How to Know if Italian Greyhounds Are Right for You

Sleek, sweet and beautiful, Italian Greyhounds turn heads wherever they go. If you are considering bringing an Italian Greyhound into your family, read on for some details that should help you decide if this is the right dog for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Love
• Patience
• Time
• Attention

1. Italian Greyhounds live for your love and attention. Some breeders have even described them as "permanent toddlers." Imagine the time you would devote to a two or three year old child. This is what your Italian Greyhound needs from you, especially in the first few years of her life. This breed retains puppy-like behavior for at least three to four years. If you are reading, you may find that she has managed to get her cute little head right between you and the words on the page. She will want sit where you sit, walk where you walk, and play as long as you are willing. She may want to sit in your lap while you are using your computer and may try to distract you if you are talking on the phone.

2. If you bring an Italian Greyhound home, give up the idea of ever sleeping alone. Italian Greyhounds were actually bred to be "bed warmers" in addition to companions. Your Italian Greyhound will not only expect to sleep in your bed, he will want to get completely under the covers and snuggle with you through the night. In large families, Italian Greyhounds enjoy spending some time in the beds of each family member. If you don’t' have a problem with a dog in your bed, you will find an Italian Greyhound to be a sweet, polite and gentle sleeping companion. And yes, he will keep your bed warm in the winter!

3. Although not as fast as their larger racing cousins, Italian Greyhounds are quick runners and need to be on a leash at all times when they are outside, unless they are in a fenced area. You will need to be careful even with fences because they are also very high jumpers when they are young. If she takes off after a squirrel or bird, there is no way you'll be able to catch her, and she could be miles away before she realizes she is lost.

4. Italian Greyhounds are sensitive. They will feel devastated if you yell at them or speak to them harshly. Like other sight hounds, they can also be slow to housebreak. If your Italian Greyhound has an accident, punishing him will not help the situation. The best thing to do is take him outside right away so that he can see where you expect him to relieve himself. Be sure to praise him when he does the right thing. He wants more than anything to please you, but you will need to be gentle and patient with him.

5. Every breed has areas of vulnerability when it comes to health. Italian Greyhounds are no exception. Problems which are common in Italian Greyhounds are:
   • Epilepsy
   • Periodontal/dental problems
   • Leg fractures/ patella problems
   
   While most Italian Greyhounds are very hardy, plan to protect them from falls and give them regular dental care at the vet.

6. Italian Greyhounds are short haired, tend to keep themselves clean and require very little grooming. They hardly shed, and their fur is almost like eyelashes. This breed is excellent for people with allergies because they only rarely cause allergic reactions in people.

[GreenMomma]

on 5/30/2009 Wonderful information. We've been talking about getting either a Whippet or an Italian Greyhound. We've got a toy poodle now and I just love small cuddly dogs.