Italian greyhounds are believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago in the region that today is Greece and Turkey.
The Italian greyhound is an affectionate breed, and requires lots of attention, and has the tendency to become withdrawn or hyper (or even both) if it does not get enough companionship.
They are comfortable around children and other pets of similar size, but do not do well with overly rambunctious play.
A bark rather than a growl or yap is how Italian greyhounds communicate, especially if they are trying to warn of an approaching stranger.
They have a short and smooth coat, which lies flat and can come in a variety of colors. They have very fine hair which makes their coat almost glisten under sunlight. Due to the nature of the coat, it requires very little maintenance and cleaning. They do shed, and you will find hair everywhere in your home; however, the hair is fine enough where it doesn’t necessarily become a nuisance, unless the house is not regularly cleaned.
Italian greyhounds have a very high energy level, but are do not require extensive exercise each day. With about twenty minutes or less of walking or running around in the yard or even playing fetch in the apartment, they can be kept happy and satisfied.
They are indoor dogs first, even though they enjoy venturing outside. They enjoy a warm place to sleep and rest, and may even resist going outside if the weather is too cold for their liking, which is why they are often seen with sweaters or jackets, provided thoughtfully by their owners.
Italian greyhounds are notoriously difficult to housetrain, which means that before it is completely house broken, it is important to be vigilant to make sure they don’t develop bad habits.
It may be helpful to keep in mind that Italian greyhounds are highly athletic and able to jump high enough to land themselves on tables or counters. So, don’t think your tasty snacks are safe on a table.
The Italian greyhound has been highly coveted by European royalty, including those in the upper echelons of England, Denmark, and even Russia.