Italian Greyhound Characteristics: The athletic and warmhearted Italian Greyhound is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1886). The Italian Greyhound, is characterized by its slender, sleek, elegant appearance with a long muzzle and gentle, alert expression. Other characteristics include large, dark, almond-shaped eyes; small, folded ears; a low-set, tapering tail and a high stepping gait. The temperament of the Italian Greyhound can be described as Agile, Affectionate, Intelligent. The coat type of the Italian Greyhound is described as short, glossy coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Italian Greyhound demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunter and Lapdog and is known by its nick name the "Royal Gaze Hound". The origin of the Italian Greyhound dog breed was in Italy where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Italian Greyhound: The following facts provide fast information about the Italian Greyhound breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1886) *** Nick name: "Royal Gaze Hound" *** Origin: Italy *** Male Height: 12 - 15 inches (30 - 38 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 6 - 10 pounds (3 - 5 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: short, glossy coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 2-4 puppies *** Health Problems: Peridontal disease, Patellar Luxation, Eye problems *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Italian Greyhound Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1886): The Italian Greyhound is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1886). Other names for the Italian Greyhound: The Italian Greyhound is known by the nickname of the "Royal Gaze Hound". Other names for this breed of dog include the Iggy, Italienisches Windspiel, Levrette d'Italie and Piccolo Levriero Italiano. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Italian Greyhound" derives from Italy, its country of origin. The word "Greyhound" derives from the Old English word 'grighund'; the word 'grig' meaning to "savagely take hold of" and 'hund' meaning dog. The first part of the name has nothing to do with color of the dog's coat, as most of Italian Greyhounds are not gray. Italian Greyhound - Sighthound: The Italian Greyhound is a Sighthound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for speed and agility with excellent eyesight to track small game, especially rabbits and vermin. Italian Greyhound History and Origin: The country of origin of the Italian Greyhound breed was in Italy during the Renaissance period 1300's to the 1800's. However, the ancestors of the breed date back to Antiquity. In Egypt mummified dogs, very similar to the Italian Greyhound have been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs - hence its nickname the "Royal Gaze Hound". a similar dog was found in the lava flows in the ruins of Pompeii. Descended from these ancient dogs the mini-greyhound originated in Italy and was also found in many other Mediterranean countries. Although used for hunting, the Italian Greyhound were highly favored and pampered lapdogs in the Italian court during the Renaissance period. The Italian Greyhound breed was exported to England in the 1600's and immediately became popular at the Elizabethan and Stuart royal courts. Their popularity at the royal courts of England and Scotland was due to a previous decree made by King Henry VIII (1491 – 1547) that no dogs were allowed at Court except for some small dogs for the ladies. One of the earliest descriptions of the Italian Greyhound was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by John Meyrick, who described the breed as being "a great favorite for his beauty, grace and liveliness". The Italian Greyhound was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886. Italian Greyhound Modern History: The modern history of the Italian Greyhound moved on and the breed is now used as a highly energetic and intelligent family pet and companion. The Italian Greyhound is quite delicate and not really suited to families with active, lively children. It still needs some pampering and due to its thin skin is vulnerable in cold and wet weather and requires a jacket for inhospitable, wintry conditions. Italian Greyhound Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a short, glossy coat. Italian Greyhound Height: The Italian Greyhound breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 12 - 15 inches (30 - 38 cm) . The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Italian Greyhound Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 6 - 10 pounds (3 - 5 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Italian Greyhound Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Red Fawn, Chocolate, Yellow, Red, Grey, Fawn, Sable, Blue, Tan, Slate Grey and Blue Fawn. N.B. Sable is a dark brown color. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Italian Greyhound Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Italian Greyhound are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Italian Greyhound are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Italian Greyhound Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-4 puppies. Italian Greyhound puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Italian Greyhound puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Italian Greyhound Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Athletic, Agile, Affectionate, Intelligent and Warmhearted. Italian Greyhound Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Italian Greyhound requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. This small dog has a high stepping, springy, lively gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Italian Greyhound Diet: A fully grown Italian Greyhound should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Italian Greyhound Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Italian Greyhound breed include Peridontal disease, Patellar Luxation, Eye problems . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Italian Greyhound dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Italian Greyhound Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Italian Greyhound breed is 12-15 years. Italian Greyhound Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Italian Greyhound breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Italian Greyhound names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Alba *** Franco *** Benito *** Draco *** Leo *** Faust *** Tino *** Nico *** Santo *** Cesare *** Dino. Italian Greyhound Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Italian Greyhound names are Albina *** Mita *** Balbina *** Gia *** Pippa *** Stella *** Cameo *** Nella *** Dani *** Rufina *** Tazia. Fast Facts about the Italian Greyhound: The following facts provide fast information about the Italian Greyhound breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1886) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Italy *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Italian Greyhound Height: 12 - 15 inches (30 - 38 cm) *** Male Italian Greyhound Weight: 6 - 10 pounds (3 - 5 kg) *** Coat Type: short, glossy coat *** Litter Size: 2-4 puppies *** Italian Greyhound Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Italian Greyhound Lifespan: 12-15 years *** | 