Iggy

Italy

Small

Ideally both dogs and bitches measure between 32 - 38cms and weigh between 3.6 - 4.5kgs.

The primary problems with Italian Greyhounds is the tremendous fragility of their leg bones during adolescence. Common ailments: Bones (Acquired) - Fracture - Closed, Bones (Acquired) - Fracture - Complete, Bones (Acquired) - Fracture - Incomplete ("Greenstick"), Endocrine - Hyperthyroidism, Eye - Cataract - Hereditary, Eye - Glaucoma, Eye - Progressive retinal atrophy PRA, Gut - Anal sac tumour, Missing teeth, colour mutant alopecia, Mouth - Dental calculus, Mouth - Dental tartar, Mouth - Malocclusion (Overshot or undershot jaw), optic nerve hypoplasia, Poisons & Toxins - Organophosphates, thrombocytopaenia, corneal dystrophy,

While Italian Greyhounds are smart dogs they usually only exercise it when they can get something out of it. They can be difficult to housetrain and, due to their hound instincts, can be trouble to call back to you when they're following a scent.

High

Low

Up to $5 p/w

Although tiny, they are still sighthounds and love to run. It might sound silly given their size but it's best to let them run in a confined space so they can't run off in pursuit of prey (what is prey to a Italian Greyhound? A cricket? A butterfly? Seriously, they're TINY).

Little

The primary problems with Italian Greyhounds is the tremendous fragility of their leg bones during adolescence. Common ailments: Bones (Acquired) - Fracture - Closed, Bones (Acquired) - Fracture - Complete, Bones (Acquired) - Fracture - Incomplete ("Greenstick"), Endocrine - Hyperthyroidism, Eye - Cataract - Hereditary, Eye - Glaucoma, Eye - Progressive retinal atrophy PRA, Gut - Anal sac tumour, Missing teeth, colour mutant alopecia, Mouth - Dental calculus, Mouth - Dental tartar, Mouth - Malocclusion (Overshot or undershot jaw), optic nerve hypoplasia, Poisons & Toxins - Organophosphates, thrombocytopaenia, corneal dystrophy,

While the short coat of the Italian Greyhounds needs very little care, its dental hygiene is another story. With a high risk of dental problems Italian Greyhounds will need their teeth brushed for them once a day. After bathtime, rubbing them down with a cloth will enhance the sheen of their coat.

Up to once a week

None

It is believed that the Italian Greyhound originated in Egypt. In fact, mummified dogs (yes, even their pets were mummified!) very similar to today's breed have been found in the tombs of the Pharaohs. The dog was taken by the Romans to the Mediterranean area in the 6th century B.C. where it became a favourite of Greek and Roman nobility. It continued to be a favourite in royal courts during the 16th and 17th century, and had such famous owners as Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, Frederick the Great and Queen Victoria. These little dogs had a BIG impact and were even painted by great artists like Blake, Carpacio and Van Dyck. While the Italian Greyhound may have been used to hunt rabbits, it was the first dog bred primarily for companionship.