Italian Greyhound Overview

If an Italian Greyhound gets off its leash, it’s as good as gone. This miniaturized version of the classic Greyhound had the original purpose of being a lapdog for Italian nobility. Their short hair makes grooming a minimal requirement, and they have a surprisingly low need for exercise. 

A thin, light body is intended for speed and grace, for which the breed excels. However, they have a fatally low resistance to cold weather, and they are in no way intended for outdoor living. 

Also, this breed has a fragile bone structure and can easily be injured playing with large dogs or unrestrained children. 

These dogs can be master escape artists, so a sturdy and tall fence is essential for backyards. As a born runner, the dog has a high metabolism and only weighs a maximum of 15 lbs, so it can easily burn off energy in an apartment or other small household. 

The Italian Greyhound is a dog with particular restrictions that must be kept in mind, and it is better suited for a single companion rather than a whole family.

Italian Greyhound History

There is no specific date or timeline for the origin of the Italian Greyhound, which indicates that the breed has an ancient heritage. Early Mediterranean and Turkish art depict dogs resembling the Italian, but not until the Middle Ages do the dogs officially appear in Southern Europe. 

As a dog capable of long travels, the Italian Greyhound commonly accompanied Italian courtiers on their journeys. 

In the 1600s, the breed gained popularity among English nobles just as they did in Italy. The peak of the breed’s popularity came with the favor of Queen Victoria, but then fell into obscurity until World War II, due likely to overpopulation from puppy mills churning out sickly dogs. 

The breed was preserved thanks to their exportation to other countries in the 19^th century. Today, their popularity is slowly increasing.

Italian Greyhound Character

Italian Greyhounds are consummate athletes, but their light frames restrict the likelihood of breaking things indoors while playing a rousing game. 

It is a reserved dog, which is loyal to its owners and gentle with children. The danger with children, however, is that a rowdy toddler could accidentally injure the Greyhound in play.  

the breed is generally timid, it may not be able to leap out of the way when a playful Great Dane barrels toward it at the local dog park. 

Training is easy enough for the Greyhound, even easier if the owner begins early. Well-trained Italians regularly achieve in agility competitions, and they are generally unproblematic if left alone for short periods. 

This toy breed is ideal for single and elderly owners, who can reciprocate the companionship and affection that the Italian gives.

Italian Greyhound Care

The Italian Greyhound has a coat that is very easy to groom. This breed sheds very little if any hair making grooming very simple. A regular wipe down with a soft towel or chamois is sure to keep his coat in tiptop shape and looking glossy and beautiful. The teeth of this breed should be brushed on a regular basis to prevent tartar buildup and/or gum disease. Italian Greyhounds should be protected from the cold and should have their nails clipped at least once every two weeks.

Italian Greyhound Training

The Italian Greyhound can be extremely difficult to train, as they can be very high-strung, yet so sensitive at the same time. Many times this requires professional training from a trainer experienced with the Italian Greyhound. Housebreaking can be very difficult, even though they are very intelligent and eager to please. Obedience classes are definitely recommended as this breed has the tendency to become very submissive if corrected in a harsh manner.

Italian Greyhound Health

Common Health Issues for the Italian Greyhound:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Italian Greyhound:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Italian Greyhound Resources