| The Italian Greyhound is meant for a quiet apartment | | | | to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious |
| or home. She does not do well with loud, rough | | | | disease. |
| children as her bones can be brittle as a puppy and | | | | Her toenails may need to be examined for growth |
| she is delicate in both body and mind. She is a good | | | | and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet |
| watch dog and loves her family. She can do well with | | | | grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. |
| other respectful dogs and animals, especially if she is | | | | Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this |
| socialized with them at an early age. If she is housed | | | | chore and competent instructions to accomplish this |
| with other dogs, be aware that they should not be | | | | can be found on the net. |
| large dogs. She is a climber and may even climb out | | | | Life Span |
| of a fenced enclosure. Keep her controlled when | | | | The Italian Greyhound can live between 14 and 16 |
| outside as she can run very fast and can be about | | | | years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent |
| impossible to catch if she does not want to be. | | | | living conditions. |
| Approximate Adult Size | | | | History |
| The approximate adult size (two years old or older) | | | | The Italian Greyhound comes from Italy. They are a |
| of the Italian Greyhound is 12 to 15 inches to the | | | | small sight hound and were bred as pets. They were |
| withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 6 to 10 | | | | first registered by the American Kennel Association in |
| pounds. There is a under 8 pound class and an over 8 | | | | 1886. |
| pound class. | | | | Some Registries |
| Special Health Considerations | | | | - Italian Greyhound Club of America |
| Most dog breeds have certain inherited health | | | | - UKC United Kennel Club |
| problems associated with that specific breed and the | | | | - NKC National Kennel Club |
| Italian Greyhound is no exception. Although they are | | | | - CKC Continental Kennel Club |
| a healthy breed, be on the look out for Progressive | | | | - APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. |
| Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that | | | | - AKC American Kennel Club |
| can cause vision loss and blindness), slipped stifle and | | | | - FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale |
| epilepsy (common in dogs). Additionally, Italian | | | | - NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club |
| Greyhound puppies under eighteen months old are | | | | - KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain |
| prone to broken legs due to fragile developing bones. | | | | - ANKC Australian National Kennel Club |
| This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other | | | | - ACR American Canine Registry |
| diseases may also be significant threats, please | | | | Litter Size |
| contact your veterinarian for a complete list. | | | | 3 to 5 Italian Greyhound puppies. |
| She should visit the veterinarian several times in the | | | | Category |
| first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as | | | | Toy |
| an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for | | | | SPECIAL GOOD POINTS |
| shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and | | | | - They barely shed. |
| on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for | | | | - Not a spoiled brat. |
| check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your | | | | - Generally has good manners. |
| dog sweets. | | | | - Good watch dog. |
| Grooming | | | | SPECIAL BAD POINTS |
| The Italian Greyhound has a short, fine coat that is | | | | - Can be a chore to housebreak. |
| like satin to the touch. She just needs an occasional | | | | - Can be destructive, especially if left alone. |
| rub down with a soft cloth. When she needs a rare | | | | - Does not like criticism. |
| bath, be sure that she is dried properly and kept | | | | - Does not like it cold. |
| warm. | | | | - Poor guard dog. |
| Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week | | | | Other Names Known By |
| with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. | | | | Piccolo Levrieri Italiani |
| Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and | | | | Every dog is an individual so not everything in this |
| tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and | | | | information may be correct for your dog. This |
| periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead | | | | information is meant as a good faith guideline only. |