Characteristics of Italian Greyhounds
The Italian Greyhound (or IG) is a true greyhound, his small size the result of selective breeding. There is some difference of opinion as to whether he was originally bred for hunting small game or was meant to be simply a pet and companion. It seems most likely that he filled both roles. For this reason he is very
adaptable to both city and country living. He is rather luxury loving and enjoys the comfort of an apartment; at the same time being a true hound, he likes exercise and outdoor activities. Perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of the Italian Greyhound is his affectionate disposition. He thrives best when this affection is returned and is happiest with his owner and immediate family. For this reason, he may sometimes seem a trifle aloof with strangers. He is sensitive, alert, and intelligent and remains playful until long past puppyhood. Due to fine
bone structure and sometimes timid or sensitive personality, Italian Greyhounds in general do not make good pets for households with very young or rambunctious children or large, active dogs. IGs are brilliant at problem solving and are quick learners who don’t necessarily equate obedience with love, to
the chagrin of many a newcomer to the breed! Some have done well in obedience trials and many excel in the sport of Agility.
Exercise Requirements
IGs are an active breed and need regular exercise. For the most part, playtime will be sufficient for this, especially if there is more than one dog. Walks on lead are appreciated. Dog parks can be a hazard unless well supervised and having separate areas for small dogs. Even obedience-trained IGs should not be allowed off lead outdoors in unfenced areas, since small, moving animals are a huge incentive to run, possibly into danger. Use of a martingale typle lead is recommended.
Grooming Requirements
The most important grooming tip for the Italian Greyhound is that the teeth must be brushed on a regular basis, preferably daily. Dental cleaning by a veterinarian should be done yearly or as needed. Baths are rarely necessary unless the dog has gotten into something that can’t be removed from the very short, smooth coat by gentle brushing. The nails need regular attention, preferably with a grinding tool. They should not be shortened all the way to the quick. This breed has a hare foot, and the two middle nails can be left slightly longer than the other two.
Training Italian Greyhounds
This breed responds best to reward-based training methods rather than correction. The trainer should be firm with commands and lavish with praise. Treats used as a reward should be small but immediate when the command is learned and followed. Professional dog trainers should be chosen carefully. Harsh
methods just don’t work with these intelligent, sensitive little dogs, even though they can be stubborn.
Nutrition for Italian Greyhounds
The Italian Greyhound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).It’s easy to allow these dogs to become overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. On an IG in proper weight, the hip bones should just be seen. Ribs should not be visible but should be able to be felt under a thin covering of flesh. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any
concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Caring for an Italian Greyhound Puppy
Your puppy needs exercise and attention. Sufficient exercise helps to prevent destructive behavior as well as builds physical strength and dexterity. Teach your puppy how to jump. At first concentrate on helping the puppy jump off low objects until he can safely negotiate household furniture. Italian Greyhound
puppies think they can fly and will blithely leap out into space. The highest bed or table holds no terrors for the unknowing puppy. Frequent bursts of energy will be followed by periods of rest. Until your IG develops common sense you will want to be alert to situations that could lead to a leg break.
Nail Grinding/Trimming
Although Italian Greyhounds need little in the way of coat grooming, nails must be done on a regular basis: 1-3 times weekly with an electric grinder or file for conformational health and to help prevent leg breaks. Greyhounds’ nails grow longer and faster than other breeds. This robust growth often includes the quick (soft interior of the nail) so you should grind nails as often as necessary to maintain nails that clear the floor on the free standing dog.
Dental Care Introduction
As soon as the adult teeth have come in, you can begin brushing them using an unflavored toothpaste and brush designed for canines. Brush daily for optimum oral hygiene and to prevent gum disease, which is a common problem for Italian
Greyhounds that do not receive this level of care. A yearly professional dental examination is highly recommended.
Socialization
While Italian Greyhounds bond strongly to their owners, they are less interested in strangers or children unless they are socialized to children, many people, and new situations early and constantly. Take your puppy with you as often as you can
and for walks around the neighborhood. Teach your dog where he lives.
Feeding Italian Greyhound Puppies
Puppies need to be fed three times a day, usually until the age of at least 6 months. An Italian Greyhound’s stomach capacity is too small to obtain the necessary nutrition it needs from a low quality dog food. He just cannot eat enough to meet his own high energy requirements. Feed a premium puppy food. After the age of 6 months, some puppies will let you know they can do without the noon time meal. Others will need three meals a day for months longer. An adult should be fed twice a day with fresh water always available. Italian Greyhounds should be fed a quality, premium food.
Leaving Your Puppy Unattended
Destructive behavior is sure to occur if your puppy is left unattended and unrestricted in the house for long periods of time. The puppy will find something to occupy his time and most certainly it will not be what you would suggest. If you must leave the puppy alone, it should be crated (for not more than 2–3 hours) or safe in an exercise pen with lid with papers on the floor and toys and chew bones to help pass the time. Crating puppies for extended periods of time will lead to elimination in the crate—a very difficult habit to break and no help in house-training.
Housetraining Italian Greyhound Puppies
Italian Greyhound puppies do not have the ability to go without eliminating for long periods of time. They must be taken outside for house training very often or reminded to go on their papers for paper training. As a consequence, house training can be very difficult if there is no one home during the day. For the first couple of years it will be your task to make sure the puppy does not eliminate in the wrong place and gets praise for going where you choose. Do not expect a very young pup to be reliable about holding “it” or getting to the papers in time. Between 14 – 16 weeks, the Italian Greyhound puppy begins to develop true bladder control but mental maturity factors can undermine your house-training program. Diligent attention to house training for the first couple of years of your pet’s life will result in a clean companion that you will enjoy for many, many years.
Spaying/Neutering
A puppy that is not a show and breeding prospect should be spay/neutered to prevent accidental breeding. Italian Greyhounds are, as a rule, quite healthy but do maintain a good relationship with your vet and schedule yearly wellness visits
for your dog. Vaccinate and use other preventative treatments as advised by your veterinarian for your locale.
Exercise and Safety for Puppies
The adolescent Italian Greyhound is active and energetic and needs continuing attention and exercise. Long walks on a martingale collar and lead and free play in a safely fenced area will be greatly enjoyed by both owner and puppy. Italian
Greyhounds have not lost their hunting instinct. They will chase anything that moves, and that includes cars. Be very careful with your puppy and even grown dog anywhere there is traffic. An Italian Greyhound can dart out into the road, even pulling the leash out of your hand, to chase the cat or squirrel it has
seen on the other side of the street.
Weather Considerations
Since the Italian Greyhound is a very short-coated canine, it does react negatively to extremely cold temperatures and rain. IGs do not seem to mind cavorting in the snow but they dislike rain in their faces. However, brief periods of exercise are enjoyed even in bad weather. They are not kennel, backyard or basement dogs. While in the house, on cool, nasty days, your Italian Greyhound will want to snuggle under the covers on the bed or the family room sofa. On the whole, the breed would much rather be in your lap or bed than on the floor.
Longevity
It is not unusual for an Italian Greyhound to live until 14 or 15 years and many times a longer life can be expected. The time and attention you lavish on your puppy will be rewarded by many years of cherished companionship from your devoted Italian Greyhound.