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Italian Greyhound Puppies for Sale
Italian Greyhound
(Piccolo
Levriero Italiano) (IG)
Nathanael, a seal and white Italian Greyhound at about 8
months old
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Pronunciation |
Italian
Greyhound |
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Description |
The Italian Greyhound is an elegant, miniature
fine-boned Greyhound with a long head thinning gradually to a pointed muzzle. It
has a dark nose, thin lips and a healthy scissors bite. Like his larger cousins,
the brisket is deep, the abdomen tucked-in, and the back arched. The fine narrow
ears fold back along the head, but rise perpendicular to the head when the dog
is alert. The neck is long and thin. The expressive eyes are large and dark. The
tail is straight ending in a slight curve. The Italian Greyhound has an
easy-care short, sleek coat in solid gray, slate gray, cream, red, fawn, black,
or blue - often broken up with white markings on the chest and feet, or white
with color markings. A flecked version also exists but are not accepted in all
countries. The Italian Greyhound has a high-stepping gait. |
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Temperament |
The Italian Greyhound is a gentle, submissive and
affectionate dog. They become very attached to their masters and can be reserved
with strangers. Playful and intelligent, generally these dogs are not difficult
to train provided their handler is consistent with them. They are often naughty
and are aware of it. It is important that you can see the funny side when things
go wrong but this does not mean allowing them to take advantage of you. This dog
can be high strung and timid and must be handled very gently. This is a pet for
a quiet household where there are no lively children, although they do get along
well with behaved children and other dogs and cats. In a stressful situation it
needs constant reassurance by stroking. They are very dependent and peaceful. It
can be snappish if it is frightened. This breed can be difficult to housebreak.
They are generally easy to get along with and take care of. This dog is
extremely fast! Young Italian Greyhounds are very active. They can climb wire
fencing and are very inquisitive - jumping from chair to table tops to nearby
furniture. They are not good companions for large dogs. They do get along well
with other Italian Greyhounds and some recommend that you have more than one of
this fine breed. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm.)
Weight: 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg.)
There are two weight varieties: 8 pounds (4 kg.) maximum, and over 8 pounds (4
kg.). |
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Health Problems |
The Italian Greyhound is hardier than it appears.
The adult dog is certainly not delicate but until they are about eighteen months
old, their bones are quite fragile and they can break a leg rather easily.
Italian Greyhounds are prone to slipped stifle, fractures, PRA and epilepsy.
Bitches whelp easily and are well-suited to motherhood. |
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Living Conditions |
The Italian Greyhound is good for apartment life.
They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is
very sensitive to cold temperatures and should wear a sweater to go out in the
cold weather. |
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Exercise |
Italian Greyhounds are active little dogs who
need a good, daily walk. In
addition, they love to run free and play. Because Italian Greyhounds like
to play by running and bumping into each other, play with groups of other
Italian Greyhounds should always be supervised to prevent accidental injury.
Play with other large dogs is not recommended. Italian Greyhounds may be a good
jogging companion for short distances, but they do better as a walking
companion. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
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Grooming |
The Italian Greyhound is one of the easiest dogs
to groom. All that is needed to keep the fine, silky coat gleaming is a rubdown
with a piece of toweling or chamois. Only bathe when absolutely necessary. After
bathing make sure the dogs is thoroughly dry and warm. The teeth should be
brushed regularly to keep tarter from building up, and the toenails should be
kept trimmed. This breed sheds little to no hair. |
| Origin |
The Italian Greyhound is a very old Greyhound.
Interestingly, a dog similar to the Italian Greyhound of today was found in a
6000 year old Egyptian tomb. Like the Greyhound, this breed was brought to
Europe by the Phoenicians. The breed was later developed by the Romans. As
evidence, a small Greyhound was found in an ancient lava flow in Pompeii. During
the sixteenth century, this delicate dog became popular with European nobility,
and is portrayed in many paintings of that time. The breed was favored
by Catherine the Great of Russia, James I of England, Anne of Denmark and
Queen Victoria, among others. Frederick the Great of Prussia liked his little
Italian Greyhound so much, he even took one to war with him. When his Italian
Greyhound died, he buried him with his own hands on the grounds of his Sands
Souci Palace. In 1991, Frederick's family granted his dying wishes and
transferred his remains to Sans Souci, and placed them beside his little Italian
Greyhound. A nineteenth century African chieftain was so taken with these
graceful dogs that he offered 200 cattle in exchange for a single specimen. The
Italian Greyhound is an excellent companion dog. |
Group |
Southern, AKC Toy |
| Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
A pile of Italian Greyhounds
Left to right: Sonny (age 2), Timer (age 10) and Streaky (age 12)
Nala, the Italian Greyhound at 8 months old
Bacci the Italian Greyhound getting a bath
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Italian Greyhound Pictures Page
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Small Dogs vs Medium and Large Dogs
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