Italian Greyhound breed guide

Italian Greyhounds combine the attentiveness of lapdogs with the complexity of ancient, aristocratic hounds. Bred for centuries as doting companions and jesters, these high-stepping charmers refuse to be ignored.

The breed responds best to reward-based training and not punishment. AKC says the trainer should be firm with commands and lavish with praise.

Italian Greyhounds live 14 to 15 years and are mostly long lived. Breeders screen for progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism.

Although the Italian Greyhound is not as delicate as it looks, care must be taken to avoid hazards that could break a leg and the Italian Greyhound Club of America's website has extensive health information.

The most important grooming tip is regular tooth brushing, preferably daily, with dental cleaning by a veterinarian yearly or as needed. Baths are rarely necessary for the very short, smooth coat.

Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that needs regular exercise and playtime does for the most part, especially with more than one dog. Walks on lead are appreciated, dog parks are a hazard unless well supervised and even obedience-trained Italian Greyhounds should not be off lead.

Despite a delicate appearance, Italian Greyhounds are swift, hardy hounds that have survived two millennia of upheaval. Archaeological evidence suggests they were bred as noble companions some 2,000 years ago in what is now Greece and Turkey.

The miniature Greyhound was a popular companion and perhaps a small-game hunter, across southern Europe in Roman times. It came into its own in Renaissance Italy, where owning miniature versions of popular breeds was an aristocratic status symbol.