Discover Everything About Italian Greyhound

Character & Temperament

Despite their noble origins and aristocratic appearance, Italian Greyhounds are neither snooty nor aloof. They are deeply connected to their people and show remarkable devotion. They are sensitive and sensitive souls who require a calm environment and gentle handling. They are extremely affectionate and enjoy spending time with their family. But don't let their delicate appearance fool you - the Italian Greyhound is a real greyhound! They love to run and play and display impressive speed and agility. They have a natural hunting instinct and can be very focused and independent when chasing a trail or toy. However, they tend to be calm dogs who are also happy when they can just relax and cuddle. Although they get along well with other dogs and enjoy playing, they can sometimes be a little reserved around strangers and new situations. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, they can learn to see new experiences as positive and become accustomed to new environments. They can also learn to be alone, but need enough activity and mental stimulation to avoid becoming bored or anxious. Despite their loving and affectionate nature, Italian Greyhounds are not overly vigilant dogs. They may bark at strangers or unfamiliar noises, but are generally quiet and peaceful companions.

What Awaits You

The Italian greyhound is a calm and cuddly companion at home. However, one should not underestimate the great need for movement of this breed. These dogs can be rather distant towards strangers.

Housing & Care

The Italian Greyhound can be a great city dog ​​as long as it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are very adaptable and do well in an apartment as long as they have regular access to the outdoors. Despite their size and apparent fragility, they are hardy and do well with children as long as they are old enough to handle them gently and respectfully. They are also generally friendly with other dogs and can often get along well with cats and other pets, provided they are used to them from an early age.

Training & Education

Italian Greyhounds are intelligent, agile dogs that benefit from mental stimulation and training. They learn quickly and are usually easy to train as long as the methods are positive and reward-oriented. They do not respond well to harsh or forced training techniques. Although they are not considered "ball junkies" as they enjoy the opportunity to run around and play freely in a safe area. However, it is important that their play and movement are monitored to avoid injury. It is also important that Italian Greyhounds learn to control their impulses, especially when it comes to their hunting instincts. This breed has a strong "prey drive" so training in areas such as retrieval and staying is very important. Frustration tolerance is another aspect that should be taken into account in education.

Nutrition & Care

The Italian Greyhound is a slim, athletic dog, and his diet should be tailored to maintain his ideal weight. A balanced diet with high-quality food tailored to the needs of small breeds is best. Every dog ​​is individual, so make sure you speak to your veterinarian to create a feeding plan tailored to your specific dog. When it comes to fur care, the Italian Greyhound is easy to care for. Their short, smooth coat requires minimal grooming. They don't shed much, and a weekly brushing is enough to keep their coat clean and healthy. The breed has no undercoat, making it less suitable for extremely cold climates. They freeze easily and may need a dog coat for outdoor exercise in Germany's colder months.