Italian Greyhounds come in a variety of colours, and can be parti-coloured or have white markings on their heads, feet and bodies. However, according to show standards, parti-coloured dogs will not be accepted, and any markings the dog has should be either on its feet or chest.
Fawn Italian Greyhound
Origin of the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is believed to be one of the oldest breeds in the world, originating more than 4000 years ago in the countries now known as Greece and Turkey. The name comes from the breed’s popularity in Italy during the Renaissance period. Although today used as companion dogs, the Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the gazehound family, and so used to be used to hunt rats and other small vermin.
Sizes of Typical Male and Female Italian Greyhounds
The Italian Greyhound typically weighs between 3.6 and 8.2kg, and it is their low weight that allows them to be classed under the Toy Group, despite their height, which is between 33 and 38cm at the withers. There does not tend to be any height or weight difference between male and female Italian Greyhounds.
Italian Greyhound Temperament
Italian Greyhounds are loving and friendly dogs, although because of their light build and delicate bone structure they are not advisable pets in a household with young children, due to the risk of injury to the dog. They are intelligent and easy to train, but advanced obedience classes may prove too much for them. They can be quite nervous around strangers and will bark if someone they do not know approaches their territory.
Italian Greyhound Coats
The Italian Greyhound has a very short coat that is virtually odourless. However, they do shed a surprising amount of fur and as such are not ideal pets for people with allergies. They do not need brushed, but occasional baths are necessary. Also, wiping down their coats with a damp cloth after walking is advisable to prevent burrs, seeds and dust motes collecting in their coats and irritating their delicate skin.
Exercise Your Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound, despite being classed as a Toy dog, is energetic and loves to play, displaying a lot more energy than others in its group. Surprisingly, some Italian Greyhounds have been known to participate in agility, although they prefer straight line speed to working closely with their owner. They do enjoy indoor activity, which can replace an outdoor walk in very cold temperatures. Should you wish to exercise your Italian Greyhound outdoors in colder weather, they should be wearing a doggy jacket or sweater as their light coats do not allow them to store sufficient heat.
What Health Problems can Italian Greyhounds Suffer From?
Due to their delicate legs and bone structure, breaks and internal bleeding can be a real concern with young Italian Greyhounds. Tooth and gum problems can also be an issue, and their teeth should be brushed daily with a soft bristled toothbrush to reduce the risk of dental problems. Minor concerns include epilepsy, kneecap dislocation and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) which can occasionally lead to blindness.
The Life expectancy of an Italian Greyhound
The average Italian Greyhound will usually live between 12 and 15 years.
The cost of an Italian Greyhound
An Italian Greyhound puppy will typically cost between £300 and £500.
Fawn Italian Greyhound Puppy
Italian Greyhound Puppies
Puppies are very energetic and playful, but owners must be extremely careful not to injure them as their bones can break very easily. In fact, they should not be left alone for long periods of time as when boredom sets in feats of athleticism can often cause them to injure themselves! They must be carefully monitored in cold weather as puppies find it easy to catch chills and this can lead to hypothermia if not combated quickly. Puppies should always be viewed with their mother to prevent the risk of buying from a puppy farm.
Dog Groups Related to Italian Greyhounds
Toy Group
