Italian Greyhounds are low-energy dogs that love to play with their humans. They’re great apartment companions but do need daily walks and exercise.
Before committing to an Italian Greyhound puppy, do your homework. This will ensure that you find a responsible breeder and avoid putting money into the pockets of irresponsible pet mills.
Look for a Reputable Breeder
Italian Greyhounds are a fast-moving breed, so their owners must have the time to meet their high exercise needs. They also require proper socialization to become comfortable with regular household noises and other people and pets. It makes them better suited for older children or adults than for households with younger children.
When looking for Italian Greyhound puppies for sale, contacting the breeder directly and speaking with them about your interest in their dogs is a good idea. Be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle, family structure, and your previous experience with dogs. Reputable breeders take responsibility seriously and usually look for the best home for their puppies.
It’s also good to ask for referrals from other Italian Greyhound owners. Many breeders only have a limited number of litters per year, so you may need to wait before a puppy becomes available. However, if you take the time to find a responsible breeder, your wait will be worth it.
It’s also a good idea to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian soon after you bring your new puppy home. It will help you establish a relationship with your vet in the future and ensure your pet is healthy. It can also be a good way to understand how much the breed will cost you to care for.
Check the Reputation of the Breeder
When you bring a new Italian Greyhound into your life, it’s important to understand that they require specialized care. IGs are sensitive dogs that form deep bonds with humans and become clingy. It can lead to behavioral issues if not managed properly. Finding a breeder who prioritizes responsible breeding practices and health clearances is important.
It’s also a good idea to look into how involved a breeder is with the breed. For example, do they participate in shows and other activities related to the Italian Greyhound? Or do they have a strong presence online through forums or social media? The more engaged a breeder is with the Italian Greyhound community, the more they will invest in the breed’s welfare.
Another important thing to remember is that a good breeder will conduct genetic testing on their parents and ancestors. This is a way to ensure the puppy doesn’t inherit any hereditary diseases from its parents. The best breeders will be able to provide you with documentation of this testing for generations back.
A reputable breeder will also conduct a home visit before they sell their puppies. During this visit, they will call your veterinarian and personal references and check over your yard and fence (if applicable). The breeder will also meet you and your other pets to ensure the Italian Greyhound will be happy in your home.
Visit the Kennels
When choosing a breeder, visiting the kennel and meeting the dogs before making payments is important. You’ll want to see that the breeder is clean and organized and that the puppies are healthy. A good breeder will also be open about her spay and neuter policy, and she should have a clear process for matching you with the right puppy. She should also offer after-sales services, such as a starter food bag, toys, and health insurance guarantees.
Because Italian Greyhounds are sprinters rather than long-distance runners, they need a lot of daily running and playtime. They can get the “zoomies” and zip around in a blur, so they should only be let loose in completely fenced parks. Also, they should never be allowed to run free on a leash because they need better road sense.
They’re highly sensitive dogs and pick up on people’s energies so that negative vibes will frighten them. They can be shy with strangers but incredibly loving with those they know and trust.
IGs are also surprisingly athletic and enjoy dog sports such as lure coursing, agility, and rallying. They’re also lovable family dogs and can be great with children (provided they understand that a dog is not a toy). With proper care and training, IGs are devoted companions who will be by your side for years.
Ask Questions
With proper care, training, and plenty of love, Italian Greyhounds make amazing companions. But like any breed, they come with their challenges and needs. Before you bring one home, knowing what you’re getting yourself into is important. This guide will walk you through everything from the purchase price to ongoing expenses so you’re fully prepared for what it takes to be an IG parent!
Italian Greyhounds are delicate and sensitive dogs. They can easily pick up on your energy and tone of voice and quickly learn from positive or negative interactions with their humans. As a result, they can be skittish or shy with strangers. They also tend to have a “clingy” personality and may not do well alone for long periods.
It’s important to ask any breeder questions about their breeding practices and the health history of their dogs. Doing your homework will help you find a responsible breeder to give you a happy and healthy puppy.
Whether you’re looking for an IG from a breeder or through adoption, complete a thorough application before making your final decision. The rescue will ask for veterinary and personal references and schedule a home visit to meet you, your family, and any other pets you might have.
