Italian Greyhound Dog Breed Information

General Information:

Height: 13-15 in
Weight: 8-18 lbs
Life Span: 12-15 yrs
Coloring: All colors and patterns are accepted with the exception of brindle and tan markings
Area of Origin: Europe; popularized by Italy
Similar Breeds: Greyhound, Afghan Hound, Borzoi, Saluki, Irish Wolfhound, Whippet

History and Origin:

Despite its small size, the Italian Greyhound is as much a sight hound as its larger cousins; the Greyhound and the Whippet. Remains of small Greyhound-type dogs have been found in Egyptian tombs as early as 3000 BC, and significant evidence of the small “Gazehound” is found one thousand years later in Greece and Turkey. While its exact origins are unknown, it was given its name, “Italian”, due to the surge of popularity it gained during the Italian Renaissance. The Italian aristocracy embraced the little hound, and much artwork from this period depicts the breed alongside its affluent owners. Royalty across Europe soon took a liking to the Italian Greyhound, with figures such as King James I of England, Catherine the Great of Russia, Anne of Denmark, and Queen Victoria of England owning the breed and supporting breeding programs. In the eighteenth century, Frederick the Great of Prussia took his beloved Italian Greyhound to war, and he personally buried the little dog at his favorite estate when it died. Following World War I, the Italian Greyhound (along with many other breeds) faced extinction, and many were imported from Britain and Europe to North America, where it flourished. It is currently ranked as the 65th most popular breed in the United States.

Personality and Temperament:

Energetic, agile, and intelligent, the Italian Greyhound can be a handful at times. It is loving and eager to please, making it a delightful family companion. However, it can be an independent thinker, which can make it stubborn and strong willed if not led with confident and gentle leadership. The Italian Greyhound has a tendency to be high-strung, and needs to be properly socialized to help it develop into a well-adjusted dog. It can be good with respectful children who understand the unpredictability of dogs. Due to its somewhat sensitive nature, the Italian Greyhound is best suited for a quiet home with little noise distraction from very young children or other animals. While some Italians can be no problem at all in any environment, in general it is typically not a suitable breed for the nervous or first-time dog owner.

Exercise & Training:

As a sight hound, the Italian Greyhound was born to run, and does best when it is given the opportunity to do so. Daily walks combined with running time in a safe space is recommended in order to keep it happy and healthy. If given adequate exercise, it can happily adjust to apartment life. Many Italian Greyhounds do well at dog sports such as agility or flyball, and excel at lure coursing as the breed tends to prefer straight-out running on its own to weaving around obstacles at the direction of its handler. It is a fairly easy breed to train if its handler is aware of its many quirks; it is intelligent, but instinctively independent as sight hounds were required to make their own decisions when chasing prey on the hunt.

Grooming:

A very light shedder, the Italian Greyhound needs little coat care. It is recommended that the body be wiped down with a damp cloth after walks (especially after walks in fields or forests) as plant particles, pollen, and burrs can irritate the dog’s sensitive skin. Bathe minimally, as the Italian Greyhound’s skin is prone to dryness.

Similar Breeds:

While small in stature, the Italian Greyhound’s closest relative is the towering Greyhound. Bred down in size by selective breeding, the Italian Greyhound thus shares with the Greyhound ancestry from breeds such as the Afghan Hound, Saluki, and Borzoi.

Interesting Facts about the Italian Greyhound:

1. Frederick of Prussia, after burying his beloved Italian Greyhound, stated that he wanted to be buried next to it when he died. On August 17th, 1991, 205 years after he died, Frederick’s descendants moved his body to Sans Souci, his estate where he had buried his dog.

2. The Italian Greyhound is depicted in countless portraits and other works of art from the Renaissance, by artists such as Pisanello and Giotto.

3. The remains of a small Greyhound-type dog were found in the ruins of Pompeii, which had been covered in ash after a volcanic eruption in 79 AD.

4. The Italian Greyhound is exceptionally good at jumping, and can be found in places traditionally only cats have access to – tabletops, windowsills, bookshelves.