| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | around its humans at all times. Unless it is socialized |
| Description: The Italian Greyhound is a very small | | | | with other people and animals while it is young, |
| sighthound. This is a lightly built, graceful little dog that | | | | however, it can be somewhat timid. The Italian |
| will be 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weigh | | | | Greyhound does very well with children, but because |
| between 7 and 14 pounds. The long, narrow head, long | | | | of the dog's fragile build, it is probably advisable to |
| neck, deep chest, and long legs all mark this as a dog | | | | keep very small children away from it so that they do |
| in the Greyhound family. The coat of this dog is short | | | | not inadvertently injure it. This is a hunting dog, and it will |
| and comes in a variety of colors including cream, red, | | | | chase small game if given the chance. |
| black, fawn, or grey, sometimes with white added. The | | | | Health Issues: One of the biggest problems with the |
| Italian Greyhound will live for 12 to 15 years on | | | | Italian Greyhound is that the puppies are quite delicate |
| average. It is also called the IG or Piccolo Levrieve | | | | and fragile. Even jumping off furniture can sometimes |
| Italiani. | | | | break a leg. Extra care must be taken to protect the |
| History: Mummies from Ancient Egypt have been | | | | young dog from harm, but once the dog is about 18 |
| found that contain a dog very similar to the Italian | | | | months old it will be more sturdy. This breed can suffer |
| Greyhound. The Italian Greyhound was also known in | | | | from progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. The |
| Ancient Rome and was very popular during the | | | | kneecap can slip, also. The IG is not able to tolerate |
| Renaissance in Italy. This dog has been used in hunting, | | | | cold, so should be warmly dressed when taken outside |
| often in collaboration with falcons. When early | | | | in cooler weather. |
| breeders tried to make the Italian Greyhound even | | | | Grooming: The Italian Greyhound does not need to |
| smaller than it is, the results were extremely bad, with | | | | have its short coat groomed intensively. An occasional |
| many deformed dogs being born. The breed almost | | | | brushing or wiping with a chamois cloth will keep the |
| died out, but was rescued by dedicated breeders who | | | | dog looking good. If a bath is absolutely necessary, be |
| restored the dog. | | | | sure to dry and warm the dog afterwards so that it |
| Temperament: The character of the Italian Greyhound | | | | does not catch a chill. The IG does not shed very |
| is excellent for a companion dog. This dog is very | | | | much, and could be considered hypoallergenic. |
| affectionate and desirous of attention and wants to be | | | | |