Longevity
Life expectancy
When it is well raised, properly fed and monitored from a veterinary standpoint, the Italian Greyhound can commonly live between 12 and 14 years, sometimes longer in well-preserved individuals.
Build
A robust breed?
Its overall robustness is average. Its light build protects it from some of the joint constraints of large dogs, but its fine bone structure, its sensitivity to cold and a few hereditary conditions require vigilance.
Watch points
What to watch for
Particular attention must be paid to the eyes, the knees and the genetic history of the line. Choosing a reputable breeder, regular check-up visits and promptly noticing any lameness or decrease in vision are essential.
Progressive retinal atrophy : hereditary eye condition that can lead to a gradual decline in vision up to blindness.
Cataract : clouding of the lens likely to impair vision and, depending on the case, to require specialized care.
Patellar luxation : knee instability that can cause lameness, discomfort, and episodes of skipping steps.
Von Willebrand disease : hereditary blood clotting disorder that increases the risk of bleeding.
Epilepsy : predisposition to seizures requiring a veterinary diagnosis and sometimes long-term treatment.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Italian Greyhound tolerates cold poorly due to its very short coat and low fat mass. In winter, outings must be adapted to temperatures and a coat is often useful. It tolerates heat better than a heavy dog, but intense effort in full sun should still be avoided.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
This dog must retain a lean and athletic silhouette. Weight gain, even moderate, can harm its locomotor comfort and vitality, while excessive thinness is not desirable either. Monitoring body condition and adjusting rations are therefore important.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Monitor any limping, discomfort when jumping, or change in weight-bearing.
- Have the eyes checked regularly and quickly report any decrease in vision.
- Maintain a stable weight and sufficient muscle mass.
- Protect him from the cold with suitable outings and equipment if necessary.
Vaccination
Italian Greyhound vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Italian Greyhound? Like all cats, the Italian Greyhound receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Italian Greyhound is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Italian Greyhound vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Italian Greyhound?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Italian Greyhound
Veterinary monitoring including examination of the patellas, the eyes and the locomotor system is relevant, especially in breeding dogs or in the presence of a family history. Additional investigations may be indicated depending on the line and the clinical signs observed.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
