The Italian Greyhound is a true greyhound, an intentionally pint-sized dog created many centuries ago through selective breeding. Whether originally bred for hunting small game or strictly as a pampered companion, it isn’t known. No matter - this dog is equally comfortable chasing field mice in the country or parading down the avenue with leash and matching sweater. The IG has long been a favorite of royalty, and many monarchs such as Queen Victoria and Catherine the Great of Russia had their portraits painted with these beloved pets. Frederickthe Great was a well-known devotee of this breed and kept several as his constant companions.

History and Origin

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the family of gazehounds (dogs that hunt by sight). The breed is an old one and is believed to have originated more than 2,000 years ago in Greeceand Turkey. By the Middle Ages, this little dog had become popular throughout Southern Europe, becoming an especial favorite in 16th century Italy, hence the name “Italian” Greyhound.

An Italian Greyhound was first registered with the AKC in 1886. The Italian Greyhound Club of American was founded in 1954. In 1963, an Italian Greyhound was named Best in Show for the first time, and since then, many others have followed suit.

General Information

The IG needs warmth and hates to go outside when the weather is cold, wet or windy; some owners just keep the dog crated instead of addressing this issue, but that’s no solution. Extended crating often leads to the dog soiling his crate in desperation, which makes future training next to impossible. Early, patient and consistent training is crucial. The most successfully house trained IGs are the ones with free access to a dog door rather than having to ask to go out. Paper or litterbox training also works, especially in cold and/or wet climates.

Health Ailments

Despite its delicate look, the Italian Greyhound is overall a very hardy breed. Hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases, PRA, seizure disorders, luxating patellas, Legg-Perthes have been diagnosed in in this breed, but these medical conditions are not rampant. A few bloodlines have a predisposition for leg fractures due to lack of bone density.

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