Italian Greyhound

At a Glance

Temperament

Italian Greyhounds are delicate yet spirited companions with a surprising boldness for their tiny size. These elegant sighthounds are devoted to their owners and thrive on affection and close companionship. They're intelligent and alert, with quick reflexes inherited from their hunting heritage, though they're equally content lounging on a lap. Despite their fragile appearance, they possess surprising athletic ability and enjoy short bursts of energetic play. Their sensitive nature means they respond best to gentle handling and positive reinforcement.

History

Italian Greyhounds have been cherished by European nobility and royalty for centuries, with evidence of similar dogs appearing in Roman art from the second century AD. The breed became particularly fashionable during the Renaissance, favored by the Medici and D'Este families, and later by French kings and Frederick the Great. Formally recognized as 'Italian Greyhounds' in Britain during the 1870s, the breed nearly went extinct after World War II but was revived in the 1950s through dedicated Italian breeders. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale officially accepted the breed in 1956, and it has since become a beloved companion dog worldwide.

Health Notes

Italian Greyhounds are remarkably healthy for their size, with a median lifespan of 14 years. They are notably resistant to hip dysplasia, ranking as the least affected breed in orthopedic studies. Primary health concerns include congenital deafness and cervical intervertebral disc disease, both related to their neurological makeup. Their small, delicate frames require careful handling to prevent injuries.

Fun Facts

• Italian Greyhounds were so prized by royalty that they appear in paintings by famous Renaissance artists like Giotto and Tiepolo.
• Despite weighing only 2-5 pounds, they were originally bred to hunt hare and rabbit with impressive speed and agility.
• The breed nearly vanished after World War II but was saved by Italian breeder Maria Luisa Incontri Lotteringhi della Stufa, who imported a crucial dog from Austria in 1951.
• They are the smallest of all sighthound breeds, yet retain the keen hunting instincts of their larger relatives.
• Italian Greyhounds have a distinctive high-stepping gait and are capable of surprisingly fast gallops for their tiny size.
• The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club starting in 1886, making them one of the earliest recognized toy breeds.