Italian Greyhound

It’s important before becoming an Italian Greyhound parent to consider any possible health issues. Not every dog suffers with them, but it’s good to be prepared.

Speak to your vet to find out which conditions your Italian Greyhound might be at risk from. Some vets offer ‘pre-purchase consultations’ which can advise on health risks, management, and related costs.

They can also help you find a responsible breeder if you’re buying a puppy, or advise on testing for genetic diseases.

Different Italian Greyhounds need different amounts of food depending on their:

• age
• size
• activity levels
• fitness
• weight.

Dog food packets can serve as a useful guide, but you need to take your dog’s individual needs into account.

Knowing your dog’s body condition also helps you decide on how much food to give them. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WVASA) can provide more information on body condition scoring.

Speak to your vet if there’s anything you’re unsure of, or for more expert advice.

Italian Greyhounds are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.

They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.

If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you.

Italian Greyhounds need training like any other dog, as well as daily enrichment.

When exercising your Italian Greyhound, think about their:

• age
• health
• personality.

Young, growing dogs may need a few shorter walks. Whereas older, ill or injured pooches may need an exercise plan tailored by your vet. Some may need quiet, calm walks while others benefit from more sociable strolls.

Check with your vet for advice on exercising your dog.

Italian Greyhounds’ short coats shed very little. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way. This will help your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your dog feels relaxed and confident.

When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:

• stand up at their full height
• -turn around without touching the sides
• lie down and stretch out
• wag their tail.

Slowly build up the time your dog spends in their crate to help them feel positive about it. They should associate it with good things happening.

Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.

Two Italian Greyhounds, for example, will have very different ways of reacting to certain situations. They also have different likes and dislikes.

Some dogs might love socialising with other puppy pals while others may not. One might crave excitement while another finds a more relaxing atmosphere enjoyable.

You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can use it as a reward during training to help them enjoy the learning.

Make sure to work on useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling with your dog. This will help you both feel relaxed and confident in tackling your daily life together.

While every dog is different, there are some universal ways to behave safely and respectfully around them. This is an important skill for the whole family – children and adults. Why not book one of our family workshops on living safely together? It’s suitable for children aged 7 to 11.