Graceful, elegant, intelligent and extremely affectionate – the Italian Greyhound stands out and pleases with its wonderful character. These dogs love to play and physical contact with humans. Their delicate physical constitution must be protected from cold and wet. Nevertheless, these greyhounds are not couch potatoes and are best kept in sporty families.
Italian Greyhound – Favorite at Court
Despite its tiny dimensions, the Italian Greyhound is a whole greyhound. Its roots probably go back over 6000 years to ancient Egypt, where it was a popular companion at the court of the pharaohs. Via Greece, these delicate yet fast hunting dogs found their way to Italy with sailors: Here, the dogs quickly conquered the hearts of high-ranked, rich ladies. Renaissance paintings show them as valued hunting companions of the high nobility, and Frederick the Great was also an enthusiastic owner of this breed. The typical playfulness and love for people makes the Italian Greyhound a wonderful member of the family. You can also find this breed under the names Galgo Italiano or Italian Greyhound.
Character of the Italian Greyhound
Fast as the wind, playful as a child – with this dog, the name says it all. As expected, the little dog turns out to be sensitive in the depths of his soul – but without being nervous or hectic. The petite greyhound is intelligent and playful. He loves to cuddle and does not like to be left alone. These predispositions make him a pleasant family dog – if you live up to his joy of movement. Children like to teach him dog tricks in no time at all, because this affectionate breed wants to please humans. Several dogs of this species can also be trained well together. Despite its qualification as a family dog, the tiny dog remains an enduring runner who is characterized by liveliness and joy of movement.
Education and keeping of the Italian Greyhound
As with any dog breed, you should start with consistent, loving training at an early age with a wind chime. Pressure and strictness are not necessary: The Piccolo Levriero Italiano (the original name of the breed) works all by itself to implement your requests flawlessly. Dogs of this breed love to dash through life free as the wind and at breakneck speed. If you have a fenced property at your disposal, you can participate in your dog’s unbridled joie de vivre.
In open terrain, the situation is different: In most cases, it makes sense to keep the Italian Greyhound on a leash. In addition to its speed, a portion of hunting instinct is part of its predisposition as a sight hunter. Do not underestimate it because of its small size – the mini greyhound loves and needs long walks every day. Some dog experts describe the Italian Greyhound as an unsuitable partner for children. This is only true to a limited extent: As long as the children are sensible enough for the needs of the delicately built breed, a harmonious coexistence is possible without any problems.
Caring for the Italian Greyhound
The extremely short coat without undercoat makes it easier for you to care for your four-legged friend: brushing has almost no effect, because the Italian Greyhound hardly loses any hair. Therefore, this breed can also be suitable for an allergy household. You should not bathe your animal, and avoid unprotected walks in the rain. However, the dog does like swimming on hot summer days. The dwarf among the greyhounds has hardly any fat under its thin skin and freezes very quickly. A suitable coat in bad weather does not mean luxury for this dog, but health care. You should pay special attention to daily dental care.
Special features about the Italian Greyhound
The filigree physique of the Italian Greyhound is prone to injury. In addition, the breed shows a predisposition to problems with the kneecaps, undescended testicles and epilepsy. Reputable breeders take care to decimate these inheritances through prudent breeding operations. The VDH (Association for German Canine Society) has lists of breeders who meet this concern. Take advantage of the basic advice before buying if you have fallen in love with the Italian Greyhound.
By the way:
Only puppies that are born with white fur remain light. All others change coat color more or less significantly during the growth phase.
ProfileItalian Greyhound
| Race: | Italian Greyhound |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Classification: | Greyhound |
| Size: | 32 to 38 centimeters |
| Weight: | up to 5 kg |
| Physique: | small, delicate, graceful, elegant, square torso |
| Eyes: | dark, large, round, expressive, eyelid edges pigmented |
| Ears: | Rose ears, set high, folded in on themselves |
| Coat and color: | short, silky; monochrome black, grey or light beige (Isabella colours), in breeding only white markings on paws and chest are allowed |
| Particularities: | lively posture of the ears in all directions (butterfly or propeller ears), very low tail (second half curved between the legs) |
| Character: | lively, docile, very affectionate, intelligent and willing to learn |
| Care: | brush twice a week and rub with a damp cloth, avoid bathing if possible |
| Bless you: | extremely sensitive to cold and wetness, as there is no undercoat or fatty tissue; therefore tendency to hypothermia; predisposition to epilepsy, kneecap dislocation, undescended testicles, dental problems |
Do you also know these other sighthound species?
- Deerhound: The huge Scottish Deerhound shows a wonderful character and loves to be part of the human pack. His friendliness and love for children makes the once intrepid hunting and greyhound of the Highlands an obedient and patient family member on long walks in wind and weather.
- Galgo Español: The Galgo Español is still used in Spain for hare hunting, but in this country the long-legged greyhound inspires as a loyal family member with a lovable, unobtrusive character. The bundle of energy is a perfect companion for people who like to be out and about.
- Podenco: The Podencos form an extensive family on the Iberian Peninsula. They combine the best of greyhound and hunting dog and are bred for hunting in their homeland. They are characterised by their joy of running, enthusiasm for hunting and willfulness.
- Silken Windsprite: The Silken Windsprite is a relatively young breed that originates from the USA. The Silken Windsprite is considered a pleasant companion dog that is very attached to its humans, is active outdoors, but calm and relaxed indoors.
- Whippet: A fast, independent hunter outside and a real couch potato inside: The Whippet is a medium-sized, slender companion dog with unique characteristics. The long-legged greyhounds have a very reserved nature and are equipped with a strong hunting instinct.
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