Italian Greyhound Breed Description

Introduction

These graceful dogs date back to the Greek and Egyptian eras. They are perfect sight hounds in miniature, created thousands of years ago by breeding down standard size Greyhounds. These high stepping dogs are discerning, a little bashful and retiring in temperament. Typically determined and resourceful, they are good with children and ideal companions for fastidious people. They can be a little headstrong, but do train well with kindness. They do not do well in cold weather. Coat colors are cream, fawn, blue or black. Grooming needs are minimal (a rub down with a towel is all they need to look their best). Italian Greyhounds weigh 6 to 8 lbs. and stand 12 to 15" at the shoulders.

History

Amazingly, a dog that looks like today’s Italian Greyhound was discovered in an ancient Egyptian tomb. Similar to the Greyhound, this breed was brought by Phoenicians to Europe, where the Romans later cross bred the dog to produce the Italian Greyhound. The Italian Greyhound became very popular with some European nobility, especially during the 16th century. Though this breed was initially bred to be a companion dog, it became a good hunting dog.

General Description

This breed is fine boned, miniature and elegant. The dog has a rather long head and a sleek body shape. Its long head narrows to a pointed muzzle. The breed’s nose is dark while its lips are thin and overall, it has a scissors bite. It has dark eyes, which makes its appearance similar to that of its bigger cousins. The Italian Greyhound’s coat is short and this simplifies its maintenance. The dog’s coat comes in various colors such as slate grey, blue, cream, fawn, red and black with spots of white on its body and ears. The dog’s ears usually fold on its head but if it is alert, the ears rise in a perpendicular position. The breed has a straight tail that is slightly curved.

Temperament

The Italian greyhound is affectionate, submissive and gentle. They are very attached and loyal to their owners and show a bit of reservation towards strangers. They are intelligent, playful and quick to learn, making them very easy to train; however, this will depend on whether the training is done consistently or not. The Italian Greyhound can become timid and high strung if its owners protect it too much and if they are not properly and sufficiently exercised. Simple exercise activities such as daily walks are appropriate. This breed gets along well with children provided they are well treated. They also get along with other pets such as cats and other dogs. The dogs are very peaceful, dependent, and easy to groom and to get along with. The Italian Greyhound breeds are very active and fast, making them good at hunting.

Health and Care

These dogs are strong but their bones are a little fragile before they reach 18 months. The breed is susceptible to fractures, epilepsy, slipped stifle and PRA. They are also likely to be affected by chemicals and drugs, seizures, thyroid problems, autoimmune disorders and luxating patella. The dog’s thin skin and size makes it more sensitive to extreme cold weather; owners should ensure their Greyhound wears a sweater in such conditions. The dogs are active indoors though they will not mind playing outside in the yard. The dogs should be bathed only when it is necessary. If bathed, the dog’s owner should ensure that it is warm and dry. The breed sheds minimally.

Exercise

The dogs enjoy playing and running especially in the company of other Italian Greyhounds of the same size.

Colors

Solid Gray, Slate Gray, Cream, Red, Fawn, Black, Blue, Speckled, White Markings, Flecked

Living Area

The Italian Greyhound makes an excellent apartment dweller but does need plenty of activity and space for freedom of movement. They enjoy a good walk, and will bond especially well with their owners after exercise. These dogs enjoy playing with other Italian Greyhounds and can get quite rough; they should not necessarily play with larger dogs since they can hurt themselves without realizing it. They enjoy rolling in the grass and tumbling in the sand; they are very sensitive to cold temperatures and will need to wear warm clothing such as a sweater, in colder weather. These dogs do not need to be chained up all day.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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