Italian Greyhounds are graceful, athletic dogs who will show you plenty of affection by sitting on your lap and offering kisses. Just be careful: this breed is not easily housebroken so cuddle them at your own risk.
Size:
6-14 lbs.
Exercise Requirements:
Italian Greyhounds are energetic dogs that love to play, but they’re not going to make you run a marathon — take them on a good daily walk to keep them in shape and they’ll be happy and healthy. Just make sure they’re on a leash, because they can run off very suddenly if something catches their attention. At home, they’ll appreciate the chance to let off quick bursts of energy by running around in the yard.
Mess Factor:
This elegant, fine-boned breed has a short coat that won’t shed much and is easy to care for. However, these dogs are not easily housebroken, so be prepared to clean up after them and work on teaching them to do their business outside. Consider crate training or a doggy door, if possible. Note: some Italian Greyhounds never manage to be fully housebroken.
Barking and Volume:
Other than the occasional bark at a stranger, Italian Greyhounds aren’t known to be problem barkers.
Training Requirements:
These intelligent dogs, while somewhat stubborn, will come around easily enough during training. They will respond more quickly if you make it fun for them. They also excel at agility training and enjoy taking part in the sport.
Ongoing Costs:
Health Factors: The breed is susceptible to leg fractures, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (which causes arthritis), Von Willebrand’s Disease (a blood disorder), hypothyroidism and eye problems including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and vitreous degeneration.
*A responsible breeder can help minimize the risk of genetic disorders.
Grooming: Home grooming is adequate.
Training: Basic puppy classes will do the job, though Italian Greyhound’s may enjoy agility classes, as well.
Grooming Requirements:
You won’t have to put much time into grooming an Italian Greyhound. Weekly brushing and an occasional bath will do the trick.
Kid Compatibility:
It’s not that these dogs don’t like children, but they are very delicate and could be accidentally injured by a young child. Make sure your kids understand how to be gentle, and always supervise playtime. You may want to wait until your kids are older to bring this breed into your family.
Longevity:
12-15 years.
Friendliness: Towards Animals
Italian Greyhounds do enjoy playing with other animals, but supervise carefully when they’re around larger dogs because excited play could lead to injury.
Friendliness: Towards People
Members of this breed will be loving and affectionate towards their family, but naturally cautious around strangers. Early socialization and prolonged exposure to family friends will help minimize their shyness.
BE PREPARED FOR: A graceful, gentle friend who might have trouble learning that their bathroom is outside the house.
