Italian Greyhound Dog Breed - Origin, Pictures, Caring Needs, Friendliness and more
Italian Greyhound At A Glance
Italian Greyhound Overview
The Italian Greyhound is a charming, petite breed known for its elegance and grace. Standing at an average height of 8 to 10 inches tall and weighing around 25 to 35 pounds, this breed boasts a slender build that belies its lively spirit. The coat is short and smooth, available in various colors including white, fawn, tricolor, and brindle. Italian Greyhounds are renowned for their exceptional intelligence and make excellent companions due to their calm demeanor and affectionate nature. They require minimal exercise but need regular grooming to keep their short hair clean and shiny. This breed is often described as having a "flying squirrel" gait, moving with speed and agility.
Italian Greyhound Key Points
- •The Italian Greyhound is known for its small size and elegant appearance.
- •It has a swift, agile nature and is often referred to as the fastest dog breed.
- •They have long, slender legs that allow them to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour in short bursts.
- •Their coat is short and smooth, typically coming in colors such as white, fawn, black, or brindle.
- •Italian Greyhounds are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companions.
Italian Greyhound Quick Facts
- Average Purchase Price
- $800
- Average Food Costs
- $300/year
- Average Lifetime Costs
- $16500
- Origin
- Italy
- Type
- Toy
- Average Life Span
- 13 years
- Size
- Small
- Average Weight
- 5 kg
- Average Height
- 14 inches
- Fur Colours
- Red, Black
- Eye Colours
- Brown
- Exercise Requirements
- 1.5 hours per day
- Grooming Needs
- Low(Once a week)
- Shedding Fequency
- Seasonal
- Ideal Living Size
- Apartment
- Health Issues Risk
- Moderate(Dental problems, eye issues, skin allergies)
- Temperament
- Mischievous, Affectionate, Agile, Athletic, Companionable, Intelligent
- Character
- Intelligent, energetic, playful, good-natured
Italian Greyhound Characteristics
Friendly Rating7/10
Trainability8/10
Intelligence Rating7/10
Good with Other Dogs10/10
Good with Strangers10/10
Shedding Tendency6/10
Drooling Tendency2/10
Coat Length2/10
Playfulness8/10
Protectiveness6/10
Energy6/10
Barking Tendency6/10
Adaptability6/10
Beginner Friendliness10/10
Cold Weather Tolerance2/10
Hot Weather Tolerance6/10
Physical Needs6/10
Intensity4/10
Italian Greyhound FAQs
What is the Italian Greyhound and where does it originate?
The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog known for its graceful appearance and agility. It originates from Italy, though its exact country of origin remains debatable among experts.
What are the typical characteristics of an Italian Greyhound?
Italian Greyhounds are famous for their long, slender body, arched back, and distinctive large ears that are set high on the head. They have a fine, short coat that is typically smooth and silky in texture, coming in various colors including white, fawn, red, brindle, or combinations of these.
How big do Italian Greyhounds get?
These dogs generally stand about 8 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 25 to 30 pounds. They are one of the smallest breeds but pack a lot of personality in their petite frames.
What is the life expectancy of an Italian Greyhound?
On average, Italian Greyhounds live for around 10 to 15 years with proper care and nutrition.
Are Italian Greyhounds good with children?
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are typically friendly and gentle dogs that enjoy playing with children. However, like all pets, they should be supervised when around young children to ensure their safety and well-being.
What are some common health issues associated with the Italian Greyhound breed?
Like other dog breeds, Italian Greyhounds can suffer from various health conditions including obesity, ear infections, heart problems such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and dental issues. Regular veterinary check-ups can help in early detection and management of these issues.
How do you care for an Italian Greyhound?
Caring for an Italian Greyhound involves providing them with a balanced diet to prevent obesity, regular grooming to keep their coat healthy, and plenty of exercise to maintain their energy levels and mental health. They also require socialization to become well-adjusted companions in various situations.
Are Italian Greyhounds good guard dogs?
Italian Greyhounds are not recommended as guard dogs due to their small size and friendly nature. They are more suited to being companion animals rather than protective ones.
