Also, can I have a little more info about them from people who have owned them or had close contact with them?
No, they're usually very quiet and a bit shy. You just really have to watch out that you don't step on them because their bones are very fragile and they dont have a whole lot of meat on their bones.
Actually they tend to be very clean and quiet dogs. They are also very fragile dogs and can be injured easily. You also need to protect them from cold.
The Italian Greyhound is an elegant companion breed. They are sensitive to cold weather and require minimal grooming. The breed is a long-time favorite of Italian aristocracy.
Physical Characteristics
Slender, fine-boned
Coat: Smooth, short hair
Long head gradually dissipates into a pointed muzzle
Dark nose
Small, high-set ears
Long, elegant neck
Tail straight and low-set; ends in a slight curve
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-8 pound
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Temperament
Submissive, affectionate, playful, smart, mischievous, curious
Interaction with people: Good companion dog; wary of strangers
Interaction with animals: Good with other pets
Training: Housebreaking can be difficult
At Home
OK for apartments
Needs long, daily walks
Somewhat active indoors
Enjoys playing in open spaces with other Italian Greyhounds; play with other large dogs is not recommended
Feed crunchy dog biscuits to keep teeth and gums healthy
Very fast and agile
Grooming
Minimal shedder
Rub with towel or chamois
Brush teeth often and trim toenails
Brief History
Native to Italy
One of the first breeds bred in ancient times as strictly a companion pet
First recorded more than 2,000 years ago in stone carvings and on pottery found in the Mediterranean
Depicted in ancient Mediterranean art
Fido's Facts
Historically a companion to the aristocracy of the Roman Empire, Europe and Egypt
Frequently depicted in Renaissance paintings by such artists including Giotto, Carpaccio, Memling, Van der Weyden, David and Bosch
A popular breed with European royalty in the 16th century
Smallest of sight hounds
Medical Conditions
Alopecia (hair loss)
Bone fractures (primarily radius and ulna)
Epilepsy
Hypothryoidism
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Liver shunt
Ophthalmic disorders (including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts)
Patellar luxation
Periodontal disease
von Willebrand's Disease (blood disorder)
Physical Characteristics
Slender, fine-boned
Coat: Smooth, short hair
Long head gradually dissipates into a pointed muzzle
Dark nose
Small, high-set ears
Long, elegant neck
Tail straight and low-set; ends in a slight curve
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-8 pound
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Temperament
Submissive, affectionate, playful, smart, mischievous, curious
Interaction with people: Good companion dog; wary of strangers
Interaction with animals: Good with other pets
Training: Housebreaking can be difficult
At Home
OK for apartments
Needs long, daily walks
Somewhat active indoors
Enjoys playing in open spaces with other Italian Greyhounds; play with other large dogs is not recommended
Feed crunchy dog biscuits to keep teeth and gums healthy
Very fast and agile
Grooming
Minimal shedder
Rub with towel or chamois
Brush teeth often and trim toenails
Brief History
Native to Italy
One of the first breeds bred in ancient times as strictly a companion pet
First recorded more than 2,000 years ago in stone carvings and on pottery found in the Mediterranean
Depicted in ancient Mediterranean art
Fido's Facts
Historically a companion to the aristocracy of the Roman Empire, Europe and Egypt
Frequently depicted in Renaissance paintings by such artists including Giotto, Carpaccio, Memling, Van der Weyden, David and Bosch
A popular breed with European royalty in the 16th century
Smallest of sight hounds
Medical Conditions
Alopecia (hair loss)
Bone fractures (primarily radius and ulna)
Epilepsy
Hypothryoidism
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Liver shunt
Ophthalmic disorders (including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts)
Patellar luxation
Periodontal disease
von Willebrand's Disease (blood disorder)
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