How to Identify an Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound breed and part of the toy group. [1] Small Greyhounds rose in popularity as a symbol of status in Renaissance times, and though the breed faced extinction at one point, it maintains its reputation as a popular hound and companion today. [2] Italian Greyhounds have much in common with other sighthounds, but their size and other features can be used to distinguish them. By recognizing the breed's key traits, this wikiHow will help you identify an Italian Greyhound.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

  1. Italian Greyhounds are part of the toy group, making them one of the smallest dog breeds. They weigh a mere 7–14 pounds (3.2–6.4 kg) with a height of 13–15 inches (33–38 cm). [3]

    Did you know? The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds, a subgroup of dogs including the Whippet, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, and other breeds. [4]

  2. An Italian Greyhound's head is of a long length, a bit narrow, and nearly flat. The stop is very slightly implied, and the head as a whole is tapering to a point at the nose. [5]
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  3. The eyes of an Italian Greyhound are medium-sized and give the dog an expression of intelligence. Though they are dark in color, they still have a bright shine to them. [6]
  4. Italian Greyhounds have small, folded ears that hang back or angled at the head. They have a texture of fineness. [7]
  5. An Italian Greyhound's muzzle is long, adding to the tapering of the head overall. The nose is a color that goes with the coat but almost always a dark color, such as brown or black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. [8]
  6. Italian Greyhounds have hare feet, meaning their paws are rather elongated. The dog's toes are arched, and dewclaws may or may not be present. [9]
  7. The tail of an Italian Greyhound hangs low and is set on low from the body. Hanging with the end in a curve, it reaches the dog's hock joints and tapers to the end, appearing slender. [10]
  8. Italian Greyhounds are overall smaller Greyhounds with a medium-length and slender build. [11] They have an arched neck, sloping shoulders, long legs, a narrow but deep chest, a curved back, and a clear tuckup. Their forward-moving gait is free and comprised of high steps. [12]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Checking the Coat

  1. An Italian Greyhound may be almost any color or pattern. In fact, the only markings that are not seen on this breed are brindle and tan points typical in certain places on other breeds. Otherwise, one may have any colored or marked coat. [13]
  2. The coat of an Italian Greyhound is very short in length and feels soft. It gives off a bit of a satin-like appearance due to its glossiness, and the skin underneath is fairly fine. [14]
  3. With such smooth and short coats, Italian Greyhounds do not need much grooming at all. Though they are seasonal shedders, they only need to be brushed on occasion and bathed rarely. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. Italian Greyhounds are usually gentle and quiet dogs. [16] They are also a bit submissive with a strong desire to please their family. [17]
  2. Though Italian Greyhounds can be laid-back at times, they are still very athletic dogs with activity requirements. Their sudden bursts of energy make it so that tall, secure fences are a must. [18]
  3. Known to be a fairly keen breed, Italian Greyhounds can make good watchdogs. They will bark at anything unfamiliar, though some may be timid toward strangers. [19]
  4. The Italian Greyhound is a highly sensitive breed of dog both emotionally and physically. They may react poorly to stressful situations or unexpected contact. [20]
    • Italian Greyhounds may also be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long. [21]
  5. Despite their small size, Italian Greyhounds are still sighthounds by nature and will seize any opportunity to chase after something. [22] They need to be kept on-leash whenever around small animals. [23]
  6. Italian Greyhounds love pleasing their families, but they do have an independent streak. [24] Many are independent-minded and slightly stubborn, needing consistent but gentle training. This can also make them rather demanding at times. [25]
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      Tips

      • Consider DNA testing if the dog in question is your own. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is an Italian Greyhound.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      2. ↑ Mark Garcia. Certified Dog Trainer. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/ItalianGreyhound.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/
      7. ↑ Mark Garcia. Certified Dog Trainer. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/italian-greyhound-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/italiangreyhounds.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/italian-greyhound-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/italiangreyhounds.html
      12. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/italiangreyhounds.html
      13. ↑ Mark Garcia. Certified Dog Trainer. Expert Interview
      14. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/italian-greyhound-temperament/
      15. ↑ Mark Garcia. Certified Dog Trainer. Expert Interview
      16. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/italiangreyhounds.html

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