Italian Greyhounds - advice

[toasty]

Hi all, after the recent loss of our lab, we’re looking for another companion for our rescue, Ara.

Mrs Toasty has her heart set on an Italian Greyhound.

We went to see a litter last night and they were lovely but the only one left had a malformed tail and they were still asking £2k!

We’ve seen another litter advertised but it’d mean a flight to Edinburgh to see.

Any advice on this breed? They do seem very affectionate.

[Lotobear]

All greyhounds are IME very affectionate, lovely gentle dogs.

But how about a rescue, there is usually a plentiful supply of rescue greyhounds and lurchers that make wonderful pets?

[moorx]

There is a bonded pair available from a rescue near us:

https://www.manytearsrescue.org/display_mtar_dog.p...

https://www.manytearsrescue.org/display_mtar_dog.p...

We considered enquiring about them before we got our latest whippet, but my OH was concerned that our two other dogs were too large and play too rough and might damage them, as they are very 'fragile'. As usual (and frustratingly!) he was correct. Luna the whippet is still smaller than our other two, but she is probably tougher than both of them!

ETA - just noticed they have updated the description to say 'no other dogs', which is a shame.

Edited by moorx on Monday 4th November 11:43

[moorx]

Lotobear said:

All greyhounds are IME very affectionate, lovely gentle dogs.

But how about a rescue, there is usually a plentiful supply of rescue greyhounds and lurchers that make wonderful pets?

Italian greyhounds are not the same as greyhounds. They are sighthounds, but totally different, not least in size!

[toasty]

Thanks for the comments.

Greyhounds are indeed lovely but we’re after something smaller. I’d also consider a whippet, or a rescue, but my wife is fixated on the Italian Greyhound, especially after seeing the pups yesterday.

[oddman]

So it's about looks. Not function or temperament. Another instagram dog.

The fact that one puppy was already injured gives you a pointer to how fragile these dogs are. Serious issues with risks of fractures and not easy to train. Not good if you have cats. Don't like being left alone. 15 years of that. Hmmmm.

A rescue whippet or whippet/lurcher will be similar stamp of dog but a more practical proposition.

But hey, it'll look cute dressed up.

[toasty]

oddman said:

So it's about looks. Not function or temperament. Another instagram dog.

The fact that one puppy was already injured gives you a pointer to how fragile these dogs are. Serious issues with risks of fractures and not easy to train. Not good if you have cats. Don't like being left alone. 15 years of that. Hmmmm.

A rescue whippet or whippet/lurcher will be similar stamp of dog but a more practical proposition.

But hey, it'll look cute dressed up.

Oh cynical you. I'll bite though.

We both work at home and have a similar sized rescue dog, don't have cats and have off the lead walks twice a day in the North Downs.

We like the fact that they're clingy and affectionate.

You are right about the fractures and coats though. Both puppies we saw in a second viewing had kinks in their tails and my wife has already looked at potential outfits.

I saw a lovely springerpoo/sproodle puppy yesterday so am trying to persuade her to consider one of those as well. Much cheaper, easier to find and the right size.

[oddman]

I was a bit reluctant to post but dogs being bred for looks rather than health and suitability is a real red rag for me. You're clearly an experienced owner with a history sensible choices ie. Lab and rescue.

Since the advent of social media we've had a succession of fashion breeds with little thought for health and welfare. We've seen this with brachycephalic dogs (pugs, french bulldogs, bostons) then daschunds became popular. The miniature ones, in particular, are really prone to health problems and not temperamentally reliable now it seems to be Italian greyhounds that are having their moment (clearly if £2k for a deformed one is the going rate)

It would be very easy to stereotype women being responsible for the modern 'toy dog'/fur baby trend but men are just as likely to pick unsuitable dogs by going for macho rather than cute.

I can see that size and coat are reasonable considerations for a house pet but looks per se should be a very distant consideration compared with health, welfare, temperament and trainability.

[toasty]

oddman said:

I was a bit reluctant to post but dogs being bred for looks rather than health and suitability is a real red rag for me. You're clearly an experienced owner with a history sensible choices ie. Lab and rescue.

Since the advent of social media we've had a succession of fashion breeds with little thought for health and welfare. We've seen this with brachycephalic dogs (pugs, french bulldogs, bostons) then daschunds became popular. The miniature ones, in particular, are really prone to health problems and not temperamentally reliable now it seems to be Italian greyhounds that are having their moment (clearly if £2k for a deformed one is the going rate)

It would be very easy to stereotype women being responsible for the modern 'toy dog'/fur baby trend but men are just as likely to pick unsuitable dogs by going for macho rather than cute.

I can see that size and coat are reasonable considerations for a house pet but looks per se should be a very distant consideration compared with health, welfare, temperament and trainability.

Good points, I agree on all of them.

[ChevronB19]

My sister has one, and she chose that breed simply due to the ‘Instagram’ thing and wanted a ‘status symbol’, sort of an opposite to a pit bull but for a different demographic.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the dogs fault, but he is bl**dy insane (not in a good way, and he has been professionally trained) and spends half his life in the vets at vast expense. The combination of delicacy and insanity leads to an awful lot of injuries, and I’ve heard similar from other owners.

In essence, get one if you like, preferably a rescue, but be prepared for problems, social and financial. They are also incredibly demanding in terms of attention (not necessarily a bad thing, but just be aware). They are also incredibly randy little sods, and really don’t like kennels.

Edited by ChevronB19 on Tuesday 5th November 12:19

ETA: After having looked after the little sod several times, *definitely* no cats, and they don’t like houses with other dogs in unless you manage them *very* carefully - they are utter divas and want to be the centre of attention, and will demand it.

Edited by ChevronB19 on Tuesday 5th November 12:21

Edited by ChevronB19 on Tuesday 5th November 12:22

[Silvanus]

Friends wanted an Italian greyhound but eventually saw sense and went for a rescue Belington Whippet cross, it's a fantastic dog.

[tr7v8]

https://igrescuetx.org/iggys-the-good-the-bad-and-...

[oddman]

Silvanus said:

Friends wanted an Italian greyhound but eventually saw sense and went for a rescue Belington Whippet cross, it's a fantastic dog.

Bedlington x Whippet is a popular lurcher. That's the kind of dog I'd have if I didn't need hunt/flush/retrieve dog

My friends who hunt rabbits with lurchers explain that a greyhound or whippet would not stop at a fence when chasing prey causing catastrophic injuries. The collie or terrier blood adds some brain into the mix.

[kevinon]

oddman said:

Bedlington x Whippet is a popular lurcher. That's the kind of dog I'd have if I didn't need hunt/flush/retrieve dog

My friends who hunt rabbits with lurchers explain that a greyhound or whippet would not stop at a fence when chasing prey causing catastrophic injuries. The collie or terrier blood adds some brain into the mix.

That trait for hunters is great. Owners would shoot them when they got a catastrophic injury. Because they were collateral damage in their 'sport'. And not worth vet bills.

However, it kinda rules them out when you want a pet who will live indoors with you.
This is a good thread for education and discussion. I've certainly learned things lurking here.
It's the people who buy dogs without thought or empathy that worry me.

[moorx]

kevinon said:

oddman said:

Bedlington x Whippet is a popular lurcher. That's the kind of dog I'd have if I didn't need hunt/flush/retrieve dog

My friends who hunt rabbits with lurchers explain that a greyhound or whippet would not stop at a fence when chasing prey causing catastrophic injuries. The collie or terrier blood adds some brain into the mix.

That trait for hunters is great. Owners would shoot them when they got a catastrophic injury. Because they were collateral damage in their 'sport'. And not worth vet bills.

Yes, sadly, that's the approach often taken. Kill them, or dump them when they're injured or too old or just 'not good enough' any more. I've had a few of the 'rejects' myself.

To be honest, it sounds like the OP is looking more for a small companion dog than a sighthound specifically. Plenty of choice of breeds or crossbreeds if that's the requirement.

OP - what's your other dog?

[toasty]

moorx said:

Yes, sadly, that's the approach often taken. Kill them, or dump them when they're injured or too old or just 'not good enough' any more. I've had a few of the 'rejects' myself.

To be honest, it sounds like the OP is looking more for a small companion dog than a sighthound specifically. Plenty of choice of breeds or crossbreeds if that's the requirement.

OP - what's your other dog?

This is Ara, our 4 year old rescue. She’s about the same size as a springer. She’s full of energy so we want a companion with the energy and temperament to cope.



Thanks to the comments and advice here, I may well have steered my wife from an IG.

Any advice on cockerpoos?

[Silvanus]

toasty said:

moorx said:

Yes, sadly, that's the approach often taken. Kill them, or dump them when they're injured or too old or just 'not good enough' any more. I've had a few of the 'rejects' myself.

To be honest, it sounds like the OP is looking more for a small companion dog than a sighthound specifically. Plenty of choice of breeds or crossbreeds if that's the requirement.

OP - what's your other dog?

This is Ara, our 4 year old rescue. She’s about the same size as a springer. She’s full of energy so we want a companion with the energy and temperament to cope.



Thanks to the comments and advice here, I may well have steered my wife from an IG.

Any advice on cockerpoos?

Cockerpoos are lovely but nuts! Need a lot of exercise and stimulation

[moorx]

Ara looks lovely.

One thread here - there may well be others:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Probably also worth reading this one:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I don't have any experience of cockerpoos, only a cocker spaniel who was an ex-puppy farm dog used to produce cockerpoos, so I'm not overly keen on the 'business' that has sprung up to supply the huge demand for these dogs.

I'm sure there are some perfectly lovely cockerpoos, but there are also a lot of unscrupulous breeders just churning them out for money. Again, there are quite a few coming into rescue now, because people bought them just based on looks and without researching them properly. Fair play to you for asking about what these dogs need.

Hope you can find Ara a friend.

[kevinon]

I've spent time with a Mini Groodle - that's Golden retriever * small poodle. So, a hybrid.

Plus points:
Affectionate
not barky now (2 years old) (barky when puppy)
Learns very easily, so will keep still, obey.
Beautiful - IMHO
Topped dout at 13 kg. (I was very concerned that female friend would end up with 20kg dog)

Minus
My friends one does not like separation ( but that is a Covid dog, also you WFH ?)
Doesn't always respond when off the lead. (this one at least)


All in all I have a big soft spot for this particular dog. So count me biased!

[toasty]

My persuasion worked. We’ve just put a deposit on this little miss.


Thanks all.