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Italian Greyhounds are a quiet breed, with a gentle nature. They are very intelligent and loyal to their owners, although they can be shy around strangers. They make great lapdogs and tend to bond closely with their owners if given plenty of love and attention. This breed likes routines so it’s important to establish one early on in order to keep them happy and content.
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Italian Greyhounds are a quiet breed, with a gentle nature. They are very intelligent and loyal to their owners, although they can be shy around strangers. They make great lapdogs and tend to bond closely with their owners if given plenty of love and attention. This breed likes routines so it’s important to establish one early on in order to keep them happy and content.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Italian Greyhound Guide
About Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is essentially a miniature of their larger Greyhound cousins. They’re small dogs with an oversized personality. They’re watchful and alert but are generally calm at home and love to spend time with their owners. Italian Greyhounds can be elegant and lovable additions to almost any household.
Lifespan
14 to 15 years
Weight
3 to 6.5 kg
Height
33 to 38 cm
Grooming
While grooming an Italian Greyhound is straightforward, getting them to sit still during grooming sessions starts with practice during the first couple of months of life. Acclimate your puppy to being touched all over while they are still manageable, and you may save yourself frustration when they get older.
Origins
The Italian Greyhound has thrived for thousands of years. Though their exact origins remain unclear, the breed likely flourished in Italy during the Renaissance.
As its name suggests, the Italian Greyhound descends from ancient hounds of the Mediterranean region. Experts generally agree that the breed has roots in the Middle East, particularly in Greece and Turkey, with some believing it may have originated in Egypt.
Records of similar-looking dogs appear in artworks dating back to the 4th century B.C., suggesting this breed has existed for many centuries.
Italian Greyhounds journeyed to Europe during the Middle Ages with traders and merchants traversing the Mediterranean. Initially prized as lapdogs and companions for wealthy families, they were also valued for their hunting prowess due to their keen sight and speed.
Throughout this period, they gained popularity among royalty and high society members, immortalised in paintings by famous artists.
Key Characteristics Of Italian Greyhounds
Are Italian Greyhounds Family-Friendly?
Yes, Italian Greyhounds generally bond well with people of all ages, making them excellent family pets. However, they crave attention and exercise, so they fit best with an active family with older children who can care for these small dogs.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Italian Greyhounds may suffer from:
Epilepsy
Skin diseases
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
A disorder of the hip joint where the head of the femur bone degenerates, leading to pain and lameness.
Nature / Temperament
Alert, Gentle, Sensitive, Playful, Sweet
Suitable Environment
An Italian Greyhound, being a very small breed, needs an environment tailored to their needs. The ideal setting should be quiet and comfortable, with ample space to explore and play. They also need access to a secure garden or yard for exercise.
Additionally, the home should be temperature-controlled—cooler in summer, warmer in winter—as these dogs do not tolerate extreme temperatures well.
They are calm and gentle but remain alert when strangers approach, often barking loudly, which can be a consideration for apartment dwellers.
Other Considerations
● Italian Greyhounds can be challenging to housetrain, much like other small breed dogs. Some Italian Greyhounds may not be completely trustworthy inside the house, so an easily accessible outdoor space may be necessary.
● Unlike other dogs, Italian Greyhounds often exhibit a curious love of high places, and you may find your puppy perched on the back of a chair or windowsill.
● Italian Greyhounds may or may not get along well with cats, depending on their prey drive.
How can I take good care of my Italian Greyhound?
Nutrition
Italian Greyhound puppies need a well-balanced diet of high-quality puppy food. Whole protein sources such as beef, chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs are essential for muscle development and growth. Additionally, omega fatty acids help maintain healthy joints and a shiny coat.
Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated.
Most Italian Greyhound puppies require 3 to 4 meals a day due to their small stomachs. Any major diet changes should occur under veterinary supervision.
Grooming
Italian Greyhounds are generally low-maintenance. They need minimal grooming and bathing, as they do not have a thick coat. Weekly brushing with a hound glove or soft-bristle brush will keep their coat sleek and shiny.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Bathe your Italian Greyhound puppy when they’ve rolled in something smelly. Apart from that, baths every couple of months suffice, as they tend to be clean dogs.
Check their ears weekly for discharge, redness, or bad odor, which can indicate an infection.
Brush your dog’s teeth with a vet-approved toothpaste around 3 to 4 times a week to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
Exercise
Italian Greyhound puppies need ample exercise, including daily walks and playtime. They benefit from running and playing in open areas such as a fenced yard or park.
As sighthounds, they excel at spotting and chasing prey animals. If you let your Italian Greyhound off their leash to stretch their legs, ensure it’s in a secure space.
This breed excels at keeping up with owners who enjoy running or jogging, though they should always be kept on a leash.
Training
Training should begin as soon as possible, even as young as 8 weeks old. Focus on teaching basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and heel.
Rewards-based training is best, encouraging positive behaviors and helping them understand your expectations. Potty training is crucial, as Italian Greyhounds can be hard to housetrain.
Socialization is vital for raising a well-adjusted puppy. Introducing your pup to new environments and people can help them become more confident and well-behaved in various situations.
Expose them to different sounds, smells, sights, and experiences, providing positive reinforcement when they behave well in those situations.
Some owners enrol their Italian Greyhound puppies in training classes. Ensure the training methods rely on positive reinforcement.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Italian Greyhound Questions
No, Italian Greyhound puppies should not live outdoors. These dogs are small and delicate, and they need to be kept in a warm, dry environment with plenty of love and attention.
They can easily get sick if left outdoors for extended periods of time.
Italian Greyhounds seem to be built to compete, with their athletic bodies and graceful gait. Obedience, agility and rally competitions are all fair game for a well-trained Italian Greyhound, though extra effort is required to get them to follow commands when they’re feeling stubborn.
When looking for Italian Greyhound puppies for sale, you should only deal with reputable breeders with a history of producing happy, healthy dogs. Italian Greyhound puppies from good breeders will end up better behaved and longer-lived than otherwise.
The average cost of Italian Greyhounds is typically between AUD $2000 and $5000.
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