Italian Greyhound

Overview of Italian Greyhounds

Italian Greyhound x Basenji mix = Italian Greyenji Italian Greyhound x Beagle mix = Italian Greagle; Italian Greyhound x Bichon Frise mix = Italian-Bichon Italian Greyhound x Border Collie mix = Italian Border Greyollie Italian Greyhound x Boston Terriers mix = Bostalian Italian Greyhound x Boston Terrier mix = Boston Iggy Adopt a rescue dog through PetCurious.

Italian Greyhound's are actually known to be a pretty healthy breed but as they get older they will not only have issues with their hips but their eyesight can become worse and they are prone to get ear infections so proper nutrition daily can help especially with the eye sight.

Italian Greyhound's are known to have issues with their hips as they age due to the excessive amount of running they do in their early years so as they age they need to be given food that has the right amount of nutrition to keep their bones strong.

Italian greyhounds are fairly easy to train and enjoy learning tricks or going on runs with you, but because of that high natural prey drive, they make poor choices for agility or flyball competitions, because of their high potential for distraction.

The Italian Greyhound is friendly and affectionate toward people of all ages, but because of its small size and fragility, it may not be a good idea to introduce this breed into homes with particularly young children.

The Italian Greyhound is definitely an “inside dog.” Outdoor play and walks on warm days are enjoyed, but this isn’t a dog that can be left alone to fend for itself in the back yard.

Italian Greyhounds usually get along well with other pets, although you may need to keep an eye on them when they’re cavorting about with bigger dogs, who could accidentally hurt them while playing.

Italian Greyhound temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books

Italian greyhounds are an excellent choice for the first-time or novice owner because they have so few demands that can’t be met with a little spare time and a few love.

Italian Greyhounds can also learn to use a litter box, although this doesn’t always work well if you have more than one IG as you might end up cleaning it quite often.

Allergies

Breed

A starting point is to describe the nature and appearance of the Italian Greyhound, a species which exists fundamentally unchanged from its earliest days.The aim of this paper is to point out for consideration some examples of Italian Greyhound imagery from several ancient eras and geographical locations, to describe the history of this breed of dog in relation to its popularity in Greece and Italy, to draw a few conclusions about the dogs’ visual evolution and the reasons for its prevalence, and to show how both the animal and its image continued as both an influence and a viable species beyond the end of the Roman Empire.

Cancer

A surprising number die from accidents, according to the most prominent breed club, the Italian Greyhound Club of America, with cancer, heart problems, and old age also causing a number of deaths.

Coat

 Lightly card the coat to help accelerate shedding. Once you have selected the best products for your IG, it is bath time!Before bathing your Italian Greyhound, it is recommended to go over the dog’s entire body with a high velocity dryer in order loosen any dirt and dander from the skin and remove any excess loose coat.

Dental Disease

Dental disease is a serious health issue in Italian Greyhounds, as it can so easily lead to abscesses and infections.

Energy

Italian Greyhounds do very well in apartments because although they tend to be much more energetic than Greyhounds, they are small enough that they can expel a lot of their energy even in an apartment.

Genetic Predispositions

At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Iggy looking and feeling her best.This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Italian Greyhounds.This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs.You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal.

Grooming

In addition to a bath once or twice a year your greyhound does require regular toenail trimming to maintain healthy toenails that are not painful for the dog to walk on.There is very little if any grooming required for the Italian greyhound and a bath once or twice a year is one of the only grooming duties that this breed of dog needs.Unlike other dogs, the Italian greyhound is a particularly light shedder making them the perfect dog for families who want a dog that does not shed a lot of hair.

Health

It is not particularly well suited to colder climates and when winter hits in areas where it gets particularly cold it should be covered with coats or sweaters to keep the dog from becoming ill.Its slender and more fragile build can pose problems to the breed when cold weather strikes, however.Quite a few other breeds of dog, including the full size greyhound, carry the same shape as the Italian greyhound.While many people refuse to “dress their dogs” due to the fact that they see it as unnecessary and just plain silly, it should be noted that with certain breeds like the Italian greyhound it is necessary to insulate the dog from cold weather which poses a risk to the dog’s health.With a deeper chest and an abdomen that tucks up in to the body, the Italian greyhound is particularly well suited to running and are known to be able to run as fast as 25 miles per hour.With very little fat to cover internal organs and insulate the dog as well as very short fur the Italian greyhound should maintain some type of artificial covering throughout colder months to ensure that they retain body heat.

Infections

Italian Greyhounds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors.

Life expectancy

Potential health complications include hypothyroidism (the underproduction of the thyroid hormone, resulting in lethargy and weight gain), auto-immune disorders (in which the immune system attacks the body’s own cells), progressive retinal atrophy (a deterioration in retinal tissue), patellar luxation (a misalignment of bones in the leg), hip dysplasia (abnormal development of the hip joint), and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (when the blood supply to the hip joint is interrupted, causing the gradual weakening of bones).The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed with an average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years of age, but its body shape is a bit thin and fragile.

Obesity

As with all greyhounds it is recognized as having an almost arched back and at a healthy weight the edges of the rib cage should be visible from above.Due to their small nature it is particularly easy to over feed this breed and have an obese greyhound on your hands.Obesity is a severe problem with many dog breeds but proves to be particularly dangerous in smaller breeds like the Italian greyhound.The Italian Greyhound generally stands anywhere from 12 to 15 inches tall at the withers and weighs in anywhere from 7 to 14 pounds.The Italian Greyhound is known for being a rather fragile looking dog with a slender build and a long narrow skull, much like larger greyhounds.These small stature dogs are particularly loved by families as they tend to have longer life spans that other larger dogs and live on average between 12 and 15 years.

Personality

Also, the dogs become fearless.The well trained Italian Greyhound will show great personality and small puppies should be given small commands so that they learn everything early and will develop a strong personality in adult age.

Social

I tried not to think about what had happened at the puppy mill but I began to worry that something had happened to MC’s larynx or throat and that she was unable to bark.I was thinking today about how talkative MC, as most people call her, has become over the years.Quee and Astra were so gregarious.Sometime I will tell more about Marcie’s first months, but they were spent in silence.The person from Italian Greyhound Rescue who placed Marcie with us did so, actually, knowing that we would not try to make any extraordinary socializing efforts with this very timid dog who was seized from a puppy mill and very nearly feral.They were very loving with the new little sister at once and showed by example that there was only sharing of attention, sleeping surfaces, and food.When she first came to live with Queequeg, Astra, and me in Miami she hid for most of the first days.

Spay or Neuter

Start your Italian Greyhound off on the right foot by feeding the right food, giving the right vaccinations, finding the right vet, and if you’re going to spay or neuter, don’t do it too early.

Temperament

After bathing, care should be taken to make sure it is thoroughly dried.Please take noteAlthough as previously stated the Italian Greyhound is quite hardy considering its fine build, it is not suited for rough play as bones may be broken.Breed personality, characteristics & temperamentThe Italian Greyhound is vivacious, alert, highly intelligent and very affectionate, especially when kept as a companion in the house, loving human companionship.Ideally, the Italian Greyhound is a house dog that should have access to the garden via a dog door.It is therefore better suited to a household with older children who can be trusted to treat the dog with care and consideration, and also makes an ideal companion for the elderly and the infirm.It needs a warm bed or basket, away from draughts, and containing a soft blanket or rug, as most Italian Greyhounds love to wrap themselves up in their blanket, even in the hottest weather.Italian Greyhounds are generally cheerful, brave and courageous, but as they are also sensitive to loud voices or harsh words from their owner, they may become quite timid in the wrong environment.Compatibility with other petsThey get on well with other pets but may need to be protected from larger, more boisterous dogs.Care requirementsWell-fenced gardens are essential as there is a high risk of injury if allowed to roam free.The thin, glossy coat is easy to keep clean, sheds very little hair and is virtually odourless.They are easy to train and are quick learners.They do not thrive well as kennel dogs.

Training

Much like its exterior the Italian greyhound is a fragile dog when it comes to taking instruction.They do not respond well to a harsh tone of voice and do not respond to harsh discipline of any kind.While an intelligent breed of dog that responds well to proper tone, the Italian greyhound can become bored easily during training and it is important to make obedience classes a fun and interactive experience that involves a lot of rewarding to keep the experience positive and fun.

A city dog?

In some ways this breed is very compatible with apartment living.He is small, doesn’t bark a lot, doesn’t smell, has a very short coat which doesn’t shed much, and  with a lot of patience can be trained to use a litter-box.

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Is your dog’s coat looking a little shaggy? Our grooming guide will help you safely snip and get them looking (and feeling) good again.

And as a show dog?

The miniature greyhound is recognised as a breed to be shown in most countries.Numbers are growing; in the UK between 2001 and 2008 Kennel Club registered numbers rose from eighty-nine to one hundred and fifty seven.

Are Italian Greyhounds Child-Friendly?

Yes, Italian Greyhounds are child-friendly and do well with kids of all ages.They love playing outdoor and jump around kids.They are small and delicate and needs love from kids to give the same behavior back.They are very gentle and non-aggressive when it come to children.

Are Italian Greyhounds good for allergy sufferers?

Italian Greyhound owners with allergies report that they have little to no issue with their Iggy’s, whereas they may have severe reactions to other dogs.Some people with severe allergies are able to manage by being particularly fastidious about keeping the house and bed sheets clean (IG’s love to sleep in your bed!), wiping their dog daily helps to remove any loose hair and allergens they may bring in from outside, and if needed, air filters can help keep the air clean and free of allergens.If you have severe allergies, the best advice is to spend some time on a trial basis with an Italian Greyhound or two and see how you go.Finding a local dog shelter or reputable Italian Greyhound breeder will give you the best option to trial an IG before you welcome them into your home.

Are Italian Greyhounds good with children?

Due to their fine bone structure and sometimes timid or sensitive personality, IG’s in general do not make good household pets for people who have very young children or rambunctious children or large, active dogs.

Are Italian Greyhounds Good With Kids?

The temperament of an Italian Greyhound works well with children.They love to play and chase anyone or anything who will give them the attention they need.Keep in mind that this breed is very delicate.That means they can easily become injured when rough housing with kids.

Are Italian Greyhounds Hypoallergenic?

Yes! The Italian Greyhound is a small hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly sheds or drools.

Are there any bad things about Italian Greyhounds?

Italian Greyhounds are wonderful, loving animals, but they do require and demand lots of love and attention.They are typically difficult to housetrain and can easily break a bone, which can result in expensive veterinary care.IGs can also be shy and timid, but this can be avoided/overcome with proper socialization as a puppy.Despite these drawbacks, owning an IG is a very rewarding experience.

Are there any bad things about Italian Greyhounds?

They require and demand lots of love and attention.Denied this, they can become shy or hyper or both.They must be properly socialized as puppies.Those that are kennel raised under impersonal conditions can have difficulty adjusting.If expected to spend much time outdoors they are not suitable for cold climates.Italian Greyhounds are very athletic, and their jumping and climbing abilities can get them into trouble.Babygating does not work as they can jump so high.They also have no traffic sense, and an IG that gets into the street is almost destined to be hit.Since they are hounds, they can be quite stubborn.

Are there medical problems common in the breed?

Hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases, PRA, seizure disorders, luxating patellas, Legg-Perthes.None of these are rampant but all of these as well as some other genetic maladies have been diagnosed in some.A few bloodlines have a predisposition for leg fractures because of lack of bone density.At this time the IGCA is working with Dr.Acland of Cornell University to try to develop a blood test that would show up carriers of PRA.In the meantime, although no screening is required for any of the conditions named, the IGCA and other responsible breeders strongly recommend testing for PRA.Responsible breeders also have their dogs checked for Legg-Perthes, luxated patellas, heart irregularities and, if suspected, hypo-thyroidism.Some veterinary orthopedic specialists claim that bone density can be checked by x-rays, but there is some doubt as to the effectiveness of doing this.The IGCA’s health committee has been working on a study of patterns of heredity in excessive leg breaks but thus far there is no positive method of identifying the problem.Prospective owners of IGs should inquire of the breeder whether the sire and/or dam or any of their offspring have experienced fractures.

Are they difficult to housetrain?

Italian Greyhounds are notoriously difficult to housetrain.One issue many IG owners run into when housetraining is that this breed is especially sensitive to cold, wet and windy weather, so it is difficult to persuade an IG to go out when conditions are less than optimal.Another issue is that IGs often fail to let their owners know when they need to go out.While individual IGs vary with regard to housetraining, many do well with a regular routine and a little crate training.Many IG owners have also had success with paper or litter box training.

Are they easily trained?

Again, these are sighthounds and individuals vary greatly in these characteristics.Some do superbly in obedience competition, and others don’t do well at all.Much depends on the trainer’s ability to keep the IG interested.Agility is a sport that IGs excel at, and some are even adept at lure coursing (though this should be undertaken with a degree of caution).

Are they good with children and other pets?

Because Italian Greyhounds are such small, fragile dogs, they tend to do best in homes with no children, older children or other small pets.This is not to say they can’t do well in homes with small children or larger animals.It really depends on the circumstances involved.For instance, some children can be very gentle, and some larger breed animals are also very gentle.If you are adopting an IG in rescue, the rescue representative will be able to help you find the right IG for your home.

Are they good with children and other pets?

Italian Greyhounds have great rapport with gentle children who understand that this is a living creature and not a toy that can be manhandled.An Italian Greyhound could be injured by a thoughtless child.The same is true of interaction with other animals.Due to their fine bone structure and risk of leg breaks, they are not recommended for young children.They get along well with cats and other dogs of similar size but must be protected from rambunctious larger pets.

Are they hard to housebreak?

Most owners say they are.It’s especially hard to persuade an Italian Greyhound to ask to go out in extreme weather.IGs are lovers of warmth and really despise going outside when the weather is cold, wet or windy.They also often don’t ask to go out.A routine and schedule along with a crate when not home are the best tools for training.Many have success with paper or litterbox type training especially in cold and/or wet climates.Please see our Housetraining page for more information on housetraining Italian Greyhounds.

Are they low maintenance pets?

Italian Greyhounds are medium maintenance with regard to the amount of grooming required.They are prone to poor dental hygiene, and therefore will need their teeth brushed daily.They also need lots and lots of love and attention.They want nothing more than to be near their owners and are affectionately called “Velcro dogs” by many in the IG community.

Are they low maintenance pets?

The amount of time not used for bathing and grooming is required tenfold for attention and love.IGs can be almost needy in their desire for affection.

Are they protective?

IGs are not protective in the way some other breeds are, but many IGs will bark when they sense danger.

Are they protective?

Most Italian Greyhounds will bark an alert warning when someone or something strange approaches.They aren’t likely to do more than bark and behave in an agitated manner in the face of danger to their owner or property, although there are exceptions to this too.

At what age do Italian Greyhounds mature?

Although Italian Greyhounds reach physical maturity between eight months and a year and a half, depending on their bloodline and their size (larger ones tend to keep growing for a longer period) most of them retain their puppy energy and playfulness well beyond that age.Some do not attain mental maturity until they are three or four years old –another characteristic which many fanciers consider to be part of the charm of this breed.

At what age do Italian Greyhounds mature?

Although Italian Greyhounds reach physical maturity between eight months and a year and a half, depending on their bloodline and their size (larger ones tend to keep growing for a longer period) most of them retain their puppy energy and playfulness well beyond that age.Some do not attain mental maturity until they are three or four years old –another characteristic which many fanciers consider to be part of the charm of this breed.Some other owners might be impatiently waiting for their dog to “grow up.

Can Italian Greyhounds be left alone?

This purebred was created to be a companion.If it’s left alone for long periods every day, it can eventually suffer from separation anxiety.

Can They Be Off-Leash?

Because Italian Greyhounds can run much faster than you do (and don’t stop to sniff like other breeds), are easily spooked, and have a prey drive that will send them chasing after a squirrel for miles, they should never be trusted off-leash unless in a securely fenced-in area.No amount of training can change what thousands of years of breeding has created in your Italian Greyhound.Care should be taken to not allow your Italian Greyhound to sneak through an open door.If you do not have a securely fenced-in yard, your Italian Greyhound will need to be leashed walked to relieve him or herself every time.Many Italian Greyhounds are lost and never found each year.An Italian Greyhound can easily be hit by a passing car without the driver ever seeing the quick small dog running out in front of him.

Can they be trusted off of a leash?

Italian Greyhounds are fast little sighthounds.They have a very strong prey drive that cannot be trained away and will send them chasing after any small animal or bird that catches their sight.Some Italian Greyhounds are skittish as well and will try to run off if they hear a loud noise, are frightened of another dog or person, or are otherwise spooked.Therefore, no IG should be trusted off of a leash unless in a securely fenced-in area.IGs are also able to slip out of doors when people are coming and going, so it is important to be vigilant when opening doors to areas that are not fenced in.

Can they live outdoors?

The Italian Greyhound is definitely a dog meant for the indoors.They are extremely sensitive to the elements, but they do enjoy outdoor play and walks on warm days.

Can they live outdoors?

The Italian Greyhound is definitely an “inside dog.” Outdoor play and walks on warm days are enjoyed, but this isn’t a dog that can be left alone to fend for itself in the back yard.

Do IG’s shed or cause allergies?

Shedding is minimal with Italian Greyhound’s due to their short, smooth coat. This breed produces less dander than many other breeds. However, the amount of dander a dog produces is different, and depends on the health of the skin and coat, as well as nutrition.However, before bringing an IG into your home if you suffer from allergies, you should spend some time around the breed to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Do Italian Greyhounds bark a lot?

IG’s tend to be a fairly quiet dog.They don’t bark excessively, but will bark to warn if they notice anything unfamiliar or see strangers approaching.

Do Italian Greyhounds have health problems?

Italian Greyhounds have an unfortunately long list of health problems.Finding a good, responsible breeder can help you avoid some of these problems, so be sure that you’re getting your dog from a good breeder.

Do Italian Greyhounds make good family pets?

Italian Greyhounds make great dogs for the whole family — provided that everyone is taught how to be careful around them, especially when they’re young.

Do Italian Greyhounds shed?

Italian Greyhounds shed very little.Their sleek coat is easy to maintain with a quick wipe over with a hound mit, and the occasional bath when needed.

Do they need any special care?

Italian Greyhounds need something to keep them warm in cold weather – usually a sweater or small coat is fine.Owners also need to be vigilant around open windows and doors, and should always keep their IG on a leash in open areas.Puppies also need to be watched for jumping off of furniture since their bones are still developing and especially prone to fracture.

Do they need any special care?

A sweater or jacket is in order in cold weather.Although the Italian Greyhound is not as delicate as he looks, care must be taken to avoid “booby traps” that might result in a broken leg.Not likely to run away simply to explore, many Italian Greyhounds would run into the street or even take an incredible leap from a balcony or open window in playful pursuit of a cat or other animal —or to follow their masters.This breed should NEVER be walked off lead, since another dog or something unusual might spook them, causing them to bolt.

Do they require a lot of grooming?

If you are not a fan of cutting hair, then you have made the right selection of choosing an Italian Greyhound. This smooth, short haired bundle of joy requires minimal grooming. This breed is generally clean with few odor problems.

Do they shed?

Yes, but not a lot and the fur is so short and fine that it can hardly be seen.

Do they shed?

Yes, but the hair is so short and fine that it can hardly be seen.

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Does the miniature greyhound make a good family pet?

A lot depends on the family.This is not a rough and tumble breed and generally won’t mix well with noisy youngsters who will want to pull him around and are naturally clumsy anyway.So families with toddlers should think about another type of dog.

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Grooming: Do Italian Greyhound shed?

Italian Greyhounds aren’t considered hypoallergenic because they shed year-round.

Height & weight: How big does the Italian Greyhound get?

These toy-to-small-sized Greyhounds stand 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 7 to 14 pounds (3 to 6 kg) when fully grown.

How big do Italian Greyhounds get?

The ideal size is 13″ to 15″ with an average weight of 8 to 12 pounds.Larger Italian Greyhounds (17″ or 18″) are fairly common and make great pets.

How big do they get?

13″ to 15″ at the shoulders is ideal for the show ring.The average weight is 8 to 12 pounds.Larger Italian Greyhounds (17″ or 18″) are fairly common and make great pets.

How Healthy Is The Italian Greyhound?

As far as health concerns the Italian greyhound is prone to the above mentioned breaks during juvenile life.The Italian greyhound is also prone to epilepsy, slipped stifle (another term for dislocation of the knees), fractures and progressive retinal atrophy.Slipped stifle and fractures are common among this breed due to their fragile bones and small slender legs.Epilepsy is simply more common in certain breeds of dog than others as is progressive retinal atrophy.Aside from the above physical ailments the only other real concern is that of producing a dog that is not well adjusted as a result of babying the dog as discussed above.

How long do IGs live?

The average lifespan of an IG ranges from 13 to 15, but 16 to 18 is not unusual.

How long do they live?

13 to 14 or 15 years is normal.16 to 18 is not unusual.

How much are Italian Greyhound puppies?

If you decide to buy an Italian Greyhound puppy, get your wallet ready.They aren’t cheap.Expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $2000 or more.

How much do Italian Greyhound puppies cost?

The cost to buy an Italian Greyhound varies greatly and depends on many factors such as the breeders’ location, reputation, litter size, lineage of the puppy, breed popularity (supply and demand), training, socialization efforts, breed lines and much more.Review how much Italian Greyhound puppies for sale sell for below.

How much does a miniature Italian greyhound cost?

More popular in some countries than others the miniature greyhound will cost accordingly.Expect to pay at least £500 (565 euros; US$735) for a dog, more for a bitch and be prepared to wait if you want a pup.

How much is pet insurance for a Italian Greyhound puppy?

Your personalized price will be lower or higher depending on the age of your Italian Greyhound, as well as your zip code, your financial standing, and the kind of coverage you need.

Interesting animal facts : how to tame this lion-dog?

Training and exercise for dogs are always important, but vital for the miniature greyhound.His huge eyes will melt your heart;  he will use all his wiles to get exactly what he wants but an untrained, indulged dog is quite capable of becoming a tyrant and before you know it will be ruling your family all on his own.

Is pet insurance worth it for a Italian Greyhound?

As a pure breed, a Italian Greyhound is more likely to suffer from genetic health issues than mixed breed dogs.Can you pay for an unexpected $5,000 veterinary bill out-of-pocket? 4 out of 5 pet parents can’t, and if this sounds like you, pet insurance is a great tool to hedge financial risk and dog health costs.Like renters insurance, it’s something you have but hope not to use – but if an unexpected accident or illness does strike you’ll be reimbursed 70% to 90% of the vet bill (depending on your plan).Getting dog insurance will help ensure that your Italian Greyhound will get the care they need at any stage of their life.

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Should they be crate trained?

All dogs should learn to stay in a crate quietly for short periods of time, up to three or four hours.However, a crate should never be used to confine an IG all day long everyday while its owner is at work or play.

Should they be crate trained?

Certainly, but please don’t confuse crate training with house training.All dogs should learn to stay in a crate quietly for short periods of time, up to three or four hours; but a crate should not be used to confine an IG all day long every day while its owner is at work or play.Dogs are not intended to be caged animals like laboratory rats.

Tractability and Trainability?

Again, these are sighthounds and individuals vary greatly in these characteristics.If they were human they would do better in a liberal arts school than at a military academy.Some do superbly in obedience competition, and others don’t do well at all.Much depends on the trainer’s ability to keep the IG interested.Agility is a sport that could have been invented for the IG.Some are even adept at lure coursing, although the latter should be undertaken with a degree of caution.

What about a dog for the country?

Yes in terms of loving wide open spaces and long country walks.  But remember that the miniature greyhound, although a toy dog for show purposes, is also a member of the sight hound (gazehound) group.Just as with the large greyhounds some – though not all – miniatures have a high prey instinct and, once ‘locked on’ to a smaller animal nothing will distract them.

What about grooming?

Italian Greyhounds do not require a lot of grooming, but they do need their teeth brushed and nails trimmed regularly.The coat is so short and fine that a bath is rarely necessary.

What can I expect to pay for a puppy?

Median Price: $1,400.00
Average Price: $900.00
Top Quality: $1,900.00 to $4,400.

What does an Italian Greyhound look like?

It’s no wonder some refer to IGs as miniature Greyhounds.They have the same physical appearance as the standard Greyhound, but smaller.

What if I have a show dog?

Whether you have a show dog or a companion quality dog, the same basic care is given regarding nutrition, socialization, and hygiene. The difference is the conditioning of the dog and conformation training. It is always quite helpful if your breeder can help mentor you to lead you in the right direction upon entering the wonderful world of dog shows. A great place to start is with the national breed club like the Italian Greyhound Club of America, www.italiangreyhound.

What is a common problem in Italian Greyhounds?

As with most purebred dogs, IG’s do have their fair share of health concerns. Some do have a skin problem known as color mutant alopecia. Other issues in the breed are deafness and hypothyroidism, which is a hormonal disease.

What is their energy level and attention span?

The energy level is quite high in healthy puppies and young dogs.Mature Italian Greyhounds are quite adaptive and responsive to the energy level of their owners.They are true sighthounds in miniature, and the attention span can be short if they’re bored.

What is their energy level and attention span?

The energy level is quite high in healthy puppies and young dogs.Mature Italian Greyhounds are quite adaptive and responsive to the energy level of their owners.They are true sighthounds in miniature, and the attention span can be short if they’re bored.

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When and where did the breed originate?

The Italian Greyhound is believed to have originated some 2,000 years ago in the Mediterranean region near Greece and Turkey.They received their name because they were favored by the Italian aristocracy during the Renaissance and were often depicted in paintings and sculpture.

Who should not own an Italian Greyhound?

Italian Greyhounds are not for everyone.

Who should not own an Italian greyhound?

People who have too little time to devote, who have unruly children, who expect instant and unerring obedience, who expect their dog to stay in the back yard, or who are embarrassed to share love with an animal should not own this breed.

History of Italian Greyhounds

In 1526, during a mass migration of 3.5 million Merino sheep, a large pack of Spanish Mastiff accompanied the herd.

In 1886, the American Kennel Club (AKC) first recognized Italian Greyhounds and became a part of the Toy Group.

In 1886, the first Italian greyhound was registered with the American Kennel Club.

In 1936 Dr.

In 1936, the UKC registered the TFT and in 2003 it was acknowledged by the AKC.

In 2001 the AKC admitted the German Pinscher into its Miscellaneous class, and in 2003 it became a bonafide member of the Working Group.

In 2011, after several years of research, we decided to add a new breed to our home.

In the 1600s the Italian Greyhound arrived in England, where, as in Italy, it found many fans among the nobility.

In the 1800s, the breed became unattractive and deformed due to the breeders trying to make them smaller, but this was fixed in the early 1900s.