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Italian Greyhound
Photo: Christina

Dogs

Italian Greyhound

Other names: Piccolo Levrieve Italiani, Miniature Greyhound,Piccolo Levriero Italiano, Piccolo Galgo Italiano, Pequeno Lebrel Italiano, Pequeño Lebrel Italiano

hunting, companion

Origin
Italy
Size
Small
Height · Male
32–38 cm
Height · Female
32–38 cm
Weight · Male
3–5 kg
Weight · Female
3–5 kg
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Litter
3–5 puppies
FCI
FCI group 10 · 10 · n.º 200
AKC
Toy Group · #51
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Traits

Activity

Energy level
Playfulness
Jogging partner

Social

Affection with family
Good with other dogs
Good with other pets
Friendly to strangers
Social needs

At home

Apartment living
Cold tolerance
Heat tolerance
Tendency to bark
Tendency to dig
Drooling
Snoring

Care

Ease of grooming

Training

Trainability
Obedience
Learning ability
Problem solving
Intelligence

Guarding

Guard dog
Watchdog

Temperament

Lively, affectionate, docile.

History

The little Italian Greyhound descends from small-sized sighthounds which already existed in ancient Egypt at the court of the Pharaohs. Passing through Laconie (Greece), where numerous representations on vases and bowls confirm this, the breed arrived in Italy at the outset of the 5th century BC. Its greatest development occurred during the era of the Renaissance at the court of the nobles. It is not rare to find the Italian Greyhound represented in the paintings of the greatest Italian and foreign masters

Care

The Italian greyhound likes a daily romp outdoors, but she hates the cold. Her exercise needs are best met with a good walk on leash or even a rollicking game indoors. She also likes to stretch out and sprint in a fenced area. This breed cannot live outdoors. Care of the fine short hair is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Regular brushing of the teeth is important in this breed.

The Italian Greyhound is very lively and active so he should require vigorous exercise daily. This breed loves long walks and runs and does best with at least a small yard to roam free in. This breed is very fast and agile so jogging and running are his specialty and he sure loves to do it. The Italian Greyhound however should always be kept on leash or in a safe and fenced in area as this breed has the tendency to wander off if let loose in an open area.

Attention, fenced yard, leash, protection from the cold and socialization.

Health

The Italian Greyhound has a coat that is very easy to groom. This breed sheds very little if any hair making grooming very simple. A regular wipe down with a soft towel or chamois is sure to keep his coat in tiptop shape and looking glossy and beautiful. The teeth of this breed should be brushed on a regular basis to prevent tartar buildup and/or gum disease. Italian Greyhounds should be protected from the cold and should have their nails clipped at least once every two weeks.

Training

Even it is sometimes stubborn, with a consequent, pretty firm training, without being severe, but friendly, joly, the wanted results can be obtained quite easily.

Coat & grooming

The fur of this dog doesn't require to much care. A casual brushing is enough to keep the hair brightness.

Fun facts

Can be difficult to housebreak. Very sensitive to cold temperatures; should wear a sweater to go out in cold weather. Generally easy to get along with and care for. More hardy than he appears. Prone to slipped stifle, fractures, PRA and epilepsy. This dog

Italian Greyhound breeders

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No verified breeders for this breed yet. Are you a breeder? Register.

Looking for more breeders? Ask the Clube Português de Canicultura (CPC) for the list of registered breeders of your breed. Visit, meet the parents and ask for health tests.

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