Italian Greyhound Dogs for Adoption in Centennial, CO

Most Italian Greyhounds reach their adult height by about 10 to 12 months and finish filling out by around 12 to 18 months. Puppies are especially leggy and prone to fractures while their bones are growing. Avoid letting a young Iggy jump from heights, and ask your veterinarian before starting strenuous exercise or sports.

Italian Greyhounds come from the Mediterranean region and take their name from Italy, where they were especially popular during the Renaissance. Small sighthounds of this type had been kept for centuries across southern Europe. The breed became known as the Italian Greyhound after reaching Britain in the early nineteenth century, and the FCI lists Italy as its home country.

Italian Greyhounds are not used in commercial racing like larger Greyhounds, but many enjoy amateur sighthound sports. Lure coursing, straight-line sprints such as the AKC Fast CAT and informal races at sighthound events let them chase a moving lure safely. These activities suit healthy adults, and fragile legs make warmups and safe footing important.

Italian Greyhounds were originally used as small hunting dogs, coursing hare and rabbit by sight, and they still belong to the sighthound family. Today they are almost always kept as companions rather than hunters. Their prey drive remains strong, though, so many chase squirrels, cats and other small animals given the chance.

Female Italian Greyhounds usually have their first heat between about six and twelve months of age, then cycle roughly every six months, though some cycle less often. Each heat lasts about two to three weeks. Spaying prevents heat cycles and unplanned litters, and most adopted Italian Greyhounds are spayed before going home.

Italian Greyhounds are called Iggies as an affectionate nickname derived from the breed's initials, IG, which sound like Iggy when said aloud. Owners and rescues use the term so widely that it has become standard shorthand. You may also hear them called IGs or simply Italian Sighthounds, which is the international kennel federation's name.

Many Italian Greyhounds can jump surprisingly high for their size, and some clear obstacles of three to four feet or more. They often leap onto furniture and over low gates with ease. That athleticism carries risk, because landing from heights can fracture their slender legs, so ramps, steps and secure, tall barriers are wise.

Italian Greyhounds often shake because they get cold easily; their thin coat and low body fat provide little insulation. They may also tremble from excitement, anxiety or fear. Coats, warm bedding and gentle reassurance help. Shaking along with lethargy, pain, vomiting or weakness can signal illness, so contact a veterinarian in those cases.

Yes, Italian Greyhounds are typically very affectionate with their families. Many follow their people constantly, seek out laps and burrow under blankets for warmth and closeness. They can be reserved with strangers at first. Their sensitivity means they bond best with gentle, patient owners and may become anxious if left alone for long periods.

There is no official count of Italian Greyhounds in the US, because many dogs are never registered. The breed is moderately popular and sits around the middle of the AKC's annual registration rankings. It is far less common than breeds like Chihuahuas, but Italian Greyhound rescue groups regularly have dogs available for adoption.

Grooming an Italian Greyhound usually costs little, since most owners handle brushing, bathing and nail trims at home. A professional bath and nail trim typically runs about $30 to $70 per visit, varying by region. The larger expense is dental care: professional cleanings are often needed more frequently in this breed and can cost several hundred dollars.

An Italian Greyhound puppy usually eats about a quarter cup to one cup of quality puppy food daily, split into three or four meals until about three to four months old, then two or three. Amounts depend on age, weight and the food's calories. Follow the label as a starting point and adjust with your veterinarian's advice.

The Italian Greyhound is an old breed type, with small greyhound-like dogs depicted in Roman art and many later European paintings. Claims of more than 2,000 years of history refer to that type rather than a documented continuous breed. The AKC began registering Italian Greyhounds in 1886, and the modern breed was formalized in the late nineteenth century.

Italian Greyhounds look like miniature Greyhounds, with a long, narrow head, small folded ears, a long arched neck, a deep chest and a tucked-up waist. Their legs are long and fine-boned, and the low-set tail is slender. The short, glossy coat comes in many colors, including gray, fawn, red, black, blue and white, often with markings.

An Italian Greyhound is the smallest sighthound breed, a slender, elegant dog weighing about 7 to 14 pounds that looks like a miniature Greyhound. Originally used to hunt small game, it is now mainly a companion classed in the AKC Toy Group. Iggies are affectionate, sensitive, fast and known for loving warmth and closeness.

An Italian Greyhound's gestation period is about 63 days from ovulation, the same as other dogs, with a typical range of roughly 58 to 68 days from breeding. Small breeds often have small litters. A pregnant dog needs veterinary care, and spaying pet dogs prevents unplanned litters and pregnancy complications.

You can run with an Italian Greyhound for short, easy distances once it is fully grown and fit, but it is not an endurance breed. Iggies are sprinters that tire quickly and can overheat or get cold easily. Stick to soft surfaces, short jogs and comfortable weather, and let your veterinarian advise on a fitness plan.

Italian Greyhounds can run away, usually because their chase instinct takes over when they spot a squirrel, rabbit or cat. Once they are sprinting, recall often fails. Keep them leashed in open areas, use a well-fitted martingale collar or harness, secure fences without gaps and make sure they wear identification and are microchipped.

Most Italian Greyhounds can sprint a few hundred yards at full speed and comfortably jog a mile or two once conditioned, but they are not built for long distances. Their strength is short bursts of speed followed by rest. Watch for signs of fatigue, overheating or soreness, and build distance gradually with a veterinarian's input.

Most Italian Greyhounds need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, split between walks and short sprints in a securely fenced area. Many are happy to nap for the rest of the day once that need is met. Add mental enrichment like sniff walks or puzzle toys, and adjust exercise for heat, cold and age.