Italian Greyhound Dog Breed Information:
The Italian Greyhound dog breed was a favorite companion of noblewomen in the Middle Ages, especially in Italy. But this small hound was more than a lapdog, having the speed, endurance, and determination to hunt small game. These days, they’re a family dog whose beauty and athleticism is admired in the show ring and in obedience, agility, and rally competitions.
Italian Greyhound Dog Group: Companion Dogs.
Italian Greyhound Height: 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
Italian Greyhound Weight: 6 to 15 pounds.
Italian Greyhound Life Span: 14 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Italian Greyhound puppies are fearless and believe they can fly. Broken bones are common in pups between four and 12 months old, particularly the radius and ulna (the bones in the front legs). Italian Greyhounds were bred to hunt and still have the hunting instinct. They'll chase anything that moves, including cars, so when you're outside keep them on leash or in a fenced area. Italian Greyhounds need lots of love and attention, and if they don't get it, they'll become shy or hyper.
Italian Greyhound History:
The Italian Greyhound is an old breed, and dogs like it may have been around for more than two millennia. Miniature greyhounds are seen in 2,000-year-old artifacts from what's now modern-day Turkey and Greece, and archaeological digs have turned up small Greyhound skeletons. Although the breed's original purpose has been lost to history, the Italian Greyhound may have served as a hunter of small game in addition to his duties as a companion.
Italian Greyhound Size:
Italian Greyhounds stand 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Weight ranges from 6 to 10 pounds, with some as large as 14 or 15 pounds.
Italian Greyhound Personality:
The Italian Greyhound is sensitive, alert, smart, and playful. He's affectionate with his family, and loves to snuggle with you and stick close to your side all day. Strangers may see a more shy, reserved side of his personality. Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization.
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Italian Greyhound Health:
Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all IGs will get any or all of these diseases:
Von Willebrand's Disease.
Cataracts.
Vitreous Degeneration.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Hypothyroidism.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.
Patellar Luxation.
Hip Dysplasia.
Allergies.
Epilepsy.
Cryptorchidism.
Portosystemic Shunt (PSS).
Italian Greyhound Care:
Italian Greyhounds (also known as IGs) have short coats and get the shivers easily, so they're not an outdoor breed. During warm weather, protect his thin skin with sunscreen made for dogs. Italian Greyhounds are intelligent and easy to train if you have the right attitude.
Italian Greyhound Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality, high-calorie dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Italian Greyhound Coat Color And Grooming:
An Italian Greyhound's short coat looks glossy like satin and feels soft to the touch. You'll find it in all shades of fawn, cream, red, blue, or black, either solid or with white markings. All you really need to do is brush it when it gets dusty, and bathe the dog when he's rolled in anything smelly a favorite activity. Brush your IG's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Trim nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems.
Italian Greyhound with Children And Other Pets:
Italian Greyhounds can do well with children, but because they're small and delicate, it's especially important to teach kids that the dog is living animal, not a toy, who must be treated with love and respect. Italian Greyhounds usually get along well with other pets, although you may need to keep an eye on them.