Do you think that Italian Greyhounds make good pets? What are their personalities like?

Question

I really like Italian Greyhounds, they look cute.

Answer 1

Italian Greyhounds make great pets for the right owners. They are not a breed for everyone. Personalities can vary from dog to dog but in general they are very affectionate and love to play. They stay in a puppy mentality until 4-5 years old and won't just grow up on you all of a sudden like many breeds. They do need moderate exercise and can be high energy dogs but they are not (generally) hyper or crazy dogs; nothing like many jack russels or other terriers. Essentially, if you get a puppy, he will run around playing for a little while and then he will want to be a lap dog... then he'll play some more and want to be back in your lap. They really are lap dogs, despite their sporatic moments. If you adopt an adult, in most cases, they will want to go for their walks (2-3 short brisk walks is good) and the rest of the time they will want to be with you and love on you. They are a breed which craves attention from their owners and is not a dog you should just leave alone and expect it to be happy; they need love. Also, they are not known to be chewers... that isn't to say they won't chew up anything, but as a breed they are not prone to it. They are also incredibly intelligent, and get into trouble when not monitored as young adults. They will learn quickly and can be obedient if you spend time with them. Socialization is very important with a young IG... pups not socialized will become timid and shy with strangers and especially with other dogs.

On the bad side they are fragile and are not recommended for young children. They are also very difficult to housetrain. They are usually quiet and are not yappy though they will bark if a stranger comes to the door.

I want to emphasize very difficult to housetrain. I have worked with breed rescue and the number one reason they are given up is housetraining. Expect accidents until after the second winter you have him. After that, many IGs will do great; but some owners will argue that an IG is never truely housetrained unless you litter train him.

For more info please visit:
http://www.italiangreyhound.org
and
http://www.igpost.com

I have raised a litter, been slightly involved in showing, been very involved with the owner of Tudor Kennels, and fostered several IGs. A majority of them are not hyper but can be high energy. They are mostly lap dogs, they are not (except in puppyhood) go go go all day dogs. Unfortuantely, poor breeders have caused a number of problems; IGs used to be one of the healthiest (genetically) breeds in the united states... now there are a number of concerns... all of it can be attributed to puppy milling on large and small scales...

Like I said above, as puppies, they will run around and play for a while and then they want to be a lap dog until they're ready to run again. I don't think anyone who has a moderate amount of experience with the breed would call the breed hyper... excitable maybe... an individual hyper, sure... but not the breed in general... and least not in true lines...

Italian Greyhounds DO race!!! Not professionally... but they lure course, oval track, and straight track... all the time... In fact, I have been to several events which used the actual greyhound tracks...

Answer 2

Italian Greyhound Personality

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Do you think that Italian Greyhounds make good pets? What are their personalities like?
I really like Italian Greyhounds, they look cute.

Answer 4

The Italian Greyhound is affectionate, submissive and gentle dog. They can become very clingy to their master and can be wary and reserved of strangers or people they do not trust/like. They are playful and intelligent dogs... fairly easy to train, providing you are consistent and firm, but gentle with them. They can be naughty and are aware of this behavior. It is very important that you see the funny side of this and do not take the 'joke' as something bad. This dog can be timid and must be handled very gently, as a pup and an adult. They are good pets where there are no children or other pets. They can get along with children if they are behaved. Same goes with cats. If they are stressed out, they need to be around their master and be stroked gently. Can be snappy if it is frightened. This breed of dog can be a bit hard to housebreak and I do not recommend you getting one if you are not willing to clean it's mess up while it's a pup and in it's early months. They are extremely fast so do not let an un-trained dog off it's leash. They can climb wire fencing and are very active. They will jump from pieces of furniture all around your house - especially when they are young! They do get along well with other IG's and some recommend that you get two of this breed.

Please do your research on this breed before getting one as they have a few health conditions.
* They are very fragile from birth to 18 months old and can break a leg VERY easily.

Answer 5

Contrary to what some said, these dogs are extremely hyper. One of the most hyper breeds I have ever seen. I have seen them circle a room, on and off the furniture, sound and round about 10 times in a minute...lol They may be thinking of the full size greyhound, not the small version. They are great dogs if you can put up with all that energy. A friend of mine raises them, so I have a lot of experience with these dogs.

I just can't believe these other people are saying how calm they are and not hyper!! Believe me, they are very hyper!

Italian greyhounds do not race!

Answer 6

Well quiet for the most part. Dont really shed. Need alot of outdoor time if the weather isnt cold. The short light weight fur makes them cold faster. All in all very good pets.

Answer 7

oh, i love them and whenever i see one (either large sized or an italian greyhound) i ask the owner if the dog has a nice personality and they always say they're such sweet dogs. you can also adopt one because many times they get killed after their best racing years are over.

http://adopt-an-italian-greyhound.1-800-save-a-pet.com/

Answer 8

I find them to be very passive and also a calm dog.They are very dedicated to there owner.Not known to ever be a vishis typ of dog.

Answer 9

i don't know anything about them either, and i have always wanted one. i think they are beautiful, sleek looking dogs.