French: Petit Levrier Italiane, Italian: Piccolo Levriero Italiano, German: Italienisches Windspiel, Spanish: Galgo Italiano
Overview
Essentially a slender miniature greyhound, the Italian greyhound is exceptionally elegant and graceful. It embodies the same qualities that enable the full-sized greyhound to run at top speed using the double-suspension gallop: a curvaceous outline with a slight arch over the loin and good rear angulation. Its gait is high-stepping and free. The coat is short and glossy, like satin.
A sighthound in a small package, the Italian greyhound shares its larger relatives' characteristics. It loves to run and chase. It is extremely gentle and sensitive. Reserved, often timid, with strangers, it is devoted to its family and is good with children, and other dogs and pets. However, it can be easily injured by boisterous children and larger dogs.
| Size | Small |
| Height | 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) |
| Weight | 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Colors | Black Blue Brown Gray Red White Yellow |
| Origin | Italy |
| Classification | Purebred |
| Good Lapcat |
| Good In Apartments |
The Italian Greyhound is good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They are sensitive to cold weather. Owners will often put a shirt on them. |
| Good With Children |
Not Good with Kids: In isolation, this dog breed might not be the best option for kids. However, to mitigate the risks, have the puppy grow up with kids and provide it with plenty of pleasant and relaxed experiences with them. This breed is also very friendly toward other pets and shy toward strangers. |
| Good With Dogs |
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| Good With Cats |
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| Exercise Needs |
Italian Greyhounds are active little dogs who need a good, daily walk. In addition, they love to run free and play. Be sure to make them heel on the lead. Dogs not only have an instinct to migrate daily, but to have a leader leading the way. Humans should enter and exit all door and gateways before the dog. In order for your dog to fully respect your authority you need to be their leader rather than the other way around. |
| Trainability |
Moderately Easy Training: This breed learns quickly. It may wish to have its own way and occasionally will be naughty, so consistency is necessary. |
| Affectionate |
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| Playfulness |
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| Grooming Requirements |
Low Maintenance: Very little grooming is required. Wipe the dog with a cloth to make the coat shine, and check the teeth regularly for tartar. Until it is eighteen months old, the bones are quite fragile and it can break a leg rather easily. |
| Shedding |
Minimal Shedding: This dog will shed a negligible amount. Recommended for owners who do not want to deal with dog hair in their cars and homes. |
| Vocalization/Barking |
Occassional |
Italian Greyhound Pictures
