The Italian Greyhound is a true greyhound, his small size the result of selective breeding. There is some difference of opinion as to whether he was originally bred for hunting small game or was meant to be simply a pet and companion. It seems most likely that he filled both roles, and for this reason is very adaptable to both city and country living. He is loving and enjoys the comfort of an apartment, at the same time being a true hound, he likes exercise and outdoor activities.
Perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of the Italian Greyhound is his affectionate disposition. He thrives when his affection is returned and is happiest with his owner and immediate family. For this reason he may sometimes seem a trifle aloof with strangers. He is sensitive and and intelligent and remains playful long past puppyhood. He adapts to most households and gets along well with other pets and children. He is eager to please and learns quickly. Many Italian Greyhounds have done well in Obedience Trials and excel in the sport of Agility.
Your new puppy needs exercise and attention. Sufficient exercise helps prevent destructive behaviors and increases bone density, preventing accidental leg breaks. Teach your puppy to jump off low objects at first until the puppy can safely negotiate furniture. Italian Greyhound puppies think they can fly and will blithely leap into space. The highest bed or table holds no terrors for the ignorant puppy. Teach them to go up and down stairs safely.
Like most pupppies they will have bursts of energy followed by periods of napping. Rest, good food and exercise are essential for healthy growth.
Although Italian Greyhounds need little in the way of grooming, nails must be done on a regular basis, at least weekly for show puppies and at least every two weeks for pet puppies. Start brushing your puppies teeth as soon as the adult teeth come in. They should be brushed weekly and scaled every two weeks or as needed. Use tooth paste made for dogs, not the human variety.
Brush your puppy frequently, examining his coat and foot pads for any scrapes that need attention or evidence of fleas or ticks. Wiping your puppies coat with a soft cloth after brushing will help keep it clean and shiny by removing the loose hairs you may have brushed out.
In Winter make sure your Italian Greyhound has plenty of warm bedding. Because of their thin coat and lack of body fat they should not be left outdoors in extreme temperatures for an extended time.
Caring For Your New Italian Greyhound
Feeding Your Italian Greyhound
Select a good quality brand puppy food or follow the advice of the breeder you obtained you puppy from with regard to type of food the puppy is used to.
The puppy should be fed three small meals a day until the age of six months. Adding cottage cheese or yogurt is a real treat for them and helps maintain stomach health. At around 6 months you can drop the midday feeding and just feed your puppy in the morning and evening. Kibble soaked in warm water with two teaspoons of good quality canned food is acceptable for Italian Greyhounds. If you want to offer treats, my suggestion is small milk bones as they are easy to chew and less damaging than harder treats to the teeth. Vitamins are also suggested and you can discuss this with your breeder or veterinarian. Your Italian Greyhound should have fresh, clean water available at all times.
House Training Your Italian Greyhound
Developing good habits and a routine schedule are very useful in your effort to housetrain an Italian Greyhound. They should be fed at the same time each day, exercise and have rest periods at the about the same time each day. With young puppies, take them outside immediately on waking from a nap, before and after they eat, and anytime they have been awake and active for 20 -25 minutes.
Many people teach their puppies to use newspaper or a litter box indoors or when weather is bad.
