Italian Greyhound dog training guide - Playful, Alert, Sensitive Toy breed from Italy
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Italian Greyhound

Also known as: IG, Iggy, Piccolo Levriero Italiano

Origin: Italy

PlayfulAlertSensitiveAthleticAffectionate

Size

Small

Weight

3-6 kg (7-14 lbs)

Life Expectancy

14-15 years

Energy

Moderate

Trainability

Moderate

Barking

Moderate

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Compatibility

Children
Low
Other Dogs
High
Strangers
Moderate
Cats
Moderate
🏢 Apartment Friendly

History & Origin

Miniature sighthound dating back over 2,000 years. Popular with Italian nobility during the Renaissance. Depicted in art by many famous painters.

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Training Tips

Housetraining Challenges

Notoriously difficult to housetrain. Use indoor potty options in cold weather - they hate cold.

Fragile Bones

Prevent jumping from furniture. Fractures are common and serious in this breed.

Sensitive Nature

Extremely sensitive to correction. Positive methods only or they become fearful.

Common Health Considerations

Leg Fractures

Severe

Fine bones extremely fragile, especially in puppies

Dental Disease

Moderate

Prone to early tooth loss and gum disease

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Moderate

Hereditary eye condition causing blindness

Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

30-45 minutes daily. Love to run in short bursts. Need secure, fenced area.

Grooming Needs

Very low maintenance. Occasional brushing. Need sweaters in cold weather.

Drooling Level

Coat & Colors

Coat Type

ShortSmoothFine

Common Colors

FawnBlueBlackSealRedCreamWhite markings

Famous Italian Greyhounds

Kylie Jenner's Italian Greyhounds - Norman and Bambi, frequently featured on social media

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Photos and stories from Italian Greyhound owners around the world

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