Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound Facts

Italian Greyhound Information

Italian Greyhound Description:

Italian Greyhound Care & Grooming:

Italian Greyhound Health Problems:

Group:	Toy
Size:	Small
Life Span:	12-15 years
Height:	Male: 13-15 inches
	Female: 13-15 inches
Weight:	Male: 8-10 lbs
	Female: 8-10 lbs

Coat :	Soft, glossy and fine
Gait :	Free and straight
Color(s) :	Any color except brindle or black and tan markings
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Short
Exercise Need :	Daily long walk
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (UKC) United Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Italy
Todays Use :	Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Companion Dog , Vermin Hunter
Other Name :	IG, Iggy

The exact origin of the Italian Greyhound is unknown. However, the breed is said to have originated in Greece or Turkey and is thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to more than 4,000 years ago. It is one of the smallest of the hounds and resembles the gazehounds of the yesteryears. Mummified remains of the dog have been found in some parts of Egypt, thus pointing to the breed being in existence since very long. Despite its purported origins in Greece or Turkey, the breed was named the Italian Greyhound because of its popularity in Italy in the 16th century. In the olden days, it was largely used as a companion dog and also occasionally used for hunting rats and vermin. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1886.

The Italian Greyhound is a medium sized dog, although much smaller than the Greyhound and having a much leaner frame. It has a long, tapering head; medium sized eyes which are dark in color; medium sized ears which are folded and carried slightly away from the head; dark brown or black nose; a long, tapering muzzle; taut lips which are black in color with teeth which meet in scissors bite. This breed has a long tail which is low set. The tail has a slight curve towards the end and is carried hanging down. It has long, slender legs with hare-like feet. It has a short, fine, soft, glossy and odorless coat. Its coat can be of any color except brindle markings or black and tan markings.

The Italian Greyhound is a dependent, yet a very intelligent and affectionate breed, It is good with kids as well as other pets including dogs if socialized well at an early age. It can be reserved with strangers, although that does not make it a good watchdog or a guard dog. It is primarily a companion breed which is easy to train. However, it is a sensitive breed. Hence, harsh training methods should be avoided. This breed is a people pleaser and loves to be with its owner and family. Therefore, it is well suited to an apartment life. However, it is not suited to families which cannot be with the dog regularly during the day.

The Italian Greyhound sheds little hair. Its sort and soft coat is very easy to groom. Brushing once in a week and rubbing its coat regularly with a damp towel is sufficient to maintain its coat. It should be bathed only when necessary using a dry shampoo and its coat should be dried properly after each bath. Its eyes and ears need to be cleaned regularly and nail should be trimmed properly to avoid any injury.

It is an active breed which needs a lot of daily exercise. A daily long walk is essential to satisfy the primal instinct of the dog to walk. This should be supplemented with running or jogging in an open area to meet the emotional and developmental needs of the dog. However, exercise caution with puppies younger than eighteen months since they are known to be fragile and prone to injuries at that age. This dog is sensitive to cold climate so proper care should be taken in such situation.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Italian Greyhound is prone to some health issues like PRA, Epilepsy, Patellar Luxation, Cataract, Liver problem, Hypothyroidism, Von Willebrand Disease etc.

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