Aaah, the Italian Greyhound ! Such a delight to their adoring fans, but such a poor,
poor breed choice for so many others. Thorough research is a good idea before taking one
of these little guys home. Despite its wash-and-wear appearance, this is not a low
maintenance breed. Consequently, a great many impulsively purchased IGs end up in
shelters, rescue, or worse, and the problem is growing with their increased production in
the midwest puppymills and the resulting
presence of more of these appealing little IG puppies in petstore cages.
The ancestors of the Italian Greyhound are thought to have originated approximately 2000
years ago in the desert regions around Turkey and the Middle East. Their name derives from
their popularity with the nobility of Italy beginning in the 16th century, and their
subsequent portrayal in many paintings and sculptures of the period. Though regarded by
the AKC as a Toy Breed in this country, the Italian Greyhound (IG) is actually a member of
the Sighthound family, those long-legged, deep-chested runners such as the Greyhound and
Afghan, who primarily hunt by sight rather than by scent. The Italian Greyhound is the
littlest Sighthound similar in appearance to the mellow, laid-back retired racing
Greyhounds, though most unlike them in temperament. A healthy, well-socialized IG puppy is
a creature of boundless energy and enthusiasm. He needs very close companionship,
supervision, and training, particularly during his adolescence, which can last up to the
age of three or so years. His cat-like athleticism and unbridled curiosity necessitate
close monitoring to prevent serious injury, broken legs being the most common.
IGs require a fenced yard and, like all sighthounds, should never be allowed off-lead
in an unfenced area. They also can be extremely high escape risks during transport as well
as during the first few weeks in a new home with strange people and unfamiliar
surroundings. Because of their slender heads, they can slip from a tightly buckled collar
with ease. Use of a martingale lead is a necessity and for a newly acquired IG who may be
easily spooked, a harness is the safest bet, with the loop end around your wrist as an
added safeguard against the lead being yanked
out of your hand. Flexi-Leads are especially prone to being jerked from the hand when an
untrained dog hits the end of the lead.
A loose Italian Greyhound can NOT be caught when he doesn't want to be (they
have been clocked at speeds of thirty miles per hour), and these escapes all too
frequently end with the panicked IG being hit by a car.
IGs are strictly indoor pets as their short, smooth coats and low percentage of body fat
make them sensitive to extremes of both heat and cold. Most IGs do NOT welcome the
attentions of small children with their unpredictability, sudden movements, and
high-pitched chatter. IGs may or may not do well with other, large breed dogs, depending
on the size and temperaments of the individuals involved. Most are tolerant of cats.
IGs have the reputation for being difficult to housetrain, but with constant supervision
and positive reinforcement they are just as trainable as any other Toy breed. It is simply
that negative methods and harshness are counter-productive in training an IG in ANY
activity. Many, however, will go to great and creative lengths to avoid going outside in
wet or cold weather. For this reason, many IG owners have found it advantageous to adapt
their IG not only to outdoor elimination but
also to an indoor alternative such as a "litter box" with newspaper or the
"wee-wee pads" sold specifically for this purpose.
As with most things in life, we get out of them what we put into them. Those willing to
make the commitment in time and energy, and adapt their lifestyles to take an Italian
Greyhound into their home and heart, will find they have a best friend, a loyal and loving
companion, a constant source of entertainment, and a bed-warmer extraordinaire!!!
1. Energy level: High Energy. Needs running room (fenced yard)
2. Good with children under 5: NO
3. Good with children over 5 & under 10: Probably not
4. Good with children over 10: Yes
**on 2- 4making the assumption that the person getting the dog is your 'average' family
with little dog knowlege and who may not be too aware about personal space/kid interaction
5. Ease of care (grooming etc): Occasional baths, weekly nail trim, daily tooth brushing
6. Housebreakability: Initially needs constant supervision, confinement to limited area in
the house, and positive reinforcement for "good pottying." Harsh corrections not
advised. May want an indoor
(litter box or potty pads) alternative for bad weather.
7. Life limiting disorders - small # auto-immune disorders
8. Non-life limiting disorders - luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, leg perthes, PRA
causing blindness, seizure disorders, alopecia (baldness), teeth require regular brushing
and periodic cleanings to prevent early loss and serious gum disease.
9. Length of average life span: 14 to 16 (a few up to 20)
10. Trainability: Intelligent, stubborn, sensitive
11. Less than lovely breed quirks: Escape risks, leap from high places, some may be
barkers or "screamers", higher incidence of leg breaks in the young and those
not afforded ample
exercise/fenced running space.
12. Average weight/size - standard is 13 - 15" at the shoulder; actual wide variation
from 11" to 18", 6 to 20 lbs.
13. Personality: Affectionate, stubborn, eager
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