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Italian Greyhounds

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A Lens for IG Lovers

Obviously, if you have landed on this page you are an Italian Greyhound lover. At the very least, you want some information about these exquisite creatures. Here you will find links to various resources, pictures, and my favorite books to read about Italian greyhounds.

This lens is a work in progress so be sure to check back soon for more information and pictures of my own awesome friend, Zephyr.

Did You Know?

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog of the sight hound type. They are sometimes called an "I.G.", or "Iggy" for short.

About Italian Greyhounds

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds, typically weighing about 8 to 15 lb and standing about 13 to 15 inches tall at the withers. Though they are in the "toy" group based on their weight, they are larger than other dogs in the category due to their slender bodies, so owners must be careful when sizing clothing or accommodations.

The Italian Greyhound's chest is deep, with a tucked up abdomen, long slender legs and a long neck that tapers down to a small head. The face is long and pointed, like a full sized greyhound. Overall, they look like "miniature" Greyhounds, though many Italian Greyhound owners dispute the use of the term "miniature Greyhound", in reference to the breed itself. By definition of the American Kennel Club, they are true genetic greyhounds, with a bloodline extending back over 2000 years. Their current small stature is a function of selective breeding. They are able to run at top speed with a double suspension gallop, and can achieve a top speed of up to 25 miles per hour

Zephyr Basking in the Sun

Temperment of the I. G.

The Italian Greyhound is affectionate and makes a good companion dog. The breed is excellent for families and enjoys the company of people. While they are excellent with children, the breed's slim build and short coat make them somewhat fragile, and injury can result from rough play. I wouldn't recommend an Italian greyhound for families with very young children.

The breed is equally at home in the city or the country. They are fast, agile and athletic. Like any dog, daily exercise is a must for a happier, well adjusted pet. Italian greyhounds love to run. The young dog is often particularly active, and this high level of activity may lead them to attempt ill-advised feats of athleticism that can result in injury. They enjoy running as fast as they possibly can, typically faster than other larger dogs.

In general the Italian Greyhound is intelligent, but they often have a "what's in it for me" attitude and do not exactly throw themselves into training with great excitement, so patience, firmness, gentleness, and reward in training seem to work best. They are also known for their mischievous ingenuity; despite a high center of gravity, they can easily walk upright on their hind legs to reach items up on tables. They may also use their 'hidden talent' of jumping to unusual heights to reach high-up items of interest to them.

Italian Greyhounds make reasonably good watchdogs, as they bark at unfamiliar sounds. My little Zephyr can hear things 2 miles away and gets the rest of his pack ready for attack.

Italian Greyhounds are best trained with gentle and positive tone of voice as opposed to yelling or loud tones. At least, that is what I have found.

My 2 Boys

New Italian Greyhound Link List

Italian Greyhound: The most complete website on the Italian Greyhound!
Italian Greyhound - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog, specifically a member of the sight hound family and member of the toy group. They are sometimes called an ...
ITALIAN GREYHOUND RESCUE HOME: Pictures of available Italian Greyhounds, adoption application, breed description, resources and success stories. Covering Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, ...
Italian Greyhound Club of America: Breed description, code of ethics and bylaws, rules for applying to become a member, articles, tips for selecting a dog, and links to rescues.
Italian Greyhound Information and Pictures, Italian Greyhounds: All about the Italian Greyhound, info, pictures, breeders, rescues, care, temperament, health, puppies and much more.
Italian Greyhound Puppies For Sale: Find Italian Greyhound puppies for sale from dog breeders in your area. Advertise your Italian Greyhound puppies for sale or adult Italian Greyhounds dogs ...
American Kennel Club - Italian Greyhound dog dogs puppy puppies: The Italian Greyhound is very similar to the Greyhound, but much smaller and more slender in all proportions and of ideal elegance and grace.
Lifeline Italian Greyhound Rescue: Adoptable pets, breed descriptions, volunteer opportunities, IG products and a monthly newsletter.
Italian Greyhounds: Breeder and owner of beautiful, healthy, and sound Italian Greyhounds. All are AKC- and/or ACA-registered. All of my parent dogs are OFA- and CERF-certified ...
Winsome Italian Greyhounds, breeder of group and national ...: Winsome Italian Greyhounds, breeder of group and national specialty winning Italian Greyhounds, Italian Greyhound information.
RAINDANCE ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS: Photos, pedigrees, general info on Italian Greyhounds and IG health, and health testing results. Upstate Windham, NY.
Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation: Playdays, adoption applications, volunteering and surrendering information for the Italian Greyhound Rescue located in Idaho, Oregon and Washington State.
Welcome to Piccino Italian Greyhounds: Information, History and great pictures of Piccino Italian Greyhounds. Breeders and exhibitors of multi Best in Show winners Italian Greyhounds.
Italian Greyhound Society United Kingdom Homepage: Homepage of the United Kingdom Italian Greyhound Society.
Italian Greyhound Puppies - Nebraska Italian Greyhound Rescue: Italian Greyhound puppies and adult dogs for adoption, information and tips about owning Italian Greyhounds. Covering Eastern and Western Nebraska, ...
Indiana Italian Greyhound Rescue: Breed description, mailing list, success stories, and requirements for adopting an Italian Greyhound. Sponsors of the Iggy 500.
Windy City IGs, Italian Greyhounds, Italian Greyhound Rescue: Italian Greyhound rescue of Chicago and Illinois. Find out about local events, meet former and current foster dogs.