Italian Greyhound
Galgo Italiano, Iggy, Italienisches Windspiel, Levrette d’Italie, Piccolo Levriero Italiano
The Italian Greyhound is recognized as the smallest of the sighthound breeds, often referred to as "miniature" due to its petite size. Historical artwork from ancient Egypt depicts dogs that closely resemble this breed. Renowned for their affectionate and lively disposition, Italian Greyhounds were originally bred for hunting purposes but have evolved into cherished companions that enjoy lounging on laps. It is crucial to keep them indoors or in a securely fenced space, as they have a propensity to chase after cars, bicycles, and even pedestrians. Although they are quite intelligent, they can pose challenges during house training. To flourish, they need plenty of love and attention. Furthermore, they may be sensitive to certain insecticides and anesthetics, yet they are generally regarded as healthy dogs overall.
Breed Origin
The name "Greyhound" is commonly believed to originate from the Old English term "grighund." This breed even finds mention in biblical texts. Interestingly, some contend that the English name does not specifically refer to the grey color but instead translates to "fair dog." While the exact beginnings of the Italian Greyhound are somewhat ambiguous, historical art dating back approximately 2,000 years features this breed. It is thought that the Phoenicians brought the Italian Greyhound to Europe, where it was mainly bred as a companion animal. The breed was highly valued by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, with the latter significantly influencing its evolution. Many royals had a particular affection for this breed; for example, Frederick the Great of Prussia was reportedly buried alongside his beloved Italian Greyhound. However, by the early 1900s, the breed saw a decline in both its population and popularity. Some breeders attempted to further minimize the size of this already petite dog, which unfortunately resulted in various health complications. The Italian Greyhound arrived in America in the late 19th century, and today, its popularity is once again experiencing a resurgence.
Breed Appearance
The Italian Greyhound is a small breed known for its delicate bone structure. It boasts a long, slender head that tapers to a pointed muzzle, with teeth that meet in a scissors bite. This breed has medium-sized eyes and ears that elegantly fold back against the head. Owners may opt to remove the dewclaws if they wish. Italian Greyhounds are available in a range of colors, such as gray, slate gray, red, fawn, blue, black, white, and cream. Furthermore, they can be primarily white with markings or display a solid color accented by white on their chest and feet.
Care Routine
Having an Italian Greyhound offers the benefit of minimal shedding, which means you won’t have to bathe them often or brush their fur regularly. However, because they are prone to periodontal disease, it’s essential to brush their teeth two to three times a week, with daily brushing being the best practice to prevent gum problems. Nail trimming should be done at least once a month; a good rule of thumb is to trim them when you hear their nails clicking on the floor. Additionally, check their ears weekly for any unusual smells or signs of irritation, and clean the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with a mild cleanser. Starting a grooming routine while your Italian Greyhound is still a puppy will help them get used to the process. Regularly inspecting for rashes, sores, or redness can also help you catch potential infections early.
Behavior & Temperament
The Italian Greyhound possesses a surprisingly gentle and submissive temperament. This breed is characterized by its playful spirit, loving nature, and polite behavior, as it often strives to please its owner. They do not respond well to harsh training methods; instead, they thrive under a handler who is both firm and consistent. Early socialization is vital for Italian Greyhound puppies; exposing them to a variety of people, other animals, and children is essential for helping them navigate different situations as they grow. Without adequate socialization, these dogs may develop timidity. Generally, Italian Greyhounds are calm and can become quite attached to their owners. However, overindulgence can lead to Small Dog Syndrome, where the dog may start to assume it is the one in control of the household. To assert your role as the leader of the pack, it is important to maintain a calm and confident presence. Furthermore, Italian Greyhounds are highly active and agile, often displaying a tendency to climb on furniture.
Play & Exercise
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
1.3 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
Ancient Times
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Small
Origin Country
Italy
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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PETINNATE
Companion Dog
AKC
Toy Group
UKC
Companion Dog
Height & Weight
Weight
11 lbs (5 kg)Male: 11 lbs (5 kg) , Female: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Height
14 inches (36 sm)Male: 14 inches (36 sm) , Female: 14 inches (36 sm)
6 Months
6 lbs ( m 6 lbs, f 6 lbs )
10 inches ( m 10 inches, f 10 inches )
12 Months
8 lbs ( m 8 lbs, f 8 lbs )
12 inches ( m 12 inches, f 12 inches )
18 Months
10 lbs ( m 10 lbs, f 10 lbs )
14 inches ( m 14 inches, f 14 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Brown
Coat Colors
Brindle
Sable
Pied
White
Blue
Fawn
Cream
Red
Gray
Black
Characteristics
Mixes
Italian-Bichon
The Italian Bichon is a small but alert companion, celebrated for its loyalty and playful demeanor, often confused with the Jack Russell Terrier. In reality, this breed is a hybrid of the Italian Greyhound and the Bichon Frise. Characterized by their slender, elongated frames and slightly tousled coats, these dogs typically need weekly grooming to keep their fur in good condition. The precise origins of the Italian Bichon are somewhat ambiguous, a common trait among many designer breeds that have recently surged in popularity. They make wonderful family pets, adapting easily to different living environments and climates. However, it's important to note that they generally feel more at ease around older children, as younger kids may not always engage with them in a suitable manner.
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Italian Cavalier Greyhound
The Italian Cavalier Greyhound is a charming and friendly small breed, created by crossing the Italian Greyhound with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This dog adapts easily to different living environments, making it a fantastic option for novice dog owners. They require only moderate grooming and are generally straightforward to train due to their gentle disposition and eagerness to please. Although primarily seen as companion animals rather than working or guard dogs, they have a sharp awareness that allows them to serve as effective watchdogs. Many owners characterize the Italian Cavalier Greyhound as a clever little friend, overflowing with love and affection.
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Italian Tzu
The Italian Tzu is a hybrid dog that emerges from the combination of an Italian Greyhound and a Shih Tzu. This breed is relatively easy to care for, requiring little grooming and exhibiting minimal shedding. Training an Italian Tzu is generally uncomplicated, and they do not require a lot of exercise. Since their parent breeds are not designed for extended outdoor activities, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on them when outside to avoid overheating. The Italian Tzu can be left alone for reasonable durations, such as during a workday, and typically does not suffer from separation anxiety. Known for their affectionate, energetic, and playful nature, they make excellent companions for children.
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Puggit
The Puggit is a carefully crafted designer breed, resulting from the intentional crossbreeding of two cherished companion animals historically adored by royalty: the Pug and the Italian Greyhound. This loving and spirited dog carries an air of elegance, although it can sometimes display signs of anxiety and destructive behavior. To ensure a joyful and well-adjusted temperament, regular and gentle socialization and training are crucial. Although their short coat requires minimal upkeep and comes in various colors, it does make them more susceptible to extreme weather conditions, whether hot or cold, than many other breeds.
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