Information About Italian Greyhounds

Italian Greyhounds are a very special breed of dog.  They are incredibly affectionate, playful, athletic, smart and beautiful.  On the other hand, they can be sensitive, physically fragile, demanding and high maintenance.  IG owners recognize the trade-offs and find the “price” of living with an IG well worth it.

In addition to their sweet and loving personalities, IGs are known for their fragile legs and bad teeth.  The truth is that until about 18 months of age, Italian Greyhounds can break a leg from something as routine as jumping down from the couch.  As IGs get older, they are less likely to break a leg (if they’re kept in good shape), but their dare-devil natures may get them into trouble anyway.  And, owners must become used to brushing their dogs’ teeth on a regular basis.  Annual dental cleanings (and occasional extractions) are a way of life with this breed. 

Why do Italian Greyhounds end up in rescue?  IGs can be very challenging to housetrain – this is the #1 reason they end up in rescue.  While IGs generally love people, they are usually skittish around young or boisterous children – the #2 reason IGs are released to rescue.  Because of the Italian Greyhounds’ need to be with “their humans,” IGs suffer when left alone for long periods of time and may act out – another reason IGs enter rescue.   

The best way to decide whether Italian Greyhounds are for you: research the breed.  Read as much as you can (links below to great websites with more information), attend IG meet-ups (visit our Community page for local play dates), and talk with Rescue Representatives and IG owners.  Find out everything you can about the breed, the positives and the negatives, so you can make an informed decision about bringing an IG into your life.
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Here are some links to other good sites to help you learn about Italian Greyhounds, house training, and all things "iggy".

Vikki D'Folly's Housetraining 101 (linked here with permission from Vikki)
Midwest Italian Greyhound Rescue Training/Help (tips and tricks about obedience,
fun, house training tips, what to feed your IG, etc).
Carol Sumbry's Housetraining Your IG
Italian Greyhound Club of America