Grooming
Italian Greyhounds are low shedders with a short coat that’s relatively easy to maintain. Brushing their coat once or twice a week with a soft bristled brush or rubber mitt will easily remove dirt or any buildup. Bathe them every one to six weeks, depending on their lifestyle (i.e., Is your Italian Greyhound’s idea of roughing it a Holiday Inn Express? Then a bath every six weeks is good).
If you hear your IG’s nails tap-tap-tapping on the floor before you actually see them, it’s time for a nail trim. This usually needs to be done about once a month, and can be done at home or by a professional.
The most important thing with grooming your Italian Greyhound is their dental care. Those small mouths can have big problems if not cared for properly. Ideally, toothbrushing should be done daily. Start out when they’re young brushing their teeth once or twice a week to get them used to the feeling. And make sure to take your Italian Greyhound in for an annual dental cleaning by your vet.
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Training
Intelligent, sweet and responds well to treats—you and your Italian Greyhound puppy have these things in common. The difference is that you don’t need training classes on how to be well-mannered and stop jumping on the kitchen table. (Or maybe you do. There’s no judging here.) While you’re teaching them to sit, stay and come, you may want to teach your pup not to jump off things, like the couch. Italian Greyhounds can suffer from leg breaks (most often while they’re young and growing), so you may find the sit command helpful to prevent them from jumping down (and waiting for you to help them down) and potentially injuring themselves.
Consistent training that focuses on positive reinforcement—where you reward with treats, toys or praise for good behavior—will help build confidence in your IG. These sensitive dogs are eager to learn with the right motivation. (Will Work For Food.)
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Diet
As with all dogs, a high-quality dog food or homemade dog-safe people food is recommended. When purchasing dog food, be sure to factor in your dog’s age and choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). If you’re going the homemade route, be sure to share the menu with your veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist to ensure it provides the proper nutrition for your pet’s needs.
An Italian Greyhound’s body is supposed to be lean and thin. If you suspect your dog is gaining too much weight, speak to your vet who can help you adjust their diet. Don’t forget that treats also count toward your dog’s daily caloric intake. Again, your vet can help you determine the best balance between treats and meals to keep your Italian Greyhound at a healthy weight.
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Exercise
When it comes to exercise, much like your New Year’s resolutions, Italian Greyhounds have two speeds: All or None. We’ve discussed how they like to cuddle and nap, but boy, oh boy, do they enjoy running, too. This breed needs 40 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, whether that’s a run in a (well- and high-fenced) yard or a slightly tamer leashed walk. (Don’t even think about testing an off-leash walk. One squirrel and bam—you’re sprinting after your dog like you’re in an Olympic track and field event.) Since they are small, delicate dogs, dog parks aren’t ideal for Italian Greyhounds, but with proper supervision, a dog park dedicated to toy-sized dogs may be a fit.
Italian Greyhounds are intelligent dogs and need to exercise their brains as much as their bodies. Regular mental work and enrichment will help keep those unwanted behaviors at bay, and lure coursing classes are a good way to keep your IG fulfilled.
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Environment
Their small size makes Italian Greyhounds ideal housemates whether you live in a small apartment or on a big country estate, as long as there is somewhere your IG can get out and safely run a few times a day. A yard is a nice-to-have, but as long as you’re committed to going out and doing daily exercise with your Italian Greyhound, they can be adaptable to virtually any home environment. If you do have a yard, ensure that it’s properly fenced—Italian Greyhounds live by the motto, “See Critter, Will Run,” after all, and no one needs to spend their days playing chase (unless you’re a dog).
Italian Greyhounds’ short hair and thin coat means they aren’t particularly suited for cold weather, and you’ll often find your IG curled up in a warm sunspot. If you do live in cooler temps, invest in dog sweaters and dog T-shirts for your Italian Greyhound not only because it will help them keep warm, but also because it’s freaking adorable.
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