Italian Greyhound Breed Information and Pictures - Tiny Tracks

Italian Greyhound Breed

Italian Greyhound Dog Picture
Photo ©2005 General - Tiny Tracks

Standard Italian Greyhound Characteristics

Class: Toy Group

Alternate Names: Piccolo Levriero Italiano

Nick Names:

Height: 13 - 15 inches (32 - 38 cm)

Weight: 6 -10 lbs. (3- 5 kg.)

Color: Fawn, red, brown, black, cr�me, chocolate, blue, gray, slate gray, often spotted with white

Hypoallergenic: No

Description & Appearance:

Similar in stature to the Greyhound, but much smaller and trimmer is the Italian Greyhound. This graceful breed has the familiar slender neck and sloping back through the hindquarters. The shoulders are long and the chest is deep.

The coat is short and soft. Many colors are found with this breed and according to AKC standards, all color markings are acceptable except for brindle or tan markings.

Temperament:

IG�s are a lovely breed deserving more attention. Less popular possibly because of their fragile appearance, this breed is still quite resilient. They have few hereditary defects and thrive well in indoors. They are great with other pets and children and make a great lap warmer.

Housebreaking can be difficult, but with proper training and attention, this can be conquered. The breed is intelligent and highly active. They love to run the length of the yard and back at blistering speeds. And like their bigger cousins, they enjoy the occasional backyard digging!

Health:

When choosing a puppy, always check the history of the parents and look out for luxating patellar, Legg-Perthe�s Disease, Epilepsy and Osteoporosis. This breed rarely sees health problems, buts its best to do your homework first. Also, be careful when they are young as their bones are still fragile.

IG�s average lifespan is between 12 and 15 years.

Care & Grooming:

Italian Greyhounds are finely suited for life indoors provided they get the occasional run through the park or backyard. They don�t like the cold, so you may need to find some winter attire for your little IG.

This breed sheds very little. Grooming amounts to wiping down the coat occasionally or as needed. They can have baths when necessary.

More Information:

You can also browse the forums for more information about Italian Greyhounds by owners of this wonderful breed. See the following:

Click here for Italian Greyhound discussions.
Click here for Italian Greyhound pictures.