The Italian Greyhound is meant for a quiet apartment or home. She does not do well with loud, rough children as her bones can be brittle as a puppy and she is delicate in both body and mind. She is a good watch dog and loves her family. She can do well with other respectful dogs and animals, especially if she is socialized with them at an early age. If she is housed with other dogs, be aware that they should not be large dogs. She is a climber and may even climb out of a fenced enclosure. Keep her controlled when outside as she can run very fast and can be about impossible to catch if she does not want to be.
Approximate Adult Size
The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Italian Greyhound is 12 to 15 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 6 to 10 pounds. There is a under 8 pound class and an over 8 pound class.
Special Health Considerations
Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Italian Greyhound is no exception. Although they are a healthy breed, be on the look out for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), slipped stifle and epilepsy (common in dogs). Additionally, Italian Greyhound puppies under eighteen months old are prone to broken legs due to fragile developing bones. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.
Grooming
The Italian Greyhound has a short, fine coat that is like satin to the touch. She just needs an occasional rub down with a soft cloth. When she needs a rare bath, be sure that she is dried properly and kept warm.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.
Life Span
The Italian Greyhound can live between 14 and 16 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.
History
The Italian Greyhound comes from Italy. They are a small sight hound and were bred as pets. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1886.
Although not for the faint of heart, Irish Wolfhounds are strong, muscular, beautiful dogs that are usually even tempered and friendly. Originally they were used in Ireland to hunt wolves and Irish elk. But today they are a favorite among dog enthusiasts for their gentle disposition and commanding appearance.
The temperament of this dog breed is soft-natured and easygoing. They are calm around the house and patient. These qualities make them a good dog with children, pets, and other dogs.
History of the Breed
The Irish Wolfhounds in their earliest form were actually dogs that went to war and were trained to kill men and beasts. They were also used as guard dogs and as hunting dogs early on as well.
It is believed that their history has been long, perhaps even reaching all the way back to the first century BC. During the 19th century, when it became popular to give a number of these dogs as gifts to foreign royalty and as the wolf became extinct in Ireland, they almost became extinct.
Thankfully, Captain Graham began to breed Irish Wolfhounds with other breeds, such as Great Danes and Deerhounds, to keep the breed from dying out. This interbreeding led to variations in color and in a mellowing of the temperament as well.
Characteristics of Irish Wolfhounds
Although in history these dogs were used as war dogs and guard dogs, the Irish Wolfhound today does not make a great guard dog. While they do have a penchant to hunt, these dogs love people and require a great deal of interaction with the family.
The Irish Wolfhound is actually the tallest hound in the entire world and they are a stately and proud dog. Their coats feel rather rough to the touch, and they come in a variety of different colors, including brindle, pure white, red, brown, black, gray, and fawn.
They typically live to be about seven, although there are dogs that live to be as old as ten. Increasing numbers of breeders, however, are now selecting for longevity and this will hopefully increase the lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound in the future.
What Irish Wolfhounds Need
If you decide that you want to own an Irish Wolfhound, it is important that you take into consideration the special needs of these dogs and take care of them properly to promote the best health possible. They need plenty of room to stretch out and a daily long walk.
Irish Wolfhounds need to be with people and need plenty of interaction, so before you purchase one, you need to be sure that you have the time to properly take care of your dog.
It is important that you train your Irish Wolfhound well or he may get out of hand. Starting to train from the time your dog is a puppy will help you avoid problems later in the dog's life.
Having an Irish Wolfhound can bring a great deal of joy and pleasure to your life and these dogs make wonderful companions. If you are ready to invest some time in a dog, take care of a dog properly, and you want a dog that will keep you company, you may want to consider having an Irish Wolfhound as a pet.