About Italian Greyhounds, information on the breed

About the Breed

In descending order: Greyhound, Whippet, Italian greyhound

In the UK Italian Greyhounds are classified as Toy Dogs, but you will find them in the Sighthound Group on the Continent. The breed standard calls for a Greyhound in miniature, which should be elegant, graceful and quick moving. They are intelligent, affectionate and vivacious but may appear aloof taking time to get to know people. Whereas the Greyhound stands at 69-76cms (27-30 inches), the Whippet 44-51cms (18 -20 inches), the ideal height for the Italian Greyhound is 32-38cms (13-15 inches) at the shoulder, though it is not uncommon for many to be around 16inches, and their weight I 3.6-4.5kgs (8-10lbs).
 
Italian Greyhounds come in a variety of colours: fawn, blue, black, sable, cream, red, white, or any of these colours broken with white or pied. Black or blue with than markings, or brindle colours are not an acceptable colour for the breed.
 
This breed is not suited to being kept outdoors. They enjoy a couple of walks a day and free running where they are safe. They feel the cold, so on chilly days they should wear a coat to protect them when out walking. Inside they like nothing better than the lap of their owner or a ray of sunshine to bathe in. They do not enjoy being left for long periods of time, but do enjoy a nice cosy bed with blankets in it so that they can get underneath them to sleep.
 
Kindness, patience and plenty of TLC will bring out the best in any Italian Greyhound.