Italian Grey Hound Puppies: A Comprehensive Guide

Italian Grey Hound puppies are a delightful addition to any family. They are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great choice for families with children.

Their small size, weighing around 8-15 pounds, makes them a perfect fit for city living or for families with smaller living spaces. They require regular exercise, but a daily walk and playtime are sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

Italian Grey Hound puppies are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing and nail trimming. However, they do shed moderately, so be prepared for some extra cleaning up after them.

Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including blue, fawn, and black, making each puppy unique and adorable.

Finding a responsible breeder is a challenge, it's hard to find one because there are not many of them and they don't breed very often.

It's worth noting that a responsible breeder breeds because they love showing Italian Greyhounds, not for financial gain.

To increase your chances of finding a responsible breeder, talk to lots of people who know about Italian Greyhounds and are involved with IGs.

Speaking to people who have extensive knowledge about Italian Greyhounds can be a great way to get advice and guidance.

My breeder breeds because she wants to bring another puppy into the show ring, not because she wants to make money from selling puppies.

Be wary of breeders who only breed for profit, it's not a good sign.

It's also worth noting that just because someone is involved in showing their dogs, it doesn't make them a responsible breeder.

You can find responsible breeders by going to a Championship Dog Show and watching the Italian Greyhounds in the ring.

In fact, it's extremely rare for a responsible breeder to advertise puppies for sale online, so don't bother searching the internet.

Instead, join a group like The United Kingdom Italian Greyhound Society on Facebook to connect with people who know about Italian Greyhounds.

Most people showing Italian Greyhounds in the UK have bred their IGs, so you can make a note of which dogs you think look like fit, healthy dogs and go and speak to the human on the end of the lead.

Italian Greyhound puppies require regular exercise, but they are not built for long-distance running. They need short, gentle play sessions of around 15-20 minutes.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth. This can be done at home with a good pair of clippers.

Italian Greyhounds are sensitive dogs and may not tolerate harsh training methods. They respond well to positive reinforcement and gentle, patient training.

House training an Italian Greyhound puppy requires patience and consistency. They have small bladders, so frequent trips outside for potty breaks are a must.

It's essential to use positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior with treats and praise. Italian Greyhounds respond well to love and affection.

Consistency is key when house training an Italian Greyhound. It's not impossible to fully house train them, but it does take time and effort.

Socialization is crucial for Italian Greyhounds. Expose them to various people, pets, and environments early on to prevent shyness or fearfulness.

Puppy obedience classes can be incredibly helpful for socialization and basic training. It's a great opportunity for your pup to make new friends and learn from others.

Italian Greyhounds are intelligent, but can be a tad stubborn. Be prepared to use persistence and patience when training them.

Italian Greyhound puppies need special care when it comes to clothing, especially in sunny weather. Their sensitive skin can easily burn, so sun protection is a must.

Choose a safe sunscreen for dogs or opt for thin natural cotton shirts instead. Italian Greyhound puppies can overheat, making sun protection even more crucial.

Staying in a shadow is a great way to keep your puppy cool during the hottest summer days.

Italian Greyhound puppies are bursting with energy and love to run, jump, and explore their surroundings. They thrive on outdoor adventures and playtime.

Daily exercise is a must to keep them happy and healthy. Plan for at least 30 minutes of outdoor playtime each day.

A securely fenced yard is ideal, but regular walks and trips to the dog park are great alternatives. These little speedsters have a strong prey drive and might chase after anything that moves.

Slowly but steadily train them to recall, so that both you and your pup would feel safe even in unfenced areas as the time goes by and your pup grows.

Puzzle toys and interactive games can help tire out their active minds, preventing boredom-related mischiefs.

Owning an Italian Greyhound requires some extra attention due to their delicate nature. They can be easily injured, so it's essential to keep a watchful eye during playtime and provide a safe, enclosed yard.

Their small size also means they can get cold quickly, so you might need to invest in some doggy sweaters for the winter months. Italian Greyhounds have a thin coat, which makes them susceptible to the cold.

If you train your iggy puppy from an early age, they can learn to run off-leash in safe but unfenced areas. However, you'll still need to be cautious that they may be scared by something unexpected and run from you instead of to you.

Owning an Italian Greyhound requires a watchful eye during playtime due to their delicate nature and risk of injury.

Their small size and minimal body fat make them susceptible to the cold, so you'll need to invest in some stylish doggy sweaters for winter months.

If you train your iggy puppy from an early age, it's likely they'll be ready to run off-leash in safe but unfenced areas.

You'll still need to be cautious that they may be scared by something unexpected and run from you instead of to you.

The Italian Greyhound is a gentle soul, loving to run and chase, but also extremely sensitive. They can be easily injured by boisterous children and larger dogs, so it's essential to keep a close eye on interactions.

This breed is reserved and often timid around strangers, but with their family, they're devoted companions. They get along well with children, other dogs, and pets, making them a great addition to many households.

The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed, with a history dating back to 3000 BC. They were bred as companions for royalty and nobility.

They are a small dog breed, typically weighing between 8-15 pounds. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.

Italian Greyhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a great fit for families with children.

Adopting from a rescue organization gives a loving home to a pup in need.

Many Italian Greyhounds end up in rescues, often through no fault of their own.

It's a noble choice for those who want to make a difference.

Unfortunately, it's not that rare to fall into the trap of those who irresponsibly breed Italian Greyhounds and sell them as 'rescues'.

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed, typically standing around 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder.

They are actually the smallest of the Greyhound family, and their compact size makes them perfect for those with limited space.

Italian Greyhounds usually weigh between 7-14 pounds, which is quite dainty considering their elegant and slender build.

They're often referred to as Miniature Greyhounds, but technically, they're a separate and ancient breed - the Italian Greyhound.

Their small size doesn't compromise their athleticism, and they're built for speed, just like their larger Greyhound cousins.

Italian Greyhound puppies are a delight to care for, but it's essential to be aware of their specific needs. Regular exercise is a must, so be prepared for daily romps outdoors, or even indoor games to keep them happy and healthy.

To prevent dental issues, Italian Greyhounds need regular brushing of their teeth, which is a simple yet crucial part of their care. A short, occasional brushing to remove dead hair from their fine short hair is also necessary.

Their lifespan is relatively long, ranging from 12 to 15 years, but they do come with some potential health concerns. Major health issues include periodontal disease, while minor concerns include epilepsy, leg fractures, and patellar luxation.

Italian Greyhounds are prone to several health issues that can't be ignored. Regular dental care is crucial to prevent periodontal disease.

To maintain your iggy's pearly whites, brush their teeth daily and schedule regular dental check-ups with your vet. You can also consider special chewables or a raw diet to keep their teeth healthy.

Hip dysplasia is another concern for Italian Greyhounds, so keeping them at a healthy weight is essential. If needed, consult with your vet about joint supplements to prevent this condition.

Unfortunately, bone fractures are a common issue in Italian Greyhounds, often caused by jumping or other minor accidents. Choosing a reputable breeder can help minimize the risk of inherited bone fractures.

Here are some common health concerns in Italian Greyhounds:

Your vet may recommend the following tests to ensure your iggy's health:

Italian Greyhounds typically live for 12-15 years with proper care and attention. However, they are susceptible to leg and tail fractures, so it's essential to take precautions to prevent these injuries.

The Italian Greyhound needs a daily romp outdoors, but hates the cold, so it's essential to find a balance between exercise and comfort.

A good walk on a leash or a fun game indoors is perfect for meeting their exercise needs. I've seen them get so excited about a game of tag in the living room!

They love to stretch out and sprint in a safe fenced area, so if you have a yard, make sure it's securely fenced to keep them safe.

Care of their fine short hair is minimal, requiring only occasional brushing to remove dead hair. A quick brush on a Sunday afternoon is all they need.

Regular brushing of the teeth is crucial in this breed to prevent future dental issues. I've seen it firsthand - a clean mouth is a happy mouth!

The Italian Greyhound has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years, with evidence of dogs resembling this breed found in ancient art from Turkey, Greece, and other Mediterranean areas.

These miniature Greyhounds were highly prized by Italian courtiers and later gained popularity with the nobility in England in the 17th century. In fact, they were one of only two toy breeds mentioned in a book about dogs as early as 1820.

The breed's popularity peaked during the reign of Queen Victoria, but numbers declined significantly after World War II due to poor breeding practices that prioritized tiny size over soundness and health.

Fortunately, Italian Greyhounds had been imported to America in the late 1800s, where they maintained excellent quality, and these dogs helped revive the breed in Europe.