Is The Italian Greyhound Right For You?
- 1Italian Greyhounds are known for their quiet and loving temperament.
- 2Italian Greyhounds are great with children, but care must be taken to avoid rough-housing.
- 3Italian Greyhounds need consistent, gentle training to avoid becoming shy or submissive.
- 4They are good with cats and other small dogs.
HISTORY
Thought to be around 6,000 years old, the Italian Greyhound has been found mummified in ancient Egyptian tombs. Thought to hail from somewhere in the Mediterranean, the Italian Greyhound was used extensively for hunting, as well as a companion. They earned their name during the Middle Ages when they made their way over to Italy, where they became very popular. They were recognized by the AKC in 1886.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
12 - 15 years
Hair Length
Short
Male Height
12 -1 5 inches (30 - 38 cm.)
Male Weight
6 - 10 pounds (3 - 5 kg.)
Female Height
12 -1 5 inches (30 - 38 cm.)
Female Weight
6 - 10 pounds (3 - 5 kg.)
Litter Size
4 - 8 puppies, average 6 puppies
Personality
The Italian Greyhound is a calm, timid breed that lives only to please their master. They are great with kids, but need to be watched, as rough handling could result in serious injuries to the dog. They are smart dogs that can be trained easily, however the training needs to be calm and reserved, otherwise they may get overly nervous. Thanks to their meek temperament, they require a calm, subdued living environment, or constant reassurance that everything is alright. .
Color
The Italian Greyhound can be solid grey, slate grey, cream, red, fawn, black, blue, speckled, with white markings, and (occasionally) flecked.
Health Concerns
While the Italian Greyhound looks really delicate, they are hardier than they appear. The health concerns observed in this breed are:
- epilepsy
- slipped stifle
- fractures
- eye problems
- poor oral health
Appearance
A slight, almost wispy breed, the Italian Greyhound looks, in most ways, like a miniature version of their larger counterpart. They have the same pointy face, dark nose, curved back, skinny tail, and almost nonexistent waist. They have an incredibly short, soft coat.