Italian Greyhound Breed Profile: Essential Facts

Physical Description of the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound, often affectionately called the "Iggy," closely resembles a miniature Greyhound and is known for its sleek and slender build. It is the smallest member of the sighthound family, typically standing around one foot tall.

• Size: The Italian Greyhound is a small dog, typically measuring about 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Coat and Colors: Their coat is short and fine, coming in various colors like fawn, red, cream, black, and blue. However, the AKC does not allow brindle or black and tan colors for showing purposes.
• Eyes and Tail: They have medium-sized, dark eyes and a long, tapered tail that complements their elegant appearance.

The Italian Greyhound’s appearance is graceful and athletic, making it a beloved companion for those seeking a graceful, yet small, dog. For more details on the Greyhound family, visit Petful’s profile on Greyhounds.

Origin and History of the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, with evidence of the breed appearing in Egyptian tombs over 6,000 years ago. Over time, the breed has been loved and sought after by many civilizations.

• Ancient Roots: The Italian Greyhound can trace its origins to Egypt, with the first records of the breed appearing in tombs from ancient times. Later, the breed was found in Greece and Turkey around 2,000 years ago.
• 16th Century Italy: The breed became highly admired in Italy during the 16th century, where they were named the "Italian Greyhound" due to their popularity.
• International Spread: In the 17th century, Italian Greyhounds made their way to England and eventually to the United States. The breed almost faced extinction in Great Britain after World War I, but superior Italian Greyhounds were imported from the United States to revitalize the breed.
• AKC Recognition: The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Italian Greyhound in 1886, and the Italian Greyhound Club of America was established in 1954.

Purpose of the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound has served several purposes throughout its history:

• Companion Pets: Primarily bred as a companion dog, the Italian Greyhound is affectionate and loyal, making it a beloved pet.
• Small Game Hunters: Historically, they were used as hunters for small game, due to their speed and agility.
• Competitive Show Dogs: In modern times, the Italian Greyhound has become a popular breed in dog shows due to its graceful appearance and athleticism.

Temperament of the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is known for its playful and intelligent nature, making it a delightful companion for many pet owners. However, its personality comes with some unique traits that potential owners should be aware of.

• Playful and Active: Despite being a small dog, the Italian Greyhound is fast, active, and loves to play. They enjoy short bursts of exercise and are agile, making them great for activities like fetch or running in a secure space.
• Affectionate and Loyal: This breed prefers to stay close to its owners and often forms a strong bond with them. They have a natural desire to please and thrive on affection and attention.
• Shy with Strangers: Italian Greyhounds can be reserved and shy around strangers. They may take some time to warm up to new people.
• Timid and Submissive: Some Italian Greyhounds tend to be timid and submissive, so they may not always be the best choice for homes with very active children or large, boisterous dogs.

Training and Housebreaking Challenges

While Italian Greyhounds are intelligent, they can sometimes be difficult to house-train due to their independent nature. Some Iggys are potty-trained, as they avoid cold weather and water, but training them requires patience.

• Fragile Bones: The breed’s delicate bones make them less suitable for rough play with young children or large dogs, as they could be prone to injury.

For more information and facts about the Italian Greyhound's temperament, check out this video:

Is the Italian Greyhound the Right Dog for You?

Exercise Needs

MEDIUM: Italian Greyhounds can be quite active indoors, making them suitable for apartment living. They still require: Daily Walks Free Play and Running

Note that they are sensitive to extreme temperatures and are not suited for outdoor living.

Grooming Requirements

MEDIUM: Grooming an Italian Greyhound requires minimal effort due to their low-shedding coat. They only need baths when necessary, and many owners choose to rub them down with a towel or chamois.

However, regular care is important for their overall health:

• Teeth Brushing: They are prone to periodontal disease, so brushing at least once a week is essential. Daily brushing is ideal. For more on why dental care is crucial, visit this guide on pet dental health.
• Nail Clipping: Regular nail trims are needed to maintain their comfort.
• Ear Cleaning: Keeping their ears clean is important to avoid infections.

When bathing, make sure the water temperature is warm—not too hot or cold—to protect them from temperature extremes. Use a gentle dog-specific conditioning shampoo and rinse thoroughly to avoid irritation. Afterward, dry them completely to prevent chills.

Common Health Problems

MEDIUM: Italian Greyhounds, like many dog breeds, are susceptible to certain health conditions. While not every Iggy will experience these issues, it's important to recognize the potential signs of these common health problems: Epilepsy Bone Fractures

• Cataracts and Eye Problems (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• Luxating Patella (Slipped Stifle)
• Periodontal Disease and Teeth/Gum Problems
• Drug Sensitivities (Especially Anesthetics and Insecticides)
• Sensitivity to Extreme Temperatures
• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
• Cryptorchidism (Missing or Retained Testicles)
• Alopecia (Hair Loss)
• Orthopedic Diseases and Issues
• Immune System Diseases
• Liver Shunts
• Deafness
• Von Willebrand's Disease (VWD, a Blood Clotting Disorder)

If you're adopting or buying from a breeder, always ask to see any health tests performed, especially if the dog has a history of cryptorchidism (missing testicles). For more information about this condition, check out the article on missing testicles in dogs and cats.from a shelter or rescue, these tests may not be available. Some conditions do not appear for several years.

Adopt, Don’t Buy

If you consider getting an Italian Greyhound for your next pet, check adoption resources first. Even purebred animals can end up in shelters. Try Pets Adviser’s adoption center.

If finding an Iggy through adoption resources is difficult,  you can also check with rescue groups and breeders. If you do choose to go to a breeder, make sure the breeder is reputable and doesn’t exhibit any of the puppy mill warnings.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)