Italian Greyhound Puppies

Italian Greyhounds are pleasant, gentle, and sociable dogs that tend to have somewhat sensitive emotions. They need a good bit of affection and do not do very well when left alone for lengthy periods of time. Fortunately, Italian Greyhounds get along well with other dogs and animals, so as long as they have another furry companion in the house, separation anxiety should not be an issue. Around strangers, Iggys can be reserved, which is why they like being the one to make the first move when it comes to meeting new people. Some Italian Greyhounds are shyer than others, so it’s important that they are well-socialized during puppyhood.

Italian Greyhounds are very healthy dogs, with an average lifespan of 13-15 years. Breeders should still be screening for conditions like auto-immune diseases, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and hypothyroidism. They can also be prone to leg injuries, so they should not be put in high impact situations.

Italian Greyhounds, like other hounds, require frequent exercise. This can be anything from playing with another dog to taking a leashed walk. Going off-leash with this breed is never a smart idea since Iggys will chase anything small and furry and can be difficult to catch if they run off.

They are a very low-maintenance breed, and do not require regular brushing or bathing to maintain a healthy coat. If you do brush their coat, do it gently to prevent irritating their skin. Their teeth should be brushed regularly, preferably daily.

Italian Greyhounds shed moderately year round, but their hair is so short and fine it is hardly noticable.

The Italian Greyhound looks like a miniature replica of a Greyhound with its sleek, muscular body. These dogs have short and smooth coats that can come in almost any color but are most often fawn, brindle, or gray.

Essentially a smaller-sized Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound is a slender sighthound that has been around for centuries. In fact, dogs that resemble the Italian Greyhound have been depicted in art dating back approximately 2,000 years. By the middle ages, miniature Greyhounds could be found all over southern Europe, but they were especially popular in Italy. Over the years, the Italian Greyhound became increasingly prized for its elegance and charm. The breed first appeared in the United States sometime during the late 19th century, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the first Italian Greyhound in 1886.