Puppy Dog Breed Italian Greyhound
Latest Italian Greyhound Latest News
Latest Italian Greyhound Frequently Asked Questions:
I am thinking of buying an Italian Greyhound puppy. I am aware of the breed and done my research, however I am not able to find any information on the personality differences between male and females. I have only ever owned female dogs, so... do male dogs who have been neutered suffer from the occasional 'red rocket' syndrome when they are playing or running/playing excitedly?
Answer:From my experience, the boys tend to ask, "What can I do for you?" while the girls have more of the attitude of, "What have you done for me lately?" Don't get me wrong, the girls are wonderful snugglers too, but it's more on *their* terms than with the boys. As to fighting, I've only had an occasional issue with the boys when there is a female in heat. If there is going to be an issue between them, it's usually between two alpha girls. Still, overall, very rarely are IGs scrappy, so you usually don't have to worry about it, especially if your IGs are spayed/neutered! All IGs will get the "zoomies" from time to time! My little girl (2yo) gets them at 9pm every night...it's a hoot to watch her! IGs love to chase, and an excellent toy to help work out some of thier energy is a horse's lunge whip with a small stuffed toy on the end. I call mine my "fishing for iggies pole." Once they get out of puppyhood, most IGs are content to curl up and sleep most of the day. It sounds like you've already done some research, but if you haven't seen it already, the Italian Greyhound Club of America's website is an excellent place to start! www.italiangreyhound.org Be careful where you get your IG, please don't buy from a pet store or a large-scale breeder! (The IGCA's website above is a great place to find good breeders.) Also, ask the breeder if the parents have been health tested. While generally healthy, there are a few issues that pop up, like Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), slipped kneecaps, seizures...ask if the parents have had their CERF exam (for PRA) and have had their knees checked, at the very least. Hope you have a wonderful time with your new iggy!
My blue fawn Italian Greyhound had a few white hairs on her back at age one...Now at age 2, there are more white hairs on her back and forehead. Her coat is glossy and looks very healthy. Does anyone know if this premature graying could represent an underlying health problem? She has a clean bill of health from her vet.
Answer:Blue fawn IGs are prone to alopecia, which is a premature loss of hair. Graying isn't usually associated with this, but it may be something to discuss with your vet.
my family wants to get an italian greyhound,but we don't know which gender to get.mybe boys are more active or something.if that's true then we should get a girl.you tell me,what's the difference?
Answer:The IG boys I've known have been VERY difficult to housebreak. Some have been clingy and some have been aloof and skittish. Some have been goofy silly dorks. One was protective and aggressive towards other dogs. My IG is a girl and is needy, energetic, and sometimes skittish. My friend's Female IG is a grumpy poo-poo head most of the time. It's more important to get a dog that you get along with - male or female. IG's are a pretty needy breed to own - be sure you've done ALL the homework - http://italiangreyhound.org/pages/200about_igs.html And be sure to use ONLY an EXCELLENT breeder. They are loaded with health concerns like PRA Luxating Patellas Horrible Teeth Alopecia Epilepsy Brittle Bones and more. Bad breeding makes these things show up more, and badly bred dogs are usually much more temperamental (and mental). And don't forget rescue. More and more are showing up. http://www.italiangreyhound.org
I would REALLY like to get an Italian Greyhound. The breed is very small and quick, and they can jump up on tables and other high places, and they could also easily get caught in nooks and crannies. How do I make my home so that it is safe for an Italian Greyhound?
Answer:Training works. I have several small, quick dogs, who could jump up on a table, but they are not allowed to. I have never heard of a dog getting caught in a nook or a cranny. (The Italian Greyhound I fostered spent most of his time in my lap, not running around or jumping up on things.)
I recently rescued a 2-year old dog and i'm not sure if he's an italian grehyound or a whippet, though he is obviously one or the other. he looks like a purebreed. he weighs 21lbs which is smack in the middle of the two standards. does anyone know of any other key distinguishing characteristics between italian greyhound and a whippet? Edit: here are some photos, since you asked.
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Answer:A whippet - the Italian greyhound should only get to about 12lbs in weight and 15" at the shoulder, so yours is well over I.G breed standard, but online for the whippet. Some Italian greyhounds do go a little over the breed standard - but not almost double!
