Italian Greyhound Dog Breed Information & Quick Facts

The Italian Greyhound is a sensitive, smart, and alert dog breed. They are loving and affectionate towards all members of the family. They may be shy and reserved around strangers.

If you want to own an Italian Greyhound and expect him to be a living statue then think again. The Italian Greyhound is a strong, active, and highly energetic dog.

Indoor, tug of war with a soft toy will keep him busy. Outdoors, he loves stalking bugs, birds, mice, or any other small games in the yard. He will chase anything he sees moving so it is important to have a fenced yard to keep him safe. You might need to learn how to train your dog to stay in the yard to have peace of mind that he is safe.

Because of their sensitive nature, they need constant training. It may not be easy to house train Italian Greyhounds and this is one of the main reasons people give their IGs to animal shelters and rescue groups.

The Italian Greyhound is a great choice of pets for all families. If you are looking to own one, be mindful of their sensitive and delicate nature. These small dogs get along well with children and other pets.

Italian Greyhound Temperament

There are several factors that can affect the temperament of Italian Greyhounds. These include heredity, training methods, and early socialization. Puppies with good temperaments are generally playful and curious. They love to approach people and would not mind being held by them.

Always meet one of the parents to ensure they have nice temperaments. Meeting siblings or any other relative is also a good idea.

Like other dogs, Italian Greyhounds also need socialization at an early age. Early socialization and exposure to different experiences will help your IG grow up into a well-rounded dog. You can also enroll your puppy in a puppy kindergarten class. Take him to parks, stores, and restaurants that allow dogs in order to polish his social skills.

Italian Greyhounds can be stubborn or become fearful when they are treated harshly. Treat them politely and give rewards to encourage them to get things done the right way.

Italian Greyhound Health Problems

All animals have the potential to develop some diseases. Although IG is generally a healthy breed, they are prone to certain diseases. If you are planning to own an Italian Greyhound or already have one, here are some health conditions that you need to be well aware of.

If you are buying an Italian Greyhound puppy, find a reputable breeder who provides you with health clearance for both of the puppy’s parents. Health clearance indicates that the puppy has been tested and cleared of a particular health condition.

Italian Greyhound Care and Grooming

Italian Greyhound has a short coat. These dogs are not good for cold climates so it is better to keep them indoors. They need to be inside the house especially in bad weather. You can also use a sweater or jacket to keep him comfortable when outside in cold weather.

In hot weather, apply sunscreen to keep his skin safe from sunburn. These dogs are very energetic so taking them for daily walks is a good idea.

A short coat on an Italian Greyhound looks glossy and feels very soft when you touch it. They come in different shades like cream, red, blue, blue, black, or fawn with white markings.

One of the benefits of having an Italian Greyhound is that he does not shed much. All you have to do is brush his coat and bathe the dog when needed.

Brush his teeth regularly with a vet-recommended toothpaste in order to prevent bad breath and gum diseases.

Trim nails with dog nail clippers one or two times a month. If you don’t know how to trim a dog’s nails, ask a professional for trimming your dog’s nails.

Check his ears every week and clean with a cotton ball. Be careful when inserting anything into the ear canal. It is better to just clean the outer side of the ear.

Try to make the grooming sessions easy and as interesting as possible. As you groom your dog, don’t forget to check for rashes, sores, or signs of infection. There should be no redness or discharge from the eyes. If you don’t know how to groom a dog, better get professional services.

Italian Greyhound Diet and Feeding

The recommended amount of food for an Italian Greyhound is ½ to ¾ of a high-quality and full nutritional meal. But how much food is given to a dog depends on his age, size, and activity level.

All dogs do not need the same amount of food, especially adult dogs. Larger dogs might need a large quantity of food than medium-size dogs. The quality of food also plays an important role in the overall nourishing of your dog.

You can keep your Italian Greyhound in a good shape by giving him measured food two times a day. You can also talk with your vet about the best dog food to give your canine.

Your veterinarian is the best source that you can help with for the best nutrition and feeding guidelines.

Italian Greyhound with Children and other Pets

Italian Greyhounds get along well with children and other pets. Because they are small and sensitive, it is important to teach your children how to treat them. Many breeders do not agree to sell a puppy to a household with very small children.

You should always teach your children how to approach dogs. Don’t leave your dog alone with your children. Always supervise when dogs and young children are interacting in order to prevent any incident. Teach your child to never approach a dog when he is sleeping or eating.

Although Italian Greyhounds do well with children, dogs, and other pets, it is important to keep an eye on them.

Italian Greyhound Living Needs

Italian Greyhounds are an amazing choice of pets for first-time owners. They are not very demanding, just give them some of your spare time and love to keep them happy. But you have to take special care of him if you are living in colder climate areas.

Because of their small size, their exercise needs can be met even on the living room floor. It means that even the older members of your family can take care of them. They also do great in households with other dogs.

You will need to have a fence or leash if you want to keep your Italian Greyhound in the yard.

Pros and Cons of Italian Greyhound

Here are the pros and cons of an Italian Greyhound that you should know if you want to own one.

You can also conduct some research on other dog breeds to see which one best suits your lifestyle.

Italian Greyhound for Emotional Support

Do you know that Italian Greyhounds can also be used for emotional support?

These small and slender creatures make wonderful emotional support dogs. IGs love to be around people and can make a great bond with their ESA owner.

They are an easily managed breed that any kind of family can own. If you are planning to get an IG or already have one and want to use him for your emotional support, you will need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

If you are unable to access a medical professional, contact RealESALetter.com to see if you qualify for an ESA.