Italian Greyhound

The origin of the Italian Greyhound dates back to ancient Greece and pharaonic Egypt, where dogs of a similar silhouette were already represented in works of art and funerary objects. It was in Renaissance Italy, however, where the breed reached its peak splendor and refinement. The Italian courts of the 15th and 16th centuries turned it into the fashionable dog among the nobility: it appears portrayed in works by painters like Pisanello or in Flemish court paintings. It was admired both for its beauty and for its speed and ability for small game hunting.

Over time, the Italian Greyhound spread throughout Europe as a symbol of aristocratic distinction. Kings, princes, and nobles from various courts chose it as a personal companion. In the 19th century, the breed suffered a significant decline, especially after the two world wars, but passionate breeders in Italy and other countries managed to recover and standardize it. Today, the Italian Greyhound is recognized internationally by the FCI and has gained increasing popularity as a companion dog, valued for its discreet elegance and affectionate character.

The Italian Greyhound is a dog of small size, with a slender and aerodynamic silhouette that evokes its larger relatives. It weighs between 3.5 and 5 kg and its height rarely exceeds 38 cm, but its bone structure is fine and its musculature, although discreet, is well defined. The coat is extremely short, soft to the touch, and without undercoat, which makes it very sensitive to low temperatures. Its expression is sweet and attentive, with large dark eyes, and its movement is elegant and agile, capable of reaching remarkable speeds for its size.

As for character, it is a dog lively, affectionate and very sensitive to the mood of the people around it. It forms very close bonds with its family and can appear shy or reserved around strangers. It loves physical contact: cuddling next to its guardians is one of its favorite pleasures. It is active during playtime and lazy the rest of the time, making it a very balanced companion. Its intelligence makes it trainable, although its somewhat independent nature requires patience and constant positive reinforcement.

The care of the Italian Greyhound begins, first and foremost, by protecting it from the cold. Its fine coat does not provide thermal insulation, so it needs clothes in autumn and winter both at home, if the temperature is low, and on walks. Walks should be daily, but it should also have the opportunity to run freely in safe and fenced spaces, as its speed and chasing instinct can put it in danger in open areas. Despite its size, it needs more exercise than its appearance suggests.

Its coat requires minimal maintenance: a damp cloth or a rubber glove is enough to keep it clean and shiny. However, dental hygiene is essential in this breed, as it is particularly prone to tartar build-up and premature tooth loss. Brushing its teeth several times a week or using complementary dental snacks makes a significant difference in the long run. It is also important to monitor its nails, which grow faster due to less wear on hard surfaces.

The Italian Greyhound has a very fine bone structure that makes it especially vulnerable to fractures, even from falls or light bumps. It is important to prevent it from jumping from high places, such as sofas or high beds, and playing roughly with larger dogs. This skeletal fragility is the main limitation of the breed and must be taken into account when organizing the home and when going outside. Access ramps and soft surfaces for resting are simple adaptations that reduce the risk.

In addition to fractures, dental problems (tartar buildup, gingivitis, and loss of teeth) and sensitivity to certain medications and anesthetics are common, a trait shared with other sight hounds. Always informing the veterinarian about the breed before any treatment is essential. It may also present hypoglycemia if it goes too long without eating, especially in puppies, due to its fast metabolism. With proper attention, a suitable diet, and regular check-ups, the Italian Greyhound can enjoy a long, active, and very pleasant life. If you have an Italian Greyhound, its diet is key to protecting its bones, dental health, and energy. At Onlyfresh, you will find options for high-quality dog recipes and food, formulated for small, active dogs that need precise nutrition and perfect digestion at every stage of their lives.