Italian Greyhound

Breed Overview

The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed that traces its origin to as far back as 20 BC. This canine breed is small but athletic, and is mostly likened to mini versions of the Greyhound. With their slim and sleek body, longer legs, and charming personalities, they are a favorite among pet owners.

Care and Grooming

Italian Greyhounds require very little grooming. An occasional bath and nail trim is all that is needed to keep them looking and feeling their best. It is also recommended that their teeth be brushed regularly for optimal oral health. In terms of exercise, Italian Greyhounds need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and active.

Training and Socialization

Italian Greyhounds are intelligent and eager to please. With the right motivation, they learn quickly and respond well to positive training techniques. It is important to socialize Italian Greyhounds from a young age so they can learn how to interact with other animals and people. Basic obedience training is also a must to ensure good manners and to prevent undesirable behaviors.

Health and Wellness

Italian Greyhounds are generally a healthy dog breed, but are prone to conditions such as epilepsy, gastric problems, and eye problems. Regular veterinary visits are recommended to ensure optimal health. Additionally, Italian Greyhounds should be fed a high quality food and plenty of fresh water should be available at all times.

Living Environment

Italian Greyhounds love to live indoors with their families. An occasional outdoor stroll, yard play time, and trips to the dog park or beach are all great activities they enjoy. This breed is not suited for living in extreme temperatures, so if their environment is consistently hot or cold, a sturdier and more roomy coat must be provided.

Temperament and Personality

Italian Greyhounds are gentle, sweet-natured, and affectionate dogs. They love spending time with their families and, if provided enough exercise, can make great family pets. The breed is known for being timid and somewhat shy, but they are typically very loyal to their owners. Italian Greyhounds also like to bark and may startle easily.

Common Challenges

Italian Greyhounds may be prone to separation anxiety because of their close-knit bond with their owners. If left alone for extended periods of time, they may become destructive or lay in wait for their human to return. Proper training and socialization is key in curbing this behavior. Additionally, this breed is very delicate and can injury themselves easily if not supervised.