Little Pawz -- Italian Greyhound -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Italian Greyhound is the perfect Greyhound in miniature, a graceful, dainty little dog that makes an ideal house pet. It needs plenty of exercise and will enjoy a day's off-the-lead run in the country, should the opportunity arise.

Size
Height: 13 – 15 inches (33 – 38 cm) at the withers
Weight: 6 – 8 lbs. (2.7 – 3.6 kg) not exceeding 10 lbs. (4.5 kg)

Coat and Colour
Very short, close, of fine texture, silky to the touch, glossy like satin. The skin is fine and supple. White, cream, fawn, blue, grey, black, red, chocolate, bronze, blue/fawn, red/fawn. Any shade of these colours, solid or with white markings or white with coloured markings is acceptable. A mask is permissible.

Exercise
Certainly not the dog to keep shut up indoors all day. It thrives on plenty of exercise, but adapts well to city living with adequate walks and off-the-lead runs.

Grooming
The Italian Greyhound needs little more than a rub down with a soft cloth. But remember that this breed feels the cold, hates the wind and rain, and needs a coat. Extra care must be taken with the teeth.

Feeding
Recommended would be 1/2 can (13.3 oz 376 g size) name-brand dog food with a biscuit, or 1 – 1 1/2 cups of a dry dog food. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Italian Greyhound.

Origin and History
This obedient and easy-to-train small dog is thought to originate from the Greyhounds depicted on the tombs of Pharaohs. But it has existed in its present form for centuries and takes its name from the great popularity in 16th century Italy. It was favoured by Queen Victoria, who did much to popularize so many toy breeds during her long reign.

Unfortunately for the Italian Greyhound, some English Toy Terrier blood was introduced in an effort to reduce the size further. This spoiled the breed character, and in an effort to restore it several dogs were imported from the United States. This did little to help matters and by the early 1950's only five registrations with the British Kennel Club remained. Fresh stock was then imported from Italy and, thanks to the determined efforts and dedication of breeders, the Italian Greyhound was once more firmly established as a stable breed by the early 1970's.

Celebrity Owners
Sigourney Weaver has an Italian Greyhound named Baci.