Italian Greyhound

With a top speed of 25 mph, Italian Greyhounds make quick yet very affectionate canine companions.

“IGs,” as they are also known, are intelligent but sensitive, and remain playful past puppyhood.

They have a “double suspension” gallop, which means all four feet come off the ground at the same time when running.

Although Italian Greyhounds are believed to have originated in Greece and Turkey more than 2,000 years ago, they are known as the Italian Greyhound due to their enormous popularity in Italy in the 1600s.

IGs are cousins to the Greyhound, Whippet and Saluki.

Personality

Delicate, affectionate, lively and sweet dogs who can be a bit insecure
Respond well to encouragement and affection

Size

7-15 pounds
12-15 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

Ideal apartment dogs as they do not require lots of space to exercise
Best suited for a calm home and are great with older, respectful children as well as elderly adults; they are far too delicate for younger children
While they enjoy the company of other calm dogs, they retain their prey instinct and are not suited to live with small pets
IGs are dependent on their owners for attention, so if you’re too busy for this co-dependency, rethink adopting this breed

Training

While Italian Greyhounds have short attention spans and are not inclined to formal obedience, they will respond to upbeat, brief training sessions filled with lots of encouragement and praise

Exercise

Despite being associated with their cousins, the racing Greyhounds, IGs do not require an outstanding amount of exercise; they are content to adapt to their owner’s fitness regime
Happy to walk on-leash or romp around in the house, as long as there is some sort of activity

Coat

Black, gray, tan, blue, white or red with white markings common
The Italian Greyhound’s short-haired coat is low-maintenance and requires intermittent brushing with a soft bristle brush to remove dull hair and keep it shining

Care

Given their dainty nature, they need supervision as puppies to ensure their fragile bones do not break
Must always be protected from the weather elements; during the winter, their thin skin requires a sweater as well as booties for their paws, while a strong sun might require a thin tee shirt
Their teeth should be brushed regularly and they should be given chew toys, as their slim jaw and sharp teeth make them prone to periodontal disease

Health

A healthy breed that may be genetically prone to epilepsy, hair loss and dislocated kneecaps
Italian Greyhounds often face the danger of broken bones, as they are so thin and delicate
Weak bladder control

Lifespan

12-15 years

Rescue

Visit the Italian Greyhound Club of America to learn more about IGs or find one available for adoption.

PHOTO: christina

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