The Italian Greyhound is a graceful and elegant toy dog originating in Italy. This miniature Greyhound is graceful, and their use was to hunt hares and rabbits. The alternative name of the dog breed is Piccolo Levriero Italiano. The dog is suitable for owners with some experience.
The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, and they need basic training. They enjoy active walks. This article gives you a clear idea that is very interesting for Italian Greyhound lovers. So, could you stick with us and keep reading?
History and Origin: Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is descended from dogs believed to have existed over 2,000 years ago throughout Southern Europe during the Middle Ages. It became popular in Italy during the sixteenth century and England during the seventeenth century.
The dog was a favorite of royalty, including Catherine the Great of Russia and Princess Anne of Denmark. The dog breed has almost always been kept as a companion, although it may have originally been bred to hunt small prey. It was imported to the United States in the mid-to late-nineteenth century.
Physical Description: Piccolo Levriero Italiano
The Italian Greyhound is a small, slender, and, finally, bony dog. The dog breed is smaller than the large Greyhound; it is smaller and finer but with the same long, narrow head, folded ears, deep chest, and tapering curved tail.
It has a short, smooth coat that may be of any color. Brindle markings or tan points are not acceptable. Blue, fawn, red, seal, and white are the most common colors.
Height, Weight, and Lifespan of Italian Greyhound
- The average height of the Greyhound in Italy is about 13 to 15 inches (30-40 cm).
- The average body weight of the dog breed is about 7 to 15 pounds (3-7 kgs).
- The average lifespan of the dog breed is about 14 to 15 years
Temperament or Personality of the Piccolo Levriero Italiano
The Italian Greyhound is an affectionate, playful, and somewhat needy dog. It is devoted to its owner but often aloof with strangers. It is intelligent and trainable but can be stubborn. It does well with older children.

Special Needs: Dental care of the dog breed
The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is very prone to dental disease. So, it would be best if you were careful about the dental care of this dog. Tooth brushing and supplementation with hard, mildly abrasive foods and chew toys promote dental health.
Best Ownership of Italian Greyhound
The Piccolo Levriero Italiano does well with a family or individual in a city flat or suburban home.
Special Needs of Piccolo Levriero Italiano
You must ensure the following care and management for the optimum health and function of the dog breed:
- Attention.
- Fenced yard.
- Leashed.
- Socialization.
- Protection from the cold.
- Proper diet and nutrition.
- Proper health care.
- Skincare.
- Dental care.
- Basic Obedience Training.
- Exercise.
- Grooming.
Health Concerns of Italian Greyhound
The dog is healthy and is affected by widespread canine diseases. You need to vaccinate your dog against potential viral diseases. The dog needs regular deworming to prevent parasitic diseases. The following diseases are specific to this dog breed:
- Autoimmune disease.
- Hypothyroidism on dogs.
- Legg-Perthes disease.
- Luxating patellas.
Concluding Words on Piccolo Levriero Italiano
The Italian Greyhound is a quiet, small dog and requires grooming once a week. They also need under an hour of walking a day. The dog can happily live in the city and welcomes everyone happily. They may need additional supervision to live with children.
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