Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is one of the oldest toy breeds still in existence, with its origins tracing back over 2,000 years to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Depictions of small Greyhound-like dogs have been found in Egyptian tombs, Roman artifacts, and ancient Mediterranean art, suggesting they were favored companions of nobility. The breed was particularly popular among Greek and Roman aristocrats, who admired their elegance and speed.

During the Renaissance period, Italian nobles further refined the breed, leading to its name, Italian Greyhound. It became a symbol of status and sophistication, often appearing in portraits of European royalty, including Catherine the Great and Frederick the Great.

In 1886 the Italian Greyhound was registered by the American Kennel Club and their numbers began to increase. The breed experienced a large decline across Europe during the World Wars, but dedicated breeders worked tirelessly thereafter and restored the numberss thanks to breeding from American stock.

The Italian Greyhound was introduced to Australia in the early to mid-20th century, though it remained a relatively rare breed for several decades. While still not a mainstream breed, it has a dedicated following among those who appreciate its small yet elegant appearance and affectionate nature.

The Italian Greyhound is a moderately energetic breed that thrives with regular exercise and mental stimulation. While their small size means they don’t require as much physical activity as larger breeds, daily walks, short bursts of running, and interactive play are essential to keep them happy and well-balanced. Being from the sight hound family, they love the chase things and that means they should never be trusted off leash.

Activities like agility and lure coursing are excellent for engaging their natural athleticism and providing mental challenges. Without enough exercise, they may become bored or develop undesirable behaviours.

Training an Italian Greyhound requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Though they can be a bit stubborn, their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners, and their sensitive nature means they respond best to gentle encouragement. It may be a bit challenging to house train an IG as they will be reluctant to get their feet wet if it is raining outside. Early socialisation is crucial to building their confidence and helping them adapt to new experiences.

Italian Greyhounds are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but regular care is essential to keep them healthy and looking their best. Their short, fine coat is smooth and close-fitting, shedding minimally throughout the year. Unlike most dogs, Italian Greyhounds have a nearly odourless coat, making them perfect for indoor living. They are highly sensitive to temperature changes because of their fine coat and may require sweaters or blankets in cooler weather.

Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair, maintain their coat’s softness, and distribute natural oils for a healthy shine. Their coat does not require trimming or clipping and should never be shaved, as it plays a vital role in temperature regulation. A quick tidy around the paws can enhance their neat appearance if needed.

Bathing is only necessary occasionally or when they get particularly dirty, as their coat naturally repels dirt to some extent. Regular nail trimming is important to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort or mobility issues. Routine ear cleaning reduces the risk of infections, especially since their ears can trap dirt or debris. Dental care is equally crucial, with daily or weekly brushing recommended to prevent tartar buildup and maintain overall oral health.