Italian Greyhound
Description
The Italian Greyhound is a slender, graceful breed with a history stretching back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean region. Once a favored companion of nobility, this small dog carries an aristocratic air, often seen in Renaissance art and prized by European courts. Their delicate frame and refined features make them stand out in any setting. Despite their elegant appearance, Italian Greyhounds are affectionate and sensitive. They bond deeply with their families but may be shy around strangers. Their playful bursts are balanced by a calm demeanor, making them ideal for owners who appreciate a gentle, quiet companion with moments of lively energy. This breed thrives with early socialization and consistent, positive training.
Grooming
Italian Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat that sheds lightly to moderately throughout the year. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush keeps their coat healthy and shiny by removing loose hairs and distributing natural oils. Bathing should be limited to every 4 to 8 weeks to avoid drying out their skin. Nail trimming is necessary every 2 to 4 weeks to prevent overgrowth, and ears should be checked and cleaned monthly to reduce the risk of buildup. Their coat colors vary widely, including shades like blue fawn, brindle, cream, and white with various markings such as black or blue masks. White-marked coats may need occasional spot cleaning to maintain brightness. - Brush weekly with a rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Spot clean white markings as needed Pro tip: Use a damp cloth for quick touch-ups between baths to keep their coat fresh without over-washing.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Italian Greyhounds require about 25 minutes of walking daily, ideally in a single session to suit their moderate activity needs. Their slender legs and delicate joints benefit from gentle, steady exercise rather than long or intense runs. A calm, leash-controlled walk helps maintain their muscle tone and mental stimulation. Example routine: A 10-minute warm-up stroll around the block followed by 15 minutes of relaxed walking in a quiet park. This routine balances physical activity with opportunities to explore scents and sights without overwhelming the dog. Keep walks consistent but avoid rough terrain or overly crowded areas that might stress this sensitive breed. They enjoy short bursts of play but tire quickly, so pacing is key.
Boarding
When boarding an Italian Greyhound, a crate size of 24 to 30 inches provides enough room for comfort without excess space that might cause anxiety. Their playstyle is gentle and reserved, preferring calm interactions over boisterous group play. Staff should introduce themselves slowly and maintain a predictable daily routine to help the dog feel secure. Enrichment includes daily exercise sessions focused on calm decompression rather than vigorous activity. Quiet toys and soft bedding enhance comfort during downtime. Because Italian Greyhounds can be sensitive to new environments, minimizing loud noises and sudden changes supports their well-being. Staff notes: Monitor for signs of stress and provide extra reassurance during transitions. Consistency in feeding and walking times helps maintain their sense of security.