Italian Greyhound
This beautiful breed was well-known as a favourite amongst royalty in Italy during the Middle Ages. The breed has some of the best of everything, making them an excellent companion, a fantastic training buddy and an impressive athlete.
Italian Greyhound At A Glance
| Lifespan | 14-16 years |
| Temperament | The Italian Greyhound is known for its happy and affectionate nature, making it an ideal companion for those who seek a loving and devoted pet. |
| Suitable | Italian Greyhounds are loyal and loving dogs that form strong bonds with their families. They thrive in environments where they receive ample attention and companionship. |
| Health | Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they may be prone to certain health matters. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Skin Condition Allergy | $1,341.00 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $5,831.49 |
| Neoplasia | $2,481.50 |
| Ear Condition | $728.63 |
| Tissue Damage of Fracture | $1,847.87 |
| Eye Condition | $605.27 |
| Lumps & Bumps | $2,642.00 |
| Urinary System Disorder | $2,842.36 |
*PIA Data 2024
Trainability
Fun and versatility are essential when training this wee superstar. They love to run, but due to their impressive intelligence, they will be bored easily with repetitive or long and tedious training methods. Keep training sessions short, fun and light. The breed excels in all types of dog sports and any activity where they are the centre of focus. Due to their sheer speed and the love to chase anything that moves, training is paramount to ensure a good recall during puppyhood for safety reasons. Like with all dog breeds, early socialisation is essential. Consider as many sights, sounds, experiences and people as possible, including other pets. Enrolling in a puppy preschool class is a great place to start basic training while your puppy safely interacts with other pups of all shapes and sizes. This breed has a huge desire to give chase to anything. All owners of these dogs must understand this and ensure that their dogs are correctly leashed and trained to prevent any injuries, especially in consideration of traffic and cars.
Grooming
The breed is not known to be a large shedder and is not a smelly breed either, meaning minimal grooming. However, like all dogs, they will require a weekly rub down with a rubber mitt to remove any dead hair and to check on the condition of your dog’s coat and skin. One of your pup’s all-time favourite activities may be rolling in something ultra-stinky, meaning you may be required to bathe more than they need. Training can also help with this habit. Trimming your pup’s nails is essential as it will make the task much easier as they grow. If you are unsure how to do this, please seek assistance from your Veterinarian during your next check-up. Getting your little puppy used to having their pads, paws, face, ears and mouth touched is also a good idea to make vet visits much easier and less stressful for your beloved dog.
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Common Health Complaints – Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds can suffer from a range of common health complaints. However, it is fundamental to understand that not all Italian Greyhounds will experience these issues, and in many incidents, good veterinary care and breeding can help alleviate these problems.
- Dental issues - Italian Greyhounds are susceptible to dental problems such as periodontal disease, plaque buildup, and tooth decay due to their small size and delicate mouths. If left untreated, poor dental hygiene can lead to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and potential systemic health issues.
- Luxating Patella - Also known as "trick knee," this condition involves the kneecap slipping out of its normal position, causing discomfort, lameness, and difficulty walking. Luxating Patella can range from mild to severe and may require medical intervention such as surgery to correct.
- Sensitivity to Anaesthesia - Italian Greyhounds may have a heightened sensitivity to anaesthesia compared to other breeds. It's essential for veterinarians to carefully monitor Italian Greyhounds during medical procedures involving anaesthesia to prevent adverse reactions.
- Allergies - Some Italian Greyhounds may develop allergies, that can include food and environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), leading to skin and gastrointestinal sensitivities. Allergic reactions can manifest as scratching, red and inflamed skin, ear flapping, and secondary skin infections. Treatment typically involves identifying and eliminating the allergen (as best you can) and medications.
- Hypothyroidism - This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, skin problems, and intolerance to cold temperatures. Hypothyroidism can be managed with medication and dietary adjustments.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes - Affecting the hip joint, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease involves the degeneration and collapse of the femoral head, leading to pain, limping, and decreased mobility. Treatment may include surgery to alleviate discomfort and restore function.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) - Italian Greyhounds may inherit PRA, a group of genetic eye diseases characterised by progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Regular veterinary eye exams and genetic testing can help diagnose PRA early and manage its progression.
- Epilepsy - Italian Greyhounds may be predisposed to epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. Seizures can vary in frequency and severity, and management may involve medication to control seizure activity.
- Osteoarthritis - Italian Greyhounds may develop osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterised by joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Osteoarthritis can affect dogs of all ages but is more common in older Italian Greyhounds.
- Heart Murmurs - Italian Greyhounds may develop heart murmurs, abnormal heart sounds caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. Heart murmurs can indicate underlying heart conditions such as mitral valve disease or congenital heart defects and may require monitoring and management by a veterinarian.
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Exercise Requirements
These dogs have a lot of energy, particularly when they are young. Keeping your dog on a leash when walking is essential, as is ensuring your off-leash area is correctly fenced from any dangers. These dogs love to chase anything that moves, making training and good leash walking paramount. The breed loves to play and will excel in any fun training games you choose to teach. They can even make wonderful jogging companions as grown dogs. But with such a thin coat, investing in a good dog coat for those cold winter morning runs is advisable.
Intelligence
This breed is super intelligent and will undoubtedly get up to masses of mischievous behaviour if not correctly exercised or trained. It’s crucial to consider boredom-busting techniques if you are leaving for work. Rotate fun ‘home alone’ toys daily, and remember to pick them up when you arrive home from work. Treatballs and puzzles will also work well to keep your pup entertained when you are not around. It’s important to remember, no matter the breed, all dogs can become destructive when bored.
Family Friendly
This breed will excel with all family members, large, small, or tiny. However, they are incredibly delicate and can be easily injured by a boisterous child. Supervision is paramount to keep your dog safe and remember – sit cuddles only. Like with all dogs, your children need to be correctly taught how to behave around a dog, and a dog correctly trained how to interact with a child. They can get along well with other pets if supervised at a young age; however, don’t rule out that they won’t take chase after the cat now and again. All interactions with larger dogs must be carefully supervised to ensure your dog does not get injured. With such a big personality, size is never a problem in the eyes of an Italian Greyhound.
Indoor/outdoor?
The Italian Greyhound will not take well to the cold and will need suitable shelter and indoor access to ensure they do not catch a chill. Fences are important. If your wee sighthound gets an inclining that he can escape, he will be off on a massive run around your neighbourhood chasing cars and all sorts of things. Check fences daily for any escape routes and ensure you fix any holes quickly. Like with all dogs, adequate shelter from all weather and ample fresh water are essential.
Responsible Breeding
When welcoming a new Italian Greyhound into your family, meticulous research is key to ensuring their lifelong health and happiness. Opting for a reputable breeder is paramount to mitigate the risk of hereditary health concerns. Prioritize inquiries regarding genetic predispositions and insist on meeting both parents to evaluate their temperament and overall well-being. Consulting your local breed club and delving into the breeder’s reputation and practices are essential steps. Look for evidence of routine genetic testing to identify potential hereditary ailments and ensure the soundness of the breeding stock’s temperament. While this process may demand more time and diligence than a spontaneous purchase, the investment pays off by shielding your family from the distress and financial strain of managing ailing pets. Dedication to finding a trustworthy breeder safeguards against the heartache associated with health issues in your cherished Italian Greyhound.
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