Italian Greyhounds

Breed: Italian Greyhound
Temperament: Affectionate, dependent and timid
Cost: From $500
Lifespan: 14-15 years
Recommended for: Adults, older children

Appearance: The Italian Greyhound is a Greyhound in miniature: slender, long-limbed and fine-boned with a long thin tail and sleek coat. There is a weight limit of 4.5kg (10lb) for exhibition dogs but pets can be large. The most popular colour is fawn but shades from black to white are available. They have a thin, sensitive face with large dark eyes.

Temperament: The trembling shown by many Italian Greyhounds can signify excitement, nervousness or simply the cold. They are affectionate with their owners but tend to be 'standoffish' or timid with strangers. Some retain an instinct to chase and they can catch slower birds or small animals.

Health:

Can feel the cold especially in winter Danger of fractures: ensure adequate calcium in diet while young Can easily be injured by very young children Breeders say some lines have slipping patellas and epilepsy so check parents.

Breeding: Most whelp easily with litters ranging from one to six puppies. Caesarean deliveries are occasionally needed.

Housepet potential: Italian Greyhounds are said to be ideal housedogs being small, neat, shedding little hair and not known to be noisy. They are not a breed to live outdoors for any length of time.

Space & exercise: While walks are recommended, a secure, fenced area is needed before being allowed to run off the lead because they sometimes chase small animals. They should easily accept life in flats or townhouses.

Ideal owner: Italian Greyhounds are often owned by adults whose families have grown up and/or left home. They are not well suited to families with small children because the breed is relatively fragile and may be injured by boisterous play or being carried around. Children over the age of seven or eight years should be old enough to know how to care for a small dog. They are small and light enough to be a lapdog and cope with living indoors in a townhouse or flat.

Grooming: Minimal grooming is required. Teeth and toenails should be checked frequently. Nails can grow long if kept indoors and will need clipping.

Training: Italian Greyhounds, like other sighthounds, are not renowned for their trainability. They run for the sheer joy of running or chasing and this can be a problem if they won't respond to their owners commands. Firm but gentle handling is recommended.

Uses: The Italian Greyhound is primarily a companion dog and is good at being carried around and cuddled.

History: Surprisingly, the Italian Greyhound doesn't actually originate from Italy. Like other sighthounds, ancestors are traced to Ancient times when greyhound-type dogs were popular hunters and pets. This type of dog was taken to Italy and nurtured by nobles. They featured in Renaissance paintings. One dog book suggests the Latin warning 'Cave Canem' (beware the dog) was not to warn guests of the mastiff but instead asked them to be careful of the tiny greyhound.

Further information

ACT
Canberra Kennel Association
PO Box 301
Dickson, 2602
Phone: (02) 6241 4404

NSW
Italian Greyhound Society of NSW
Secretary: Mrs Barbara Skilton
66 Stony Creek Road
Shanes Park, 2760
Phone: (02) 9628 7026

NT
North Australian Canine Association
PO Box 375321
Winnellie, 0821
Phone: (08) 8984 3570

QLD
The Canine Control Council
PO Box 495
Fortitude Valley, 4006
Phone: (07) 3252 2661

SA
South Australian Canine Association
PO Box 844
Prospect East, 5082
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

VIC
Breeder: Lorna Fair
PO Box 684
Bacchus Marsh, 3340
Phone: (03) 5368 1693

TAS
Tasmanian Canine Association
PO Box 116
Glenorchy, 7010
Phone: (03) 6272 9443

WA
The Canine Council of WA
PO Box 301
Gosnells, 6110
Phone: (08) 9455 1188

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