Overview
The Italian Greyhound is a true sighthound scaled down to toy size, kept as a companion in Italian courts since the Renaissance. It weighs around four kilos, has legs like pencils and a coat so fine you can see the skin colour through it. It is sensitive, deeply attached to its owner and quick to shiver.
For a walker the breed is light work in distance and heavy work in care. They break legs easily, hate the cold, and often prefer to be carried rather than walk through puddles. They can also run astonishingly fast when they choose.
Exercise and walking needs
Thirty to forty-five minutes a day is plenty, split into two outings. They enjoy a short sprint in a secure, soft-surfaced area and then want to go home. Most will not walk far in rain or cold whatever you offer.
Keep them off high jumps and slippery surfaces, and never let them leap from a car or a wall; fractures from landings are a known problem in young dogs.
On the walk
- Fragility: A boisterous dog can injure an Italian Greyhound in a moment. Walk them alone or with calm, small companions.
- Cold: Below about ten degrees they will shiver and refuse to move. A fleece or coat is a normal part of the kit.
- Recall: Reasonable until a squirrel appears; then the sighthound takes over. Lead on near roads without exception.
- Lead: Use a harness; the neck is delicate and a collar can slip off the narrow head.
Tips for professional walkers
- Check the ground for broken glass and sharp stones; thin pads and no fat mean cuts are common.
- Walk in the warmest part of the day in winter and carry the dog across wet or icy stretches if it refuses.
- Watch for shivering or lifting paws and finish the walk early if you see it.
- Keep greetings with other dogs brief and keep bigger dogs on lead near it.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog ever broken a leg or been injured in play, and are there activities to avoid?
- What temperature do you keep the dog in a coat, and does it have one for walks?
- Does the dog toilet reliably outdoors in bad weather, or is there a plan for wet days?