attention and care they need. What are they? Which is best for your Italian Greyhound?

DAY CARE

Social animals, like Italian Greyhounds, can suffer emotionally from a lack of attention. If your Italian Greyhound has access to the outdoors they will be able to relieve themselves when necessary but a house-bound Italian Greyhound will physically require a walk or you will come home to an accident on your rug and a frustrated animal.

Day care centers provide the needed social stimulation most dogs crave. At the day care your Italian Greyhound will spend time with other dogs and have people looking after its physical needs. If you have a young Italian Greyhound this can be especially important as your Italian Greyhound may become destructive with a lack of supervision and an abundance of unused energy.

BOARDING KENNELS

If you plan to be away overnight or for longer your Italian Greyhound or may be placed in a boarding kennel. This can be expensive but will ensure your Italian Greyhound is cared for daily and overnight.

IN-HOME CARE

If you are comfortable leaving your Italian Greyhound at home all day you may find the in-home services of a visitor or dog walker to be sufficient and less costly while still providing personal attention.

Cats and other animals may not need daily visits if you come home in the evening but will need some attention if you are away overnight or for several days. Cats prefer their own homes rather than the highly social aspect of day cares or boarding kennels. Other pets, such as birds and reptiles, will most likely do better with in-home care as well.

In-home care can be as basic as someone taking your Italian Greyhound for a walk in the middle of the day or as inclusive as having a sitter stay in your home with your Italian Greyhound.

Examine your situation and budget when choosing a method of care. Take your pet’s best interests in mind. If you are having someone come to your home be sure they are reputable. Licensed businesses should be insured and bonded when employees are trusted with entering and locking up your home.

Keep all these things in mind. Prepare ahead for your absences, and you should be able to have peace of mind while you are away from your Greyhound and/or other pets.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

Dog picture taken by madaise.

This is a game we play with our Italian Greyhound IG Emma She is a great dog. She is also totally spoiled as my wife says (she blames me for the spoiling). For some reason certain words make her “roo”. Her main words are Guava Melon, Chihuahua, and MAMA. Also if you make like Pavarotti and sing opera she will go off. (Pretty much anytime I sing she starts howling.) So I made a little Halloween story for her. She got extra treats for this.

Dog picture taken by deletem3.

ITALIAN GREYHOUND

This is why my wife and I are in love with our Italian Greyhounds. Every single night, Amelie rubs her face against ours, trying to get us to kiss her. Such a wonderful breed. If you like this one, you may like this one too: www.youtube.com More Amelie antics here: www.youtube.com The Italian Greyhound in this video was adopted. We did not buy her from a pet store or a breeder. Someone else bought her from a petstore and could not keep her. Our other two ig’s are rescue dogs. There is no reason to buy from a breeder or a petstore. We got three pure bred Italian Greyhounds all under the age of 1 by adoption or rescue.

I walked my Dog in the park to see plum blossom,but they were not in full blossom yet.

Dog picture taken by pmarkham.

Italian Greyhound

Although the Italian Greyhound has been in existence for centuries, the exact origin of this beautiful breed of dog is completely unknown. There is evidence of artwork that dates back more than 2000 years ago that depicts these dogs in areas such as the Mediterranean, Greece, and Turkey.

Italian Greyhounds were known as “Miniature Greyhounds” and were found in abundance throughout areas of southern Europe. They were especially adored by Itailian courtiers.

Sometime during the 17th century, this dog breed arrived in England and rose in popularity with the nobility.They became just as popular in England as they had been in their homeland of Italy.

In the year of 1820 there were only two specific dog breeds that were mentioned in a book about dogs. The Italian Greyhound was one of them. This breed continued to attract more and more popularity, mostly with the wealthy, but reached its peak sometime during the leadership reighn of Queen Victoria.

After this time period, the numbers of Italian Greyhounds started to decline rapidly. In fact, after the end of World War II, these dogs had all but disappeared. The reason for this is unknown but it is theorized that the decline was the result of poor breeding quality over many generations. Even though their numbers had declined on the verge of extinction, quite a few Italian Greyhounds made their way to America sometime during the late 1800s and the breed was revived.

Personality

The Italian Greyhound is a moderately small dog that loves to run at fast speeds and chase anything that will run from it. These dogs are extremely gentle and a bit on the sensitive side. Italian Greyhounds are reserved, timid, and makes a lovable family pet, especially around children.

Taking Care Of Your Italian Greyhound

This is one breed of dog that is best suited to live with an active family.  In other words, if sitting on your couch all day is your idea of spending time with your dog, the Italian Greyhound would not be the ideal choice. They need an active lifestyle with plenty of running outside.

Italian Greyhounds absolutely hate cold weather but can stand higher-than-normal temperatures due to its shorthaired coat. Grooming is minimal with only the occasional brushing needed in order to remove dead hair.

Health Information

The average lifespan of the Italian Greyhound can last up to 17 years when healthy, with 13 to 14 years being the average. The only major health concern that they have is periodontal disease. Minor issues include PRA, leg fractures (from running), patellar luxation, and epilepsy.

History

The Italian Greyhound is a miniature version that is thought to have came from the Mediterranean area. First century B.C. art from Greece and Turkey show off this breed. These dogs were all over southern Europe during medieval times. It made it to England in the 17th century. It reached the zenith of its popularity in England during the reign of Queen Victoria.

This breed was almost wiped out in the 1800’s because Toy Terriers were mated with them. This mating was destroying the characteristics of the Italian Greyhound. The Greyhound Club was organized in 1900 and they took serious measures to keep the breed alive and well with its characteristics intact. The AKC gave it recognition in 1886.

General Looks

It is a small and slim  version of the larger greyhound. It has a long and leveled head. Its nose and eyes are dark. The small ears are laid back. If the dog is attentive of something the ears bend to right angels. The legs are thin and the neck is slender. The chest is big and the belly goes up. They have a long and pointy face and muzzle.

Is This Your Breed?

These are fun loving and smart dogs. They are easily trained and they like to be with their owners. Italian Greyhounds are affable. They are gentle natured. They need a walk each day and they like running. They are great dogs for apartment living because of their diminutive size. The short coat requires scant grooming.

Coat

The coat is soft, supple and like satin.

Color

All colors are accepted. The exception in the AKC is brindle or tan markings usually characteristic of other breeds.

Personality

It is a submissive dog that depends on its owner. Training them in a kind manner and being consistent works well. They like to play  but like quiet. Active kids or large dogs can make them nervous and they may become snappish. To calm them, get everyone settled down and pet the dog and talk gently to it. They become afraid easily. Watch the dog closely, if he isn’t on a leash. They like the chase.

Italian Greyhound video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQOGJdGbCzE