Italian Greyhound - Size, Price, Temperament, Lifespan

• What does the Italian greyhound look like?
• Italian greyhound size - is it a large dog?
• What is the Italian greyhound’s temperament?
• Does the Italian greyhound need a special diet?
• What are the common diseases the Italian greyhound might suffer from?
• Italian greyhound - grooming
• The basic accessories for the Italian greyhound
• Who is the Italian greyhound for?
• Italian greyhound lifespan - how long can the dog live?
• How much does the Italian greyhound cost?

What does the Italian greyhound look like?

The Italian greyhound is a small dog of a very characteristic body build. The animal’s withers are quite distinct, the torso straight and the rump lowered. The slim silhouette of this breed highlights the features.

The Italian greyhound colors vary from black, beige, to grey and shades of these colors. Sometimes, white appears, but only as a small element on paws.

The Italian greyhound is considered one of the oldest dog breeds. Currently, dogs of this type can live in any conditions. The Italian greyhound miniature is also a dog that tolerates other animals in the household - both dogs and cats.

Italian greyhound size - is it a large dog?

The Italian greyhound is a relatively small dog. It reaches up to 38 centimeters. With its characteristic looks and low weight - 5 kilograms, it’s a small dog which can live in an apartment.

What is the Italian greyhound’s temperament?

The looks of the dog might be quite misleading, as it looks like a vulnerable animal. But it’s not a typical household dog which wants to sleep on the sofa all day.

The Italian greyhound is primarily a hunting dog, which means it’s incredibly energetic and needs a lot of exercise. Because of its hunting character, the dog has a tendency to chase other animals. Make sure to train it to come to you from the beginning, to avoid such situations or escaping.

Does the Italian greyhound need a special diet?

The Italian greyhound, especially puppies, have to be properly fed. One has to pick the right food at the very beginning. Both puppies and adult dogs need specially selected nutrients. No grain low carbohydrates products are recommended.

Remember about wet products as well, available as canned food. In this case, make sure to check the ingredients list and pick only the best options. If you are not sure how to feed your dog, you can always ask a veterinarian or the person who sold you the dog for help.

What are the common diseases the Italian greyhound might suffer from?

The Italian greyhound is vulnerable to a range of various conditions. The future owner should be aware some of them appear only after a while. But you shouldn’t get discouraged because of this information. The Italian greyhound has a long lifespan. The diseases it might suffer from can appear in either a mild or strong version, so you have to take a special care of the dog’s health.

Here’s the list of the most common illnesses of the Italian greyhound:

• familial enamel hypoplasia,
• gums diseases,
• glaucoma,
• retinal thinning,
• patella dislocation,
• balding,
• idiopathic head tremors.

Italian greyhound - grooming

The Italian greyhound needs regular grooming which is not very complicated. Remember about several important care treatments, so the dog is well-groomed and happy.

The Italian greyhound has short hair, so you don’t have to brush it more than once a week. Note that it not only removes dead hair but also massages the skin. Additionally, the more often the dog is groomed, the stronger and more shiny its fur becomes.

Don’t forget about the dog’s teeth, where tartar accumulates. Dental care of the dog is very important - you should take care of it at least three times a week. Ears of the Italian greyhound are usually clean, but one should control them from time to time.

The basic accessories for the Italian greyhound

The Italian greyhound puppies typically receive a special starter kit when leaving the breeder. If you’re buying the dog from a breeder who doesn’t offer such a service, you should make sure to buy a bowl for your new pet - a metal one is the best. In addition, take care of a chew toy, so the puppy can unleash its energy.

Don’t forget about a leash and collar. The collar is going to be replaced with a new, larger one, but the puppy has to get used to it from the beginning.

Who is the Italian greyhound for?

Thanks to its adaptation abilities, the Italian greyhound is perfect for a house with a garden and a city apartment. It can live basically anywhere.

If you decide to adopt an Italian greyhound, you should be aware that a dog like this requires training from the beginning of its life. Teaching the dog to come to you is essential here, especially for a hunting dog.

Italian greyhound lifespan - how long can the dog live?

The Italian greyhound is considered a long living dog. The average lifespan of these dogs is from 12 to 15 or more years. Everything depends on the conditions the dog is kept in, its care and individual issues. Sometimes, these dogs live only 10 years, despite the best conditions provided to them.

How much does the Italian greyhound cost?

When deciding to adopt an Italian greyhound, you have to prepare to spend a lot of many. Unfortunately, it’s not a small investment. An Italian greyhound puppy from a reputable breeder (make sure to choose only such, to make sure the dog is healthy), one has to pay around $1,000.

The most expensive Italian greyhounds cost up to $4,000.

📍 Are Italian greyhounds big?

The Italian greyhound is a dog of a petite and lightweight body build. The height at withers doesn't exceed 38 centimeters. The dog doesn't weigh much either - typically less than 5 kilograms.

📍 How long does the Italian greyhound live?

The Italian greyhound, if provided with good living conditions, has a relatively long lifespan. Depending on an individual, it can be from 12 to 15 years.

📍 How much do Italian greyhounds cost?

The price of the Italian greyhound is not the lowest. A dog of this type can be purchased for $1,000 to $4,000. There are more expensive individuals as well.