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Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhound

Country of Origin: Italy

Group: Sighthounds

Section: Short-haired Sighthounds

Original Function: lap dog

Todays Function: companion

Dimension Male: 30-38 cm

Dimension Female: 30-38 cm

Weight Male: 3-5 kg

Weight Female: 3-5 kg

Litter Size: 4-8 puppies, average 6

Life span: 12-15 years

Other Names: Piccolo Levrieve Italiani


Colors: Solid gray, slate gray, cream, red, fawn, black, blue, speckled, white markings, flecked

Living: The italian greyhound makes an excellent apartment dweller but does need plenty of activity and spac

Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Description

The Italian Greyhound is an elegant, miniature fine-boned Greyhound with a long head thinning gradually to a pointed muzzle. It has a dark nose, thin lips and a healthy scissors bite. Like his larger cousins, the brisket is deep, the abdomen tucked-in, and the back arched. The fine narrow ears fold back along the head, but rise perpendicular to the head when the dog is alert. The neck is long and thin. The expressive eyes are large and dark. The tail is straight ending in a slight curve. The Italian Greyhound has an easy-care short, sleek coat in solid gray, slate gray, cream, red, fawn, black, or blue - often broken up with white markings on the chest and feet, or white with color markings. A flecked version also exists but are not accepted in all countries. The Italian Greyhound has a high-stepping gait.

Temperament

A sighthound in a small package, the Italian greyhound shares its larger relatives" characteristics. It loves to run and chase. It is extremely gentle and sensitive. Reserved, often timid, with strangers, it is devoted to its family and is good with children, and other dogs and pets. However, it can be easily injured by boisterous children and larger dogs.

Excercise

The Italian greyhound likes a daily romp outdoors, but it hates the cold. Its exercise needs are best met with a good walk on leash or even a rollicking game indoors. It also likes to stretch out and sprint in a fenced area. This breed cannot live outdoors. Care of the fine short hair is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Regular brushing of the teeth is important in this breed.

Grooming

The Italian Greyhound is one of the easiest dogs to groom. All that is needed to keep the fine, silky coat gleaming is a rubdown with a piece of toweling or chamois. Only bathe when absolutely necessary. After bathing make sure the dogs is thoroughly dry

Health

Major concerns: peridontal disease

Minor concerns: epilepsy, leg fractures, patellar luxation, PRA

Occasionally seen: none

Suggested tests: knee, eye

Note: The breed is susceptible to leg and tail fractures.