The full scoop on Italian Greyhounds
- Life Expectancytypically 12+ years
- SheddingShort length with low shedding
- SizeSmall
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How to pronounce Italian Greyhound: uh·ta·lee·uhn gray·hownd
Italian Greyhounds are small, moderately active dogs and the smallest Sighthound breed. They have a short, smooth coat that can be any colour.
Many behaviours come naturally to all dogs. Whether that’s a desire to dig or a love of lazing, these can be influenced by different factors like genetics or personal experience.
We’re bringing you the important facts and considerations about Italian Greyhounds. Could you become an Italian Greyhound parent and give one a forever home?
Caring for Italian Greyhounds
Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Italian Greyhound.
Health issues
It’s important before becoming an Italian Greyhound parent to consider any possible health issues. Not every dog suffers with them, but it’s good to be prepared.
Speak to your vet to find out which conditions yo...
It’s important before becoming an Italian Greyhound parent to consider any possible health issues. Not every dog suffers with them, but it’s good to be prepared.
Speak to your vet to find out which conditions your Italian Greyhound might be at risk from. Some vets offer ‘pre-purchase consultations’ which can advise on health risks, management, and related costs.
They can also help you find a responsible breeder if you’re buying a puppy, or advise on testing for genetic diseases.
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Vet care essentials
Why dog insurance is important
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Your puppy
Preparing for your new dog
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Visiting the vet
How to have a happy vet visit
How much food does an Italian Greyhound need?
Different Italian Greyhounds need different amounts of food depending on their:
- age
- size
- activity levels
- fitness
- weight.
Dog f...
Different Italian Greyhounds need different amounts of food depending on their:
- age
- size
- activity levels
- fitness
- weight.
Dog food packets can serve as a useful guide, but you need to take your dog’s individual needs into account.
Knowing your dog’s body condition also helps you decide on how much food to give them. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA) can provide more information on body condition scoring.
Speak to your vet if there’s anything you’re unsure of, or for more expert advice.
How much exercise does a Italian Greyhound need?
Italian Greyhounds are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore...
Italian Greyhounds are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.
If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you. Italian Greyhounds need training like any other dog, as well as daily enrichment.
When exercising your Italian Greyhound, think about their:
- age
- health
- personality.
Young, growing dogs may need a few shorter walks. Whereas older, ill or injured pooches may need an exercise plan tailored by your vet. Some may need quiet, calm walks while others benefit from more sociable strolls.
Check with your vet for advice on exercising your dog.
Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained
Recipes and enrichment
Enrichment activities to keep your dog enterta...
How to find a good dog walker
Outside the home
How to find a good dog walker
How much grooming does an Italian Greyhound need?
Italian Greyhounds’ short coats shed very little. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way. This will help your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your ...
Italian Greyhounds’ short coats shed very little. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way. This will help your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your dog feels relaxed and confident.
What crate size do you need for a Italian Greyhound?
When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:
- stand up at their full height
- turn around without touching the sides
- lie down and stretch out
- wag their tail.
When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:
- stand up at their full height
- turn around without touching the sides
- lie down and stretch out
- wag their tail.
Slowly build up the time your dog spends in their crate to help them feel positive about it. They should associate it with good things happening.
Playpen and crate training a puppy
Training at home
Playpen and crate training a p...
Italian Greyhound behaviour and training
Even if you think you know about Italian Greyhounds, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.
What's the temperament of a Italian Greyhound?
Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.
Two Italian Greyhounds, for example, will have very different ways of reacting to certain situa...
Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.
Two Italian Greyhounds, for example, will have very different ways of reacting to certain situations. They also have different likes and dislikes.
Some dogs might love socialising with other puppy pals while others may not. One might crave excitement while another finds a more relaxing atmosphere enjoyable.
How to understand your dog's body language
Understanding your dog
How to understand your dog's body language
Introducing your puppy to the world around them
Your puppy
Introducing your puppy to the world around the...
Introducing your new dog or puppy to your current dog
Life at home
Introducing your new dog or pu...
Are Italian Greyhounds easy to train?
You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can us...
You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can use it as a reward during training to help them enjoy the learning.
Make sure to work on useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling with your dog. This will help you both feel relaxed and confident in tackling your daily life together.
Top 10 dog training tips
Training techniques
Top 10 dog training tips
Positive reinforcement – training with rewards
Training techniques
Positive reinforcement – training with rewards...
Are Italian Greyhounds good with children?
While every dog is different, there are some universal ways to behave safely and respectfully around them.
This is an important skill for the whole family – children and adults. Why not While every dog is different, there are some universal ways to behave safely and respectfully around them. This is an important skill for the whole family – children and adults. Why not book one of our family workshops on living happily together? It’s suitable for children aged seven to eleven.
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