Italian Greyhound
Also Called: Italian Greyhound IG I.G.
| Friendliness | High |
|---|---|
| Kid Friendly | High |
| Pet Friendly | High |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Easy |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency To Bark | Low |
| Amount Of Shedding | Low |
The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog of the sight hound type. The Italian Greyhound is descended from the Greyhound, and is a very old breed. It is used for hunting, but today is mainly kept as a companion dog.
Breed Overview
- Group: Toy
- Life Span: 12 - 15 years
- Height: Small
- Weight: 5 - 7 kg
- Coat: Short and smooth
- Coat Colors: Fawn,Grizzle,Blue,Black,Red,White
- Litter Size: 2 - 4
- Family: Toy / Companion Dog
- Hypoallergenic: false
- Recognition: FCI, AKC
- Size: Small
Training and Care
Italian Greyhounds are intelligent and can be trained easily, although they can be difficult to house-train. This breed needs firm, gentle training and obedience work, as well as an environment with clear rules and boundaries in order for them to thrive.
Diet and Nutrition
The Italian Greyhound should be fed a high quality diet that is formulated for small breed dogs. The diet should include meat as the first ingredient, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. This breed should also get plenty of water to stay hydrated and to prevent any urinary tract problems.
Health Problems
Italian Greyhounds are relatively healthy, but can be prone to genetic and chronic health problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation, heart murmurs, and luxating patellas. This breed is also sensitive to anesthesia and should not be given hard exercise in hot weather.
Breed History
The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed, likely descending from the ancient Egyptian Greyhound alaunts. The Italian Greyhound was first mentioned in Italy in the 16th century, and the breed spread throughout Europe, eventually coming to the United States in the late 19th century.
