Italian Greyhound Breed Information

Italian Greyhound profile

Other names     Italian: Piccolo Levriero Italiano;

                         German: Italienisches Windspiel;

                          Spanish: Galgo italiano

Breed Group:     Toy


Weight:              male:3-4.5 kg;female:3-4.5 kg

Height:               male:30.5-38 cm;female:30.5-38 cm

Color(s):             any color but brindle or black and tan

Life expectancy 12-15 years

Litter size     3-5


Italian Greyhound History

The name of the breed is a reference to the breed's popularity in Renaissance Italy. Mummified dogs very similar to the Italian Greyhound (or small Greyhounds) are already found in Egypt, and pictorials of small Greyhounds are already found in Pompeii, plus they were probably the only accepted companion-dog there. As an amusing aside the expression 'Cave Canem' (Beware of the dog) was a warning to visitors, not that the dogs would attack but to beware of damaging, tripping over or stepping for the small dogs. dogs similar to Italian Greyhounds are recorded as having been observed around Emperor Nero's court in Rome while in the first century AD.



The Italian Greyhound is a very ancient breed and may have lived in Egypt over 6,000 years ago. These dogs came to Europe using the Phoenicians and later the Romans set about refining the breed. The remains of an Italian Greyhound were even found preserved in Pompeii after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Later, nobles like Catherine the wonderful of Russia made a fondness for this small breed and helped spread its popularity all through Europe.

Italian Greyhound Description

The Italian Greyhound is a slender, fine-boned small dog. The head is long, narrow, almost flat for the top having a muzzle that tapers to some point. It has a slight stop. The nose is black or brown depending for the color of the dog's coat. The teeth meet in an astonishingly scissors bite. The medium sized eyes are dark. The small ears fold back along the head, and when the puppy is alert they angle to the right. The long neck is arched. The chest is deep and narrow. The front legs are straight. Dewclaws may be removed. The long, low-set tail is thin, tapering to some point. The short, glossy coat arrives in all colors, including gray, slate gray, red, fawn, blue, black, whitened or cream. The dogs may be whitened with color markings or color with whitened markings for the chest and feet. A flecked edition also exists but are not accepted in all countries.

Italian Greyhound Temperament


The breed is equally at your house while in the city or the country, though they tend to do best in spacious areas. They are fast, agile and athletic. Like any dog, day-to-day exercise is a must for any happier, well-adjusted pet. Italian greyhounds adore to run. The youthful puppy is often particularly active, and also this higher degree of activity may guide them to attempt ill-advised feats of athleticism which could end bring about injury. due to their size, and in some lineages poor bone density, they are prone to broken legs which may be expensive to repair.



In general the Italian Greyhound is intelligent, but they often have a "what's in it for me" attitude and do not exactly throw on their own into instruction with wonderful excitement, so patience, firmness, gentleness, and reward in instruction seem to work best. They are also known for their mischievous ingenuity. despite a higher center of gravity, they can easily walk upright on their hind legs to attain items up on tables. They can also jump surprisingly higher (some over 1.5 m vertically) to attain high-up items of consciousness to them, including leaping atop kitchen counter-tops from the floor.



Italian Greyhounds make reasonably great watchdogs, as they bark at unfamiliar sounds. They may also bark at passers-by along with other animals. However, they really should not be considered "true" guard dogs as they are often aloof with strangers and easily spooked to run. They often get along nicely with other dogs and cats they are raised with.

Italian Greyhound Care


They are a very easy breed to keep as they require very small grooming. To keep the coat shiny, smooth, and gleaming, it is important to rub down their coat having a towel. Bathing is important and required regularly. after a bath, they have to be completely dried and warmed, as they are delicate to temperature changes.



The teeth should be brushed routinely for clearing built up tartar. The occasional grooming that is required is trimming the toenails. The Italian Greyhound sheds very small hair. Dewclaws are eliminated earlier after birth. in addition they require psychological security, which may be provided by patting. They are easily scared and frightened which may lead to snapping at people, hence the purpose to be around well-behaved children.



Italian Greyhound Grooming

The short and smooth coat of the Italian Greyhound is very easy to maintain. Brushing may prove to be as well harsh for the coat. Rubbing the coat having a towel or cloth will keep the coat in great shape. This only necessities to be completed a few times a week. Shedding is not a problem with this breed.



Italian Greyhound Training

Italian Greyhounds may be rather a challenge when it arrives to instruction them. They tend to be very tense, but also very sensitive. skilled instruction is mostly necessary for these dogs as they will not educate with anyone. They are also not very great at housebreaking. These dogs are having said that very eager to please their owners. It is recommended which they are subjected to obedience instruction when still young.




Italian Greyhound Pictures