General Information

Dog NameItalian Greyhound
Other NamesGalgo Italian
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeHound
GroupSighthound
Breed ForHuman companion
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginItaly

Physical And Size

SizeSmallest
Min Life Span14
Max Life Span15
Min Ideal Weight for male3
Max Ideal Weight for male6
Min Ideal Weight for female3
Max Ideal Weight for male6

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentSensitive, Playful, Loving
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyMedium
Child FriendlyMedium
Cat FriendlyLow
Dog FriendlyMedium
Office FriendlyMedium
Apartment FriendlyHigh
Senior Citizens FriendlyHigh
Service DogHigh
Search and Rescue DogHigh
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginItaly
Nicknames and Other NamesItalian Sighthound
Piccolo Levriero Italiano
Galgo Italiano
IG
Iggy
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupToy Group
Companion Group
Bred ForHuman Companion
SizeSmall-sized
Recognized ByFCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NZKC, CKC, KC
Life Span14-15 years
Ideal Weight7-14 pounds (male and female)
Ideal Height13-15 inches (male and female)
Fur TypeShort, glossy, fine
Common ColorsBlack, Blue, Cream, Fawn, Blue Fawn,
Red, Red Fawn, Seal, White and Black,
Blue, White and Fawn, White and Blue,
White and Sable
MarkingsBlue Mask, White markings, Black Mask
AvailabilityWidely available
AchievementsIncluded in many paintings
Suitable for ApartmentsYes
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToManchester Terrier (Toy)

The Italian Greyhounds are extremely sensitive and sweet dogs. They are elegant, beautiful, charismatic and aristocratic. They are gaining massive popularity with their gentle and calm personality.

They are perfect for a family companion because Italian Greyhounds are extremely loyal and protective towards their family and territory. They are alert which makes them great watchdogs.

Origin and History

The smallest of sight breeds, the Italian Greyhound is believed to have originated over 2000 years ago in Mediterranean basin countries. Evidence of the origin is in the depiction of miniature greyhounds.

The American Kennel Club registered first Italian Greyhound in 1886 and breeders began to establish the breed in the United States. Today the Italian Greyhound is enjoying a second renaissance and is delighted with its human companions for at least 2000 years.

Are Italian Greyhounds Child-Friendly?

Yes, Italian Greyhounds are child-friendly and do well with kids of all ages. They love playing outdoor and jump around kids. They are small and delicate and needs love from kids to give the same behavior back. They are very gentle and non-aggressive when it come to children.

Video of Cute Babies And Italian Greyhound playing and getting comfortable.

Teach your child not to behave harshly with Italian Greyhounds since they are a very sensitive breed. They might get aggressive with harsh behavior.

Behavior, Temperament And Personality

The behavior of Italian Greyhound dogs is described as sensitive, alert, smart and playful because it is affectionate with its family and loves to snuggle with you and stick close to your side. Strangers can see a more shy and reserved side of its personality.

dogs are described as sensitive, alert, smart and playful because it is affectionate with its family and loves to snuggle with you and stick close to your side. Strangers can see a more shy and reserved side of its personality.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvyu59Th7_d/
My Mum Giving Me Kisses.

Being a part of the hounds, Italian Greyhounds are prone to chase. Small animals such as cats, rabbits should not be kept in the same house where they live. They should not be allowed to run off-leash they might get aggressive with other animals.

The well trained Italian Greyhound will show great personality and small puppies should be given small commands so that they learn everything early and will develop a strong personality in adult age. Also, the dogs become fearless.

Trainability

Italian Greyhounds are small animals who need to be treated gently at all times. Training them can be easy even if they are independent they are quick learners and thrive on training session.

They are naturally well-behaved dogs but house training an Italian Greyhound can be difficult. These dogs will not reply when they are offered to go outdoor when raining or snowy days. They are clean dogs and won’t like to go on a mess.

Facts About Italian Greyhound

  • The Italian Greyhound was also owned by the Royalty Mary Stuart, Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great, Queens Anne, and Victoria II.
  • The movie “Good Boy” features an Italian Greyhound.
  • The Italian Greyhound has a fine, short coat that is simple to groom and the coat shed very little.
  • They hardly shed than any other dog breed. Italian Greyhound is highly athletic and is capable of jumping.
  • Italian Greyhounds enjoy dogs sport and weight pulling.
  • The life span of Italian Greyhound is 10 to 12 years.
  • Italian Greyhounds have a height of 7.5 to 10.5 inches.
  • Italian Greyhounds have a weight of 3 to 6 pounds.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesHip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation,
Eye Problem, Alopecia, Thyroid Problems,
Drug Sensitivity
HypoallergenicYes
Vaccination RequiredLeptospirosis, Canine Parainfluenza,
Rabies, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Kennel Cough,
Canine Coronavirus
SheddingNone to Minimal
DroolingLow Drooler
GroomingEasy and Minimal Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialLow to Average
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 28%
Fat: 10%
Lysine
Probiotics
Fish Oil
Glucosamine

Italian Greyhounds are healthy but like other breeds, they are prone to certain health issues. Some of the deteriorating health conditions are as follows:

  • Cataracts: It is an opacity on the lens of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing.
  • Von Willebrand’s disease: This is a blood disorder that is seen in dogs.
  • Vitreous Degeneration: If the vitreous moves from its position then vision may be impaired.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy: It is a degenerative eye disorder that causes blindness.
  • Hip Dysplasia: It is a condition in which the thigh bones do not fit the hip joint.
  • Allergies: Contact allergies and eye infections allergies are seen in dogs.
  • Epilepsy: It is a disorder that causes seizures in the dog.

Different Color Patterns

Italian Greyhounds are found in following different colors:

  • Black
  • Blue fawn
  • Fawn
  • Red fawn
  • Chocolate
  • Sable
  • Tan
  • Blue
  • Slate Grey
  • Grey
  • Red
  • Yellow

Puppies

Italian Greyhound can give birth to 4 to 5 puppies.

Cost of Italian Greyhound Puppy

The average cost of the Italian Greyhound puppies is about $500 USD.

Size

Italian Greyhounds have height of 7.5 to 10.5 inches and weigh around Italian 3 to 6 pounds.

Which Dog Breed Are Italian Greyhounds Similar To?

Some of the breeds similar to Italian Greyhound dogs are as follows:

Visit Doglime to know more about different dogs breed.

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