Italian Greyhound

Size: Small
Other Names: Piccolo Levriero Italiano, Iggy, LG
Country of Origin: Italy
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Toy
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Toys
United Kennel Club (UKC): Companion Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Toys
The Kennel Club (KC): Toy
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Toy
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Toy

Height:

13-15 inches

Weight:

8-15 pounds

Color(s):

All except for brindle markings and tan markings, such as those usually found on black and tan dogs of other breeds

Coat:

Extremely short and almost odorless

Description:

A small breed of dog of the sight hound type, who is able to run with a double suspension gallop, and can achieve a top speed of up to 25 miles per hour.  The breed is equally at home in the city or the country and does not require as much exercise as larger breeds, although they are fast, agile and athletic.  The young dog is often particularly active, and this high level of activity may lead them to attempt ill-advised feats of athleticism that can result in injury.

Temperament:

The Italian Greyhound is affectionate and makes a good companion dog.  The breed is excellent for families, and enjoys the company of people.  While they are excellent with children, the breed’s slim build and short coat make them somewhat fragile, and injury can result from rough play.  Italian Greyhounds make reasonably good watchdogs, as they bark at unfamiliar sounds.  They may also bark at passers-by and other animals.  However, they often get along well with other dogs and cats they are raised with.  They are not good guard dogs as they are often aloof with strangers and easily spooked to run.  This breed tends to gravitate to warm places, curl up with other dogs or humans, or burrow into blankets and under cushions for warmth.  Owners of Italian Greyhounds should be extremely mindful of any unknown dogs, no matter what size, because Italian Greyhounds can be extremely territorial, and may even "have a go" at any larger unknown dogs on their property.

Training:

In general the Italian Greyhound is intelligent, but they often have a "what's in it for me" attitude and do not exactly throw themselves into training with great excitement, so patience, firmness, gentleness and reward in training seem to work best.  They are also known for their mischievous ingenuity; despite a high center of gravity, they can easily walk upright on their hind legs to reach items up on tables.  They may also use their 'hidden talent' of jumping to unusual heights to reach high-up items of interest or desire to them.  Like most small breeds, Italian Greyhounds have small bladders.  Housebreaking progresses with training and patience, but still at a slower pace than with larger breeds.

Care & Grooming:

The Italian Greyhound enjoys running as fast as he possibly can, typically faster than other larger dogs.  Due to their slim build and extremely short coat, Italian Greyhounds are at times reluctant to go outside in cold or wet weather, so some owners lay old newspaper on the floor near an exit so their pets can relieve themselves.  Some respond well to dog-litter training as well.  Italian Greyhounds have an extremely high predator drive, and even a well-behaved pet can break away at high speed after a small animal.  A short leash is highly suggested to owners due to reports of animals breaking their own necks when running a full lead mounted to the ground or a wall.  Sometimes a dog harness is a good option; since the Italian Greyhound has a tapering neck and small head, they can often "slip" their collar and leash.  The Italian Greyhound requires little more than an occasional bath, but a wipe-down with a damp cloth is recommended after walks, as seeds, burrs, and floating dust in the air can get into the coat and irritate the skin.  The Italian Greyhound’s teeth should be brushed daily.  Their scissor-bite and thin jaw bones make them susceptible to periodontal disease, which can be avoided with good dental care.

Shedding:

Very low; the fine coat leaves little hair and little odor.

Health:

Italian Greyhounds have fine bones that break easily, and they may develop dental disease, epilepsy, and progressive retinal atrophy.  Protect them from jumps off furniture and from cold.

Lifespan:

13–15 years

Litter Size:

2–4 puppies