Italian Greyhound Pitfalls

They would rather sit on your head than in your lap. These Italian Greyhounds are like a cross between a cat, a dog, a small child, and a monkey. Yes, they are beautiful, delicate dogs, but they are also comical and get the zoomies easily. They will climb, jump, and go places—like your kitchen counter—you never expected they could reach. In the spirit of dog ownership challenges, they will happily vomit, pee, and poo in your bed just because they love you so much, they won’t leave your side even if they need to go potty. They are very childlike and don’t respond well to being scolded or punished. They even think they can fly, taking daring leaps off your furniture without a second thought. Your couch is merely a hurdle for a determined Iggy to jump over. Much like a child, they can get overheated, especially under too many blankets at night, which can lead to unexpected vomiting. Patience and consistency are essential when it comes to potty training these dogs, as they are not the quickest learners. They do not enjoy the cold, snow, or rain, making them reluctant to go outside for walks or bathroom breaks. Supervision is important when they are around young children, as young Iggy bones can break easily, and a broken leg is costly to fix. These dogs thrive in pairs; they enjoy flocking and will flourish with an IG friend or two or three. As puppies, it can sometimes be a challenge to ensure they eat enough, as they are not chow hounds like other dog breeds. They are social butterflies, so as a responsible pet owner, you’ll need to encourage proper eating habits. Otherwise, they can easily be distracted by a toy, you, or even a squirrel. The world is exciting for them, and they often forget they should eat.