The Italian Greyhound: The Ultimate Guide to This Graceful, Affectionate Breed

The Italian Greyhound, often affectionately called an "Iggy", is a small, elegant sighthound that has captured the hearts of dog lovers for centuries. Originally bred as a companion dog for nobility in southern Europe and the Mediterranean, the Italian Greyhound is a gentle, sensitive breed known for its sleek beauty, athleticism, and loyal, loving nature. If you are considering adding one of these charming miniature Greyhounds to your family, read on to learn everything you need to know about the breed.

History of the Italian Greyhound

Despite their name, the origins of Italian Greyhounds are not definitively tied to Italy. This ancient breed is thought to have descended from small sighthounds that existed over 2,000 years ago in Turkey, Greece, and across the Mediterranean region. The dogs were valued by nobility and the wealthy as elegant companions and status symbols.

Mummified remains of small Greyhound-type dogs have been found in Egypt dating back to around 2900 BC. Likenesses of Italian Greyhound-like dogs also frequently appeared in art from ancient Greece, Rome and Turkey starting around 500 BC.

The breed became especially fashionable in 16th century Italy, where owning miniature Greyhounds was very popular among aristocrats and royalty, including Catherine the Great of Russia and Queen Victoria of England. It‘s believed this period in Italy is when they earned the name Italian Greyhounds.

Italian Greyhounds were among the earliest dog breeds brought to England in the 17th century. The first Italian Greyhounds arrived in the United States in the late 1800s. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1886. Today, Italian Greyhounds rank 73rd out of 202 breeds in popularity according to AKC registration statistics.

Characteristics of the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthound breeds, typically weighing just 7 to 14 pounds and standing 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a very slender, graceful build with long, slim legs, a deep chest, arched loin, and a long, tapered tail. Their elegant necks hold a long, narrow head with a tapered muzzle, folded ears, and dark, alert eyes.

Italian Greyhounds have a short, smooth, glossy coat that lies close to their lithe bodies. They come in many colors, including fawn, cream, red, black, blue, sable, and white, sometimes with white markings.

One of the most notable characteristics of Italian Greyhounds is their unique gait. They have a high stepping, "prancing" trot and can reach impressive speeds of up to 25 mph in short bursts, especially if they spot a small critter to chase. For their size, they are also excellent jumpers.

Don‘t let their dainty appearance fool you – Italian Greyhounds may be small, but they have the speed, agility, and prey drive of their larger Greyhound cousins. While they aren‘t suitable for hunting, they still very much embody the spirit of a sighthound and love a good chase.

Italian Greyhound Temperament

Italian Greyhounds are known for being gentle, sensitive, affectionate dogs that love nothing more than being with their humans. They thrive on companionship and often form deep bonds with their owners. They can be needy for attention and tend to stick close by your side, following you from room to room.

These sweet-natured dogs make excellent lap dogs and tend to be fairly quiet, only barking occasionally when excited or alarmed. They are usually friendly, although they can be somewhat aloof or skittish around strangers. Early and frequent socialization is important to boost their confidence.

While Italian Greyhounds are playful, they are not high-energy dogs and are usually calm and well-mannered inside the home. They are adaptable to various living situations and are generally good apartment dogs, although they can be a bit sensitive to cold temperatures due to their slim build and short coats. Many owners put sweaters or jackets on them when venturing out in chilly weather.

Italian Greyhounds are very intelligent, but they can also be independent, stubborn, and easily distracted at times, especially if they catch a glimpse of something small and furry to chase. They respond best to positive reinforcement training with lots of treats, praise, and patience. Harsh corrections or scolding can damage their sensitive psyches.

Health and Lifespan

Italian Greyhounds have an average lifespan of 14-15 years. They are generally healthy overall, but there are some inherited health issues that can crop up in the breed, including:

• Dental disease: Small breeds like Italian Greyhounds are especially prone to dental issues like periodontal disease, tooth loss, and jaw fractures. Regular brushing and dental cleanings are a must.

• Luxating patellas: This orthopedic condition occurs when the kneecap pops out of its groove, causing lameness. Surgery may be required in severe cases.

• Leg-Calve-Perthes disease: This condition involves a deformity of the ball of the hip joint, causing pain and limping. It usually appears in puppies and may require surgery.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This inherited disease causes gradual blindness and has no cure, although affected dogs can still enjoy a good quality of life, especially in a familiar environment.

• Hypothyroidism: Italian Greyhounds can be prone to underactive thyroid glands, leading to symptoms like weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. It‘s manageable with medication.

• Von Willebrand‘s disease: This bleeding disorder interferes with blood clotting. Affected dogs may experience nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery.

The best way to avoid hereditary health problems is to buy from a reputable breeder who tests their breeding stock for genetic issues. As with any dog, keeping your Italian Greyhound at a healthy weight, feeding a high-quality diet, staying up to date on preventive care, and visiting the vet for regular check-ups will help maximize their health and longevity.

Exercise and Training

Despite their status as the ultimate lap dog, Italian Greyhounds still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They have short bursts of energy and love to run and play, especially chasing balls or toys in a fenced yard. A couple brisk 20-30 minute walks per day plus some playtime is usually sufficient to meet their exercise needs.

Italian Greyhounds can be escape artists, so a securely fenced yard is a must. They should never be allowed off-leash in unfenced areas, as their prey drive can send them darting after small animals with no regard for dangers like cars or getting lost.

Early training and socialization starting in puppyhood is crucial for Italian Greyhounds. They can be sensitive and stubborn, so a gentle, patient approach works best. Positive reinforcement using treats, toys, and praise is most effective. Keep training sessions short and fun to hold their attention.

Housetraining can sometimes be a challenge for this breed. Crate training is recommended to aid the process and prevent accidents when you can‘t supervise. Italian Greyhounds can also be prone to submissive urination when overexcited or anxious. This tends to improve with age and confidence.

Grooming an Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds have very short, smooth coats that are relatively low-maintenance in the grooming department. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt is usually sufficient to remove any dead hair and keep their coat sleek and shiny. They don‘t have an undercoat and shed very minimally.

Frequent bathing is not necessary unless they get into something messy. When you do bathe them, use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo and make sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent skin irritation. Their large, erect ears should be checked and cleaned weekly to avoid wax build-up and infection.

As mentioned, dental hygiene is very important for Italian Greyhounds to prevent dental disease. Brushing their teeth daily or at least a few times a week is ideal. Regular nail trims are also a must to keep them at a short, comfortable length and prevent splitting or tearing.

Are Italian Greyhounds Good Family Pets?

Italian Greyhounds can make wonderful family companions for the right household. They are affectionate with their families and usually enjoy the company of other dogs. They tend to be gentle and patient with respectful children, but their small size puts them at risk of accidental injury, so they are best suited for homes with older kids who know how to handle them carefully.

With early socialization, Italian Greyhounds can also do well with cat-friendly dogs and even cats, although their strong prey drive means any small pets like rodents or birds are not recommended. They may be nervous or shy around new people and in unfamiliar situations, so a stable, moderately active home is the best fit.

Italian Greyhounds are fairly adaptable and can do well in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, as long as they get enough exercise, companionship, and mental stimulation. A bored, lonely Iggy may become anxious and turn to nuisance behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or having accidents in the house. They do best with a consistent routine and plenty of quality time with their humans.

Italian Greyhounds vs. Other Breeds

If you are trying to decide between an Italian Greyhound and another small breed, it‘s useful to consider their similarities and differences. Here are some comparisons with other popular petite pooches:

• Chihuahuas: Like Italian Greyhounds, Chihuahuas are loyal lapdogs that tend to bond strongly with their owners. However, Chihuahuas are often more assertive, territorial, and prone to barking, while Italian Greyhounds are usually quieter and a bit more reserved.

• Miniature Pinschers: Both breeds are lively, playful companions, but Min Pins tend to be bolder and more independent, while Italian Greyhounds are usually more sensitive and needy for attention.

• Toy Poodles: Both are intelligent, trainable, and adaptable to apartment life, but Italian Greyhounds shed very little, while Toy Poodles require much more frequent grooming. Poodles also tend to be more outgoing with strangers.

• Pugs: Pugs are sturdy, comical, and gregarious, while Italian Greyhounds are more elegant, reserved, and athletic. Pugs are also more prone to health issues like breathing problems and joint disorders.

Ultimately, the right breed for you depends on your lifestyle, personality, and what you are looking for in a canine companion. If you want a gentle, affectionate dog that will adore you unconditionally and keep you smiling with their playful, inquisitive nature, an Italian Greyhound may be the perfect fit.

Fun Facts About Italian Greyhounds

Still not convinced that Italian Greyhounds are one of the most amazing breeds around? Consider these fascinating facts:

1. An Italian Greyhound named Pipsqueak holds the Guinness World Record for "Fastest time to run 10 meters on hind legs by a dog" at 6.56 seconds. Their unique gait and balance help them excel at walking and running on their hind legs.

2. In the 5th century BC, the Greek historian Herodotus mentioned the Italian Greyhound in his work "The Histories", describing a small breed of Greyhound kept by the Egyptians as a household pet.

3. The iconic RCA dog "Nipper" was likely an Italian Greyhound mix. Nipper originally belonged to British painter Francis Barraud, who depicted him in the legendary "His Master‘s Voice" portrait in the 1890s.

4. A 2004 study of canine intelligence ranked Italian Greyhounds as the 53rd smartest breed out of 132, putting them in the "Above Average Working Dogs" category along with other sighthounds like Greyhounds and Whippets.

5. The American Kennel Club breed standard describes the ideal Italian Greyhound gait as "high stepping and free, maintaining the same rhythm in movement as a smoothly cadenced trotter".

6. Several royals throughout history owned Italian Greyhounds, including Frederick the Great of Prussia, Anne of Denmark, Queen Victoria, and Catherine the Great. The Russian empress was such a fan that she had a whole room in her palace dedicated to her Italian Greyhounds.

7. Despite their affinity for laps, Italian Greyhounds actually make excellent agility and lure coursing competitors due to their speed, stamina, and eagerness to chase.

8. Italian Greyhounds have inspired many artists over the centuries. Notable examples in art history include the bronze sculpture "Jennings Dog" by 19th century French animalier Antoine-Louis Barye and the painting "Boy with Dogs" by 18th century British artist Thomas Gainsborough.

Final Thoughts on Italian Greyhounds

From their rich history as companions to royalty to their unique combination of athleticism, grace, and affection, Italian Greyhounds are truly special dogs. While they are not the right fit for everyone, those who welcome them into their hearts and homes often become lifelong devotees to the breed.

If you are looking for a loyal, loving lapdog that will keep you on your toes with their playful antics and captivate you with their soulful eyes, an Italian Greyhound may be your perfect match. Just be prepared for a velcro dog that will want to be stuck to your side at all times! With proper care, training, and attention, your Iggy will be a cherished companion for many years to come.