Italian Greyhound Breed Guide
Also known as: IG, Iggy, Piccolo Levriero Italiano
Miniature sighthounds with elegant grace, Italian Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate companions whose delicate beauty appeals to those wanting refined pets.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Toy/small
Weight
2-6 kg
Lifespan
12-16 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Low
Size
Toy/small
Weight
2-6 kg
Lifespan
12-16 years
Energy Level
Medium
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Low
About Italian Greyhounds
The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed that originated in the Mediterranean region over 2,000 years ago, later refined in Italy during the Renaissance. These elegant sighthounds were bred as companions for nobility and were particularly popular with Italian aristocracy.
Italian Greyhounds are small, slender dogs with short, smooth coats in various colours including black, blue, cream, fawn, and red. They're known for their graceful movement, delicate features, and gentle, affectionate personalities.
These dogs are intelligent, sensitive, and make excellent companions for those who appreciate their elegant nature. They're generally good with children but can be fragile and may be better suited to homes with older children. They require moderate exercise and are well-suited to apartment living. While generally healthy, potential concerns include bone fractures due to their delicate build, dental problems, and certain eye conditions. Early socialisation helps ensure they're well-adjusted around strangers and other pets.
Complete Care Guide for Italian Greyhounds
Expert advice on keeping your Italian Greyhound healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing optimal nutrition for an Italian Greyhound requires careful attention to both quality and quantity. These elegant sighthounds thrive on a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality protein sources, which support their naturally lean muscle structure. Essential fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining their sleek coat and providing sustained energy throughout the day.
Portion control stands as a cornerstone of proper Italian Greyhound nutrition. Despite their slender appearance, these dogs can gain weight rapidly when overfed, potentially leading to joint stress and mobility issues. Regular monitoring of body condition and adjusting portions accordingly helps maintain their ideal weight.
Nutritional requirements shift significantly throughout an Italian Greyhound's life stages. Puppies need carefully measured portions of nutrient-dense food to support healthy growth, while adult dogs require adjusted portions based on their activity level. Senior Italian Greyhounds often benefit from reduced calorie intake with maintained protein levels to preserve muscle mass.
When selecting food, prioritise easily digestible ingredients while avoiding artificial fillers and excessive processing. Fresh, whole-food ingredients support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Consider splitting daily portions into multiple meals to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent energy spikes.
How healthy is your Italian Greyhound?
A two minute quiz for your personalised results and health plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Italian Greyhounds from our community of pet parents
Italian Greyhounds are known for their affectionate, gentle and intelligent nature. This breed thrives on companionship and enjoys spending time with its human family. They can be a bit reserved with strangers but warm up quickly when they feel comfortable. Despite their small size, Italian Greyhounds are quick, agile and love a good chase, making them a playful addition to the family.
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