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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Italian Greyhound need? Like all dogs, Italian Greyhounds should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Italian Greyhound vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Italian Greyhound booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Italian Greyhound need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
