Welcome to the wonderful world of Italian Greyhounds. The Italian Greyhound is a true greyhound, his small size is the result of selective breeding. He is very adaptable to both city and country living. He is rather luxury loving and enjoys the comfort of an apartment; at the same time being a true hound, he likes exercise and outdoor activities.

Perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of the Italian Greyhound is his affectionate disposition. He thrives best when this affection is returned and is happiest with his owner and immediate family. For this reason he may sometimes seem a trifle aloof with strangers unless he has been socialized to many people and new situations early. Take your puppy with you as often as you can and for walks around the neighborhood. Teach him where he lives. He is sensitive, alert, and intelligent and remains playful until long past puppyhood. He adapts to most households and gets along well with other pets and children. He is eager to please and learns quickly. Many have done well in obedience trials and excel in agility.

Your puppy needs exercise and attention. This will help to prevent destructive behavior and increases bone density preventing accidental leg breaks. Teach your puppy to jump off low objects first until he can safely negotiate household furniture. IG puppies think they can fly and will blithely leap out into space. The highest bed or table holds no terror for the ignorant puppy. Frequent bursts of energy will be followed by periods of rest.

Destructive behavior is sure to occur if your puppy is left unattended and unrestricted in the house for long periods of time. If you must leave the puppy alone, it should be crated (for not more than 2 - 3 hours until he is old enough to control his bodily functions) or safe in a small fenced area or room with papers on the floor and toys and chew bones to help pass the time.

The adolescent Italian Greyhound is active and energetic and needs continuing attention and exercise. Long walks on lead and free play in a safely fenced area will be greatly enjoyed by both owner and puppy. IGs have not lost their hunting instinct. They will chase anything that moves, including cars. Be very careful with any age IG in traffic. An IG can dart out into the road, even pulling the leash out of your hand, to chase a cat or squirrel it sees on the other side of the road.

Since IGs are very short-coated, it reacts negatively in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. They don't seem to mind cavorting in the snow for short periods of time but they dislike rain in their faces. They are definitely not "backyard" dogs. While in the house, on cool, nasty days, your IG will want to snuggle under the covers on the bed or the family room sofa. On the whole they would much rather be in your lap or bed than on the floor.