You may be surprised to learn what these two breeds have in common and what is different about them. Greyhounds are much larger, weighing 60 70 pounds and measuring 27 30 inches. How are Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds different? Because Italian Greyhounds are such small, fragile dogs, they tend to do best in homes with no children, older children or other small pets. Another issue is that IGs often fail to let their owners know when they need to go out. While individual IGs vary with regard to housetraining, many do well with a regular routine and a little crate training. Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds can develop a strong prey drive that makes them want to chase animals that are smaller than themselves. Prey drive may make it difficult for these dogs to live with cats or smaller dogs and they should not be expected to tolerate smaller pets like chickens or rabbits. Much depends on the trainers ability to keep the IG interested. Some do not attain mental maturity until they are three or four years old another characteristic which many fanciers consider to be part of the charm of this breed. Puppies also need to be watched for jumping off of furniture since their bones are still developing and especially prone to fracture. Click here for more information. They are typically difficult to housetrain and can easily break a bone, which can result in expensive veterinary care. IGs can also be shy and timid, but this can be avoided/overcome with proper socialization as a puppy. If you want to introduce a Greyhound and an Italian Greyhound, it is important to do so very slowly, and carefully protect your Italian Greyhound throughout the process of acclimating the dogs together. Despite their similar appearance, Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds have some big differences. Italian Greyhounds, on the other hand, can be a bit more stubborn. Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds are very different, but they also have some significant similarities. They require a lot of love and patience, and are not well-suited for people who: Spend a good deal of time away from home, Have very active small children, Prefer an easily trained, obedient dog. If you are adopting an IG in rescue, the rescue representative will be able to help you find the right IG for your home. Some IGs have a genetic predisposition for the following medical conditions: Hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases, Leg fractures due to lack of bone density (even without a genetic predisposition, IGs are notoriously prone to leg fractures because of their small bones). Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. Try to choose a breeder who is part of the Kennel Clubs assured breeder scheme.Visit dog shows to meet breeders in person and inquire about availability of pups of your chosen breed. As an Amazon Associate, TrendingBreeds.com earns from qualifying purchases. Italian Greyhounds, on the other hand, do not handle solitude well. Cat Health and Nutrition - Guides & Advice, Dog Health and Nutrition - Guides & Advice, Understanding Dog Behaviours - Guides & Advice, Getting a New Cat - Guides & Advice From The Experts, How to Care for Your New Cat - Guide For Owners, How To Care For Your New Dog - Guide For Owners, Getting a New Dog - Helping Your Dog Settle In, Dog Behaviour and Training - Expert Guides & Advice, When You Should Take Your Dog To See a Vet, What Not To Feed Your Cat - Harmful Foods. I'm a confident owner with lots of experience. They can often be easily motivated with either food or toys, and they rarely struggle to focus. Greyhounds, on the other hand, are quite easy to potty train, and even ex-racing greyhounds can adjust well to potty training. I'd like a cat that's highly active and inquisitive. Could cat allergies be an issue in your household? They are extremely sensitive to the elements, but they do enjoy outdoor play and walks on warm days. Italian Greyhounds should not exceed 14 pounds and are often as small as 5 pounds, so there is a huge size difference between these two breeds. You may be surprised to learn that Italian Greyhounds have a much higher energy level than Greyhounds do. It is a surprise to many people that these dogs of vastly different sizes are both suitable to apartment living. Theyll also be happy to give you advice and answer any questions you might have before and after the adoption. A healthy adult should have at least an hour's daily exercise. Italian Greyhound and Greyhounds are both prone to a strong desire to chase things that move and cannot be expected to have the self-control to keep themselves from running after something. The following table provides a brief glimpse of the similarities and differences between, Many colors, though brindle is most common, Many colors, but brindle and tan markings of black-and-tan breeds are disqualifications according to AKC regulations, Generally quite easy to train, even potty training, Italian Greyhound Adoption - Where to Look. In Italian Greyhounds, it can sometimes result in separation anxiety. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. The majority of Italian Greyhounds are never entirely housebroken. Despite these drawbacks, owning an IG is a very rewarding experience. The first Italian Greyhound was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886, but the breed remained quite rare in the United States until fairly recently. The energy level is quite high in healthy puppies and young dogs. This dog can take time to bond but will be an excellent companion once the friendship is well established. Please see the Italian Greyhound Club of America for more information about these genetic conditions and research being done in these areas. They are true sighthounds in miniature, and the attention span can be short if theyre bored. Staff learns all they can about the dogs they take in, and will spend time getting to know you, your family and your lifestyle, before they match you with any of their dogs. Italian Greyhounds do not require a lot of grooming, but they do need their teeth brushed and nails trimmed regularly. Given a nice, long walk and the opportunity to run around for a bit, your Greyhound will probably be happy enough to leave you alone and let you relax. The history of the Greyhound goes back even further, to as long as 5,000 years ago. The dog was brought by the Romans to the Mediterranean area in the 6th century BC where it became a favourite of Greek and Roman nobility. Try our breed selector and find out which dog breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle. Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds are both sensitive breeds who tend to be very attached to their person. As the years went by, their speed became more important until they became the fastest breed of dog and the racing animal that we know today. Many experience separation anxiety. The Italian Greyhound is believed to have originated some 2,000 years ago in the Mediterranean region near Greece and Turkey. Larger Italian Greyhounds (17 or 18) are fairly common and make great pets. Although Italian Greyhounds reach physical maturity between eight months and a year and a half, depending on their bloodline and their size (larger ones tend to keep growing for a longer period) most of them retain their puppy energy and playfulness well beyond that age. Italian Greyhounds are medium maintenance with regard to the amount of grooming required. Greyhounds weigh up to 70 pounds according to the AKC standard and racing dogs are often even bigger, sometimes over 100 pounds at an ideal weight. Is there anyone with known dog allergies in your home? Again, these are sighthounds and individuals vary greatly in these characteristics. All dogs should learn to stay in a crate quietly for short periods of time, up to three or four hours. However, a crate should never be used to confine an IG all day long everyday while its owner is at work or play. Both Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds are highly likely to have a strong prey drive which may cause them to show aggression towards animals smaller than themselves. If you and your dog enjoy similar things, you will be more likely to live a happy, fulfilling life together. The following table provides a brief glimpse of the similarities and differences between Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds. Therefore, no IG should be trusted off of a leash unless in a securely fenced-in area. Will your cat live indoors, outdoors a bit of both? Although a very small dog, this is still a sighthound and he does love to run. Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. I'd like a cat that's playful and curious. They have a very strong prey drive that cannot be trained away and will send them chasing after any small animal or bird that catches their sight. Are you looking for a child friendly dog. IGs are also able to slip out of doors when people are coming and going, so it is important to be vigilant when opening doors to areas that are not fenced in. All dogs have their own, unique personality, but some instincts and behaviours theyre born with. How much grooming would you be prepared to do? Because Italian Greyhounds have been bred as companions pets throughout their history, they tend to have a slightly lower prey drive than Greyhounds, but many individuals do still express very strong prey drive. These are two very distinct breeds with some important differences between them. This is even more likely if a Greyhound comes from a racing past or has not been exposed to small dogs before. The spine slopes gently and there is a defined tuck-up in the loins. The Italian Greyhound dog is generally a healthy breed but can suffer from broken legs. The dog reached the height of its popularity in the 16th and 17th century where it adorned many courts. Youll probably find your Greyhound in the same place that you left them when you come home from work, lounging on their bed or your sofa. Italian Greyhounds are notorious for being difficult to potty train. Italian Greyhounds tend to have worse teeth than Greyhounds, but both breeds are more prone to dental issues than other breeds. Italian Greyhounds are not for everyone. These dogs do need thorough dental care, though, as they are very much prone to dental problems. They are prone to poor dental hygiene, and therefore will need their teeth brushed daily. Some Italian Greyhounds are skittish as well and will try to run off if they hear a loud noise, are frightened of another dog or person, or are otherwise spooked. Read about them with Purina. Italian Greyhounds crying and having potty accidents when left alone are very common reasons for them to be surrendered to shelters. These little dogs were seen as a status symbol. 2022 TrendingBreeds. 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