The exquisite Italian Greyhound is a smaller version of a real Greyhound and makes a watchful, amusing, and devoted toy friend. Although they make attractive couch dogs, IGs are actually fast-moving coursing hounds with a natural instinct for hunting. IGs are Greyhounds in miniature—more slender yet with all the grace and elegance of a Greyhound. They have the sleek, curved lines that are characteristic of all coursing hounds and should stand between 13 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder. The long, fine-boned legs are distinguishing characteristics. IGs mix the sophistication of old, aristocratic hounds with the attentiveness of lapdogs. These high-stepping charmers won’t go unnoticed because they were bred for ages to be devoted companions and jesters. They are, though, true sighthounds and will bolt after quick-moving prey at the drop of a cat. A short-coat, low-fat breed, IGs require extra care in cold weather
Italian Greyhound
Average sizes and life
expectancy of the breed.
Height
13-15 inches
Weight
7-14 pounds
Life Expectancy
14-15 years
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming Frequency
Drooling Level
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
Affectionate With Family
How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.
Good With Young Children
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming Frequency
Drooling Level
Coat Type
Corded
Curly
Double
Hairless
Rough
Silky
Smooth
Wavy
Wiry
Coat Length
Long
Medium
Short
Openness To Strangers
Playfulness Level
Watchdog/Protective Nature
Adaptability Level
Trainability Level
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
About the Breed
Owning a dog is not just a privilege; it’s a responsibility. They depend on us for, at minimum, food and shelter, and deserve much more. When you take a dog into your life, you need to understand the commitment that dog ownership entails.
Health
Italian Greyhounds are generally long-lived, with a normal lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions such as PRA, autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism. Although the IG is not as delicate as he looks, care must be taken to avoid hazardous situations that might result in a broken leg. Extensive information about breed health can be found on the website of the Italian Greyhound Club of America.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
- Patella Evaluation
- Hip Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Grooming
The most important grooming tip for the Italian Greyhound is that the teeth must be brushed on a regular basis, preferably daily. Dental cleaning by a veterinarian should be done yearly or as needed. Baths are rarely necessary unless the dog has gotten into something that can't be removed from the very short, smooth coat by gentle brushing. The nails need regular attention, preferably with a grinding tool. They should not be shortened all the way to the quick. This breed has a hare foot, and the two middle nails can be left slightly longer than the other two.
Exercise
IGs are an active breed and need regular exercise. For the most part, playtime will be sufficient for this, especially if there is more than one dog. Walks on lead are appreciated. Dog parks can be a hazard unless well supervised and having separate areas for small dogs. Even obedience-trained IGs should not be allowed off lead outdoors in unfenced areas, since small, moving animals are a huge incentive to run, possibly into danger.
Training
This breed responds best to reward-based training methods rather than punishment. The trainer should be firm with commands and lavish with praise. Treats used as a reward should be small but immediate when the command is learned and followed. Professional dog trainers should be chosen carefully. Harsh methods just don't work with these intelligent, sensitive little dogs, even though they can be stubborn.
Nutrition
The Italian Greyhound should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian's supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior). It's easy to allow these dogs to become overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. On an IG in proper weight, the hip bones should just be seen. Ribs should not be visible but should be able to be felt under a thin covering of flesh. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
History
Italian Greyhounds may have a dainty exterior, but they are quick, tough dogs that have endured two millennia of upheaval. When the powerful Roman Empire ruled over the Mediterranean approximately 2,000 years ago, it is believed by archaeological evidence that IGs were bred there as aristocratic companions.
In the days of the Empire, the tiny Greyhound was a beloved companion and possibly a small-game hunter throughout southern Europe. However, the breed truly flourished in Renaissance Italy, where possessing little replicas of well-known breeds was a status symbol among aristocrats and affluent aspirants. IGs, which exemplify the elegance and balance so crucial to the period’s aesthetics, can be seen in the paintings of numerous Renaissance masters.
Many of Europe’s most honorable laps included IGs. Among the monarchs who enhanced their majesty by having an IG or two by their side were James I, Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, Anne of Denmark, and Queen Victoria. 200 head of cattle were reportedly exchanged for a single Italian Greyhound by an African ruler by the name of Lobengula.