Italian Greyhound Breed Information

Italian Greyhound

Weight:

6-10 pounds (3-5 kg.)

Height:

12-15 inches (30-38 cm.)

Color:

Self-coloured in black, grey, slate grey and yellow (in Italian = Isabella) in all possible shades. In England, the USA, and Australia, white spotted Italians are accepted, while in Europe (FCI standard) white spots are allowed only on the chest and paws.

Temperament:

The Italian Greyhound is affectionate and makes a good companion dog. The breed is excellent for families and enjoys the company of people. While they are excellent with children, the breed's slim build and short coat makes them somewhat fragile, and injury can result from rough play. The Italian Greyhound is hardy, rarely ill, intelligent, and easy to teach. They make a reasonably good guard-dog, as they bark at unfamiliar sounds. They may also bark at passers by. However, they often get along well with other dogs and cats. As gazehounds, Italian Greyhounds instinctively hunt by sight and have a high prey drive. Owners of Italian Greyhounds typically keep their dogs leashed at all times when not in an enclosed area to avoid the risk of even a well-behaved pet breaking away at high speed after a small animal.

Grooming:

Dogs of this breed have an extremely short coat that requires little more than an occasional bath. Shedding is typical of other breeds, but the hair that is shed is extremely short and fine and is easily vacuumed.

Training:

The Italian Greyhound is easy to train, but like many other small breeds it is difficult to housebreak. Housebreaking progresses with training and patience, but still at a slower pace than with larger breeds.

Exercise:

The breed is equally at home in the city or the country, and it does not require as much exercise as larger breeds, although they are fast, agile and athletic. They enjoy running as fast as they possibly can, typically faster than other larger dogs.

Life Expectancy:

around 12-15 years

Litter Size:

average 3-5 puppies

Country of origin:

Italy

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