If dogs were to be categorized as hunter or playful, an Italian Greyhound breed would fall under the playful section. Their physical appearance is surely exquisite with features embodies same as that of a Greyhound, but more slender.
They might came to us as frail by their skinny physique, but are prompt and tough hounds. Also, there are the ones with most compact size in the family of Sight hounds.
The Italian Greyhound is widely adored for its dainty and elegant appearance. In Italian countries, they still are the signs of aristocracy and nobility.
Fill in the family vacancy by bringing them into your lives and family. They are sportive, loyal towards their masters and affectionate towards the kids and other pets.
Table of Contents
Italian Greyhound Pictures
Quick Facts
Average Height: 12 to 15 inches (30 – 38 cm).
Average Weight: 6 to 10 pounds (3 – 5 kgs).
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years.
Dog Group: Companion.
Colours: Black, blue, grey, White, Brown, Yellow, Red, Sable, Tan & Fawn.
At a Glance
Size (2/5)
Bull Terriers come in a compact size. An Italian greyhound puppy weighs around 6-7 pounds with height 10-12 inches. A fully grown Italian greyhound ideally reaches to the height of 15 inches at the shoulders. They are usually adored for their fun-size appearance.
Affection Level (4/5)
In the early ages, Italian greyhounds were kept as companion and also worked as a ‘small-game hunter. They were seen in the laps of royals and aristocrats to symbolise wealth. As time passes by, these miniature greyhound gained popularity amongst families. Also, cuddling an Italian Greyhound can produce enormous amount of oxytocin is you.
Apartment Friendly (5/5)
When it comes to compatibility with space, these breeds comes in handy and with all the pluses. Their tinsy-winsy body size enables the dog to move freely and play in both, an average apartment and a super luxurious one making them habitat friendly.
Cold Weather Tolerability (1/5)
An Italian Greyhound, although is considered to be both an indoor as well as outdoor dogs, but due to its thin coat which has resemblance with satin, doesn’t provide them the adequate amount of warmth needed to survive the cold. Owners are often advised to dress their dogs before stepping outside the home.
Hot Weather Tolerability (3/5)
Because, they have thinner coats and lesser body fat so they’re far from the issue of intensive body heating. But still, they are prone to gaining weight if not looked after the calories properly. Hence, can lead to fat gaining and internal body heating issues.
Barking Tendencies (3/5)
The Italian Greyhound, in early days, were known for their hunting skills, though don’t possess any qualities that of a hunter. They would rather yelp than to bark, juts to alert the master. But still, a lot of it also depends on the individuality of a particular Italian Greyhound dog.
Cat Friendly (3/5)
The Italian Greyhound dog, usually known by the name IG or Iggy, are not very bad with cats and if actively socialized with different animals and also dogs from their puppyhood, they tend to easily bond with them at later stages of their lives.
Dog Friendly (4/5)
They normally have equal brotherhood with the other member of the canine family. Usually, bond better with dogs of their own gender and tend to pounce on others. Involving them in social activities ever since they’re puppies makes them easy-to-mingle with other dogs.
Exercise Needs (4/5)
Despite of having a small body, an Italian greyhound is an athletic and a playful breed of dog. Although it is suggested that Italian Greyhound puppies are not to be put to rigorous exercises as they have brittle bones, a minimum of 40 minutes exercise is necessary. As enthusiast as a gym frenzy guy, his gym is a grass field. Just allow them to play, run and run.
Grooming Needs (2/5)
Italian Greyhounds usually have very thin coat and smooth bodies, which doesn’t allow exterior particles to cling. Occasional brushing, bathing and nail clipping is what would work sufficient for them.
Playfulness (4/5)
These cute looking sensitive dogs are also known as toy companion. As playful as Federer and as rapid as Bolt, this little guy is happy when around his family. They have a trace of hunting and chasing instinct derived from senior GHs. They’re extroverts but shows deep affection towards their owner. Unlike other dogs, they don’t like
Trainability (4/5)
The Italian greyhounds have a sharp mind and excellent grasping power which makes training them easy. But they often have the attitude of ‘What shall I get in return’. So, it is advised to not home rain them. Rather, get them a pro trainer with bucketful prizes for every accomplished achievement.
Intelligence (4/5)
They are highly intelligent, and hence they shouldn’t be left alone at home for too long. Just like any other small dogs, IGs tend to destruct the household if bored which is also their way to show that they don’t like being to themselves. Knowing their qualities, they aren’t the most suitable option for inexperienced dog owners.
Mouthiness (4/5)
Chewing habits same as you when you hop into a Wednesday KFC bucket treat! Finishing a big byte at one. Italian Greyhound puppies tend to be very mouthy, but if they’re trained to understand that there are toys when it comes to nipping and bite. Their Mouthiness can be controlled by involving them in fun activities like fetching.
Price Group (3/5)
The Italian Greyhound price generally ranges from 500$ – 700$ for a healthy puppy. The pricing splits into two variants: Italian Greyhounds with limited registration (pet-only) and Italian Greyhound with full registration (with breeding rights).
About Italian Greyh>About Italian Greyhounds
image alignwide">Italian Greyhounds are the miniature of the breed greyhound but has the elegance and daintiness equal to any other member of the sight hounds. They were and still has a touch of aristocracy in their structure as they were mentioned in various Italian Greyhound arts.
This little dog very immediately induces a surging sense of love and affection towards him when you hold your pet for first time. They are fragile, environment sensitive mortals which easily gets affected with changing temperature, weather and living conditions.
Being an indoor dog, it is not recommended to leave them alone at home for long hours or they’d get too shy or too mischievous around outsiders.
Black, blue, fawn, sable, yellow, red, brown, grey and white are known Italian Greyhound colours.