It has been said that each Italian Greyhound is a “work of art”. The graceful lines, elegant movement and unique personality causes one to stop and stare when they see an IG. The breed is a mix of beauty, intelligence and agility.
Italian Greyhounds shed minimally and do not have dander, making them a good choice as a companion for people with allergies.
They are extremely intelligent and know how to train their owners. House training can be a challenge, but with consistent, gentle correction and a conviction to not only train the do but also the bladder, iggy’s can be trained to be fully reliable in the house. They are not barkers, and are generally quiet. They do have a large vocabulary of verbal sounds which they often use to communicate with us.
The IG averages about 13-15 inches high, and weighs about 10-15 pounds. He takes well to living in a small space, but does need room for a good run to keep his muscles toned. They are an all round companion and are suitable for homes who have lots of time and attention to give, and the ability to exercise their bodies and mind.
A good diet, moderate grooming and frequent attention to teeth are necessities to ensure a healthy life. In addition, Iggy’s do not do well being left alone for long periods of time. They are a velcro dog and as such need to be with you. If you leave them alone for too long, or too often, they will make their displeasure known to you via intentional destructive behaviour.
They are very much a pack dog and do well in two’s. Having a playmate and friend helps to reduce clinginess and gives them an outlet for play with each other.
The IG is a very unique breed which presents challenges but also tremendous rewards. Being owned by one will change your life forever.
