Although controversy exists over this diminutive dog's original purpose — small-game hunter or household companion — the Italian greyhound likely served a dual role. By the Middle Ages, the breed had disseminated throughout southern Europe.
Prized for its beauty, small size and sweet disposition, the Italian greyhound derived its name from the Italians, among whom it was a favorite breed in the 16th Century. In , the first Italian greyhound was registered with the American Kennel Club. However, the breed was rare in the U. Today, many families enjoy Italian greyhounds for their affectionate disposition, adaptability to most living situations, and simple upkeep.
Select Your Region. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Youtube. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool.
Belgium - Belgique. Brazil - Brasil. Canada English. Costa Rica. Croatia - Hrvatska. Denmark - Danmark. Finland - Suomi. France - France. Germany - Deutschland. Greater China - Taiwan. Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and former editor of Dog Fancy magazine.
A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you! If you have a mixed breed dog, read up on all of the breed profiles that make up your dog.
Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of easy DNA tests out there to help your find out. Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals. Oct Sep Sep 2. Aug Just find a competition and let nature take its course. So they're active for very short periods of time, but otherwise, they're lazy. So if you're looking for an active-all-the-time dog, that's probably not the right dog for you, because they're sprinters and not endurance runners. These dogs are so easy! Italian greyhounds are an excellent choice for the first-time or novice owner because they have so few demands that can't be met with a little spare time and some love.
They're excellent for small children , and while they are capable of being athletic dogs , they are small enough to be able to get all their exercise needs met on the living room floor, which means that even seniors can keep them active relatively easily. Again, if you're going to have your Italian greyhound in the yard, a secure fence or leash is going to be imperative, because they will take off after anything that catches their eye. Their small size and short single coat do mean that if you live in a colder climate, you're going to have to take some extra precautions with them in the wintertime.
Say hello to Instagram-worthy tiny dog clothes and boots! They will, however, do well in warmer weather if you keep any outdoor exercise limited to the morning or evening when the sun isn't quite as hot to prevent heat exhaustion. Once again, this is an area where the Italian greyhound shines for new owners and people living in smaller spaces.
The Italian greyhound is a wonderfully low-maintenance dog: Baths will really only have to happen if they get something on their fur you can't just brush out. Their short coats hang on to very little, which not only keeps them clean but also means they don't tend to develop any odors along the way. Their nails will grow relatively quickly, so you'll probably have to cut or file them down once or twice a month, and you'll want to keep their teeth clean as well.
The IGCA recommends daily teeth brushing. There's some good news here, too: Italian greyhounds are very long-lived little dogs , commonly living between 13—15 years. They also, according to a study by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, have the lowest incidence of hip dysplasia among the then breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The breed can have issues with autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease , and hypothyroidism. And, even though they are tough little dogs, broken legs can be a problem for the slender breed if they're allowed to jump from too high of a height, or if they trip on uneven terrain at full speed.
Additionally, the Italian greyhound can have a propensity for putting on weight , especially as she gets older, or if her activity needs aren't being met. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can keep your dog's weight under control with proper nutrition and exercise.
Because of their emotional nature, Italian greyhounds are not dogs who do very well when left alone for long periods of time. If they are the only animal in the house and you're going to be gone for more than a couple hours at a time, separation anxiety is a concern. Italian Greyhound adoption may also be an option if you can find an Italian Greyhound rescue organization. Our experts review the similarities and differences you may want to consider.
One of the significant differences between these breeds is size. Greyhounds are significantly larger than Italian Greyhounds and can reach over pounds. IGs tend to have a bit more energy than the Greyhound, even though both thoroughly enjoy lounging. Training can be more difficult with IGs , and they tend to have more separation anxiety. Both dogs have a beautiful short coat, are low shedders, and work well as part of a family.
Again, the most apparent difference between these two breeds is size. The IG is a toy breed, while the Whippet is a medium-sized breed that can be up to 40 pounds. Both of these dogs have a similar appearance and are calm, gentle, and work well for families.
The slightly larger Whippet will require more exercise and food , but both are medium-energy pups with short bursts of activity between their long lounging sessions. This five-minute video from Animal Planet gives you all the basics you need to know about the beautiful Italian Greyhound. What's Covered? What Makes A Good Vet? Is your dog chewing up shoes and destroying your furniture?
We review the best dog crates. Our experts advise on all things puppies - from selecting one to preparing for their arrival.
0コメント