Italian Greyhound
Pocket-sized sighthound — heat-seeking blanket burrito that loves quiet apartments.
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Training tips for a Italian Greyhound
Practical, breed-specific advice tuned to a Italian Greyhound's temperament, energy and trainability.
House-Training Consistency
Italian Greyhounds are notoriously slow to house-train, so take them out every 2 hours and immediately after meals, using a verbal marker the moment they toilet outside, then reward. If you catch an accident in progress, use a firm 'no' and move them outside instantly to finish, establishing the consequence of place.
Early Socialisation Focus
Expose your Italian Greyhound to children, other dogs, and various environments during the critical 8-16 week period, using calm praise for confident behaviour. Their delicate frame means teaching gentle handling is essential—redirect rough play immediately and remove them from situations that become too boisterous.
Exercise and Mental Outlet
Provide two 20-minute walks daily plus short indoor chase games or puzzle toys to satisfy their sighthound instincts without overexertion. Their high prey drive means secure, enclosed spaces are non-negotiable—never trust off-lead recall near traffic or small animals.
Managing Separation Anxiety
Italian Greyhounds bond intensely and can develop clingy behaviour, so practice short departures from puppyhood, ignoring attention-seeking whining and only greeting them once they're calm. Gradually extend alone time and provide a warm, den-like crate since cold sensitivity can increase stress.
Clear, Gentle Guidance
This sensitive breed responds best to calm, consistent instruction with well-timed verbal corrections for unwanted behaviour and immediate praise for compliance. Avoid harsh handling entirely due to their fragile build, but maintain clear boundaries—they'll become anxious without confident leadership.
Training guides for a Italian Greyhound
Expert-written guides picked for a Italian Greyhound's temperament and needs.
Health & nutrition for a Italian Greyhound
What to watch for, how to feed, and how to keep a Italian Greyhound in top shape — tuned to this breed's size and build.
Common health concerns
- •Italian Greyhounds are prone to dental disease due to crowded teeth in their small jaws, so provide raw meaty bones for natural teeth cleaning and gum stimulation.
- •This breed has fragile, thin bones susceptible to fractures, especially in the legs, so monitor for limping and avoid high-impact jumping from furniture.
- •Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other eye conditions occur in this breed, so watch for night blindness, dilated pupils, or reluctance to navigate in dim light.
- •Hypothyroidism can develop in Italian Greyhounds, presenting as unexplained weight gain, lethargy, or poor coat quality despite minimal grooming needs.
Feeding & nutrition
- •Feed a biologically-appropriate raw diet with 2-3% of body weight daily (roughly 3-6 ounces for a 10 lb Italian Greyhound), divided into two meals of raw muscle meat like chicken, turkey, or lean beef.
- •Include raw meaty bones such as chicken necks or wings 2-3 times weekly to support dental health and provide essential calcium, which is critical for their fragile bone structure.
- •Add 10% organ meat weekly (liver, kidney) to provide vital nutrients like vitamin A and taurine that support eye health and metabolic function in this breed.
- •If raw feeding isn't possible, choose a high-quality grain-free kibble formulated for small breeds and feed approximately ¼ to ½ cup daily, though this lacks the enzymatic and dental benefits of raw food.
Exercise & weight
- •Provide 30-40 minutes of daily exercise split between short leash walks and brief sprint opportunities in safely enclosed areas to satisfy their sighthound instincts.
- •Avoid over-exercising in cold weather as their thin coat and low body fat make them vulnerable to hypothermia; use doggy sweaters or coats for outdoor winter activity.
- •Supervise play on soft surfaces and discourage jumping from heights to prevent leg fractures, given their delicate bone structure.
- •Engage their alert, playful nature with indoor games and puzzle toys on cold days to provide mental stimulation without physical risk.
Educational guidance only — not veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed vet for your dog's specific health needs.
Ready to meet a Italian Greyhound?
Search animal shelters and rescues across Australia — and consider bringing a certified trainer to your first meet-and-greet.