Also, sudden noises and jerky movements which almost all children make can be very nerve racking and stressful for an Italian Greyhound. However, this breed is known for being one of the most ideal companions for senior citizens due to its gentle nature. It likely goes without saying that the Italian Greyhound does not enjoy any rough play. Socialization is very important for the Italian Greyhound. Properly socialized Italian Greyhounds are generally very polite and calm with anyone they meet, if perhaps somewhat reserved. Italian Greyhounds which have not been properly socialized tend to be very nervous and skittish, often fleeing when confronted with a new person. This breed makes a good watchdog and will typically sound an alert bark. However, these dogs would make extremely poor guard dogs due to their small size and gentle nature.
Table of Contents
Italian Greyhounds as Watch Dogs?
Many people believe that because the Italian Greyhound is such a sweet, lovable, docile dog, that they would not be a good watchdog. This is not true. These dogs will often bark at foreign sounds, whether it is a car pulling in the driveway, someone walking through the door, or a strange noise outside. As soon as you hear the sound, you will be able to investigate. These dogs can get scared easily and they can be afraid of strangers, therefore, you should not depend on them to be guard dogs. While they will alert you to a stranger approaching, they will likely run away when the stranger shows themselves.
Are Italian Greyhounds Aggressive?
Affectionate, gentle and sometimes mischievous, the Italian Greyhound was bred to be a companion animal. Thus this breed tends to become quite attached to its owner. The Italian Greyhound can be high strung and occasionally naughty. It is not uncommon for Italian Greyhounds to climb fences or get into things they shouldn’t. However, most will have a good nature and interact well with other small dogs and well-behaved children. Italian Greyhounds do not make good companions for large dogs or misbehaving children because this breed has a tendency to snap or bite when frightened. The breed has fragile bones that can be broken during aggressive play. Italian Greyhounds can be difficult to house train, so patience and consistency is necessary. These dogs usually are happiest if there is more than one Italian Greyhound in the family. Overall, this breed makes an excellent companion.
Italian Greyhounds Background
Family and Bonding
The Italian Greyhound is an ideal canine companion for the individual or family who can lavish as much attention as this active pup wants. He is a lover. While grooming is easy, training, particularly housebreaking, is sometimes a challenge with this breed. However, this pooch is affectionate with just about anyone he meets, making him a joy to own.
Friendly
Italian Greyhound characteristics include affection and gentleness. An Italian Greyhound is loving towards close family and friends but can be shy and timid towards strangers. Once they feel comfortable with someone, they can be an extremely loyal pet. In order to have an outgoing pup who is friendly with everyone, make sure to socialize them at a young age. Italian Greyhounds are quite playful and spunky.
Italian Greyhound Nature
The Italian Greyhound is sweet-natured and gentle, yet also exceptionally playful and athletic.
Intelligence
The Italian Greyhound is extremely slender and barely over a foot tall, but has all the grace and sweetness of his taller Greyhound relatives. There is debate as to whether they were originally bred for hunting small game or meant to be simply a companion. In all likelihood, both are true, as they are adaptable to city and country life. Playful and intelligent, the Italian Greyhound is generally easy to train and prefers to spend most of his time with his owner. They like attention and affection, and are a peaceful, gentle friend to adults and children. Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that loves to run and play and requires daily walks. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment and his short, smooth as satin coat makes him one of the easiest breeds to groom.
Love
Italian Greyhounds as a Pack Animal
The dog food that you give your Italian Greyhound must fit their life stages. Puppies often require dog food packed with nutrients that will help them grow at a steady pace. Meanwhile, adult dogs need dog food formula that contains energy boosters.
Physical Traits
The Italian Greyhound is very sensitive to weather. Their low body fat, short hair, and small size mean that they are absolutely helpless in the extreme cold.