Italian Hound
Complete Breed Guide
"I can lap most dogs, but I’d rather be on top of yours!"
Quick Facts About Italian Hounds
Hound
7–14 lbs
13–15"
No
Overview
Italian Hounds are small, speedy dogs that enjoy cuddling up to their owners more than anything else. Though not originally from here, they are known for their popularity among Italian royalty during the Renaissance. These days, though, Italian Hounds are more commonly seen as pampered family dogs than palace pooches.
These dogs are sight hounds who love the sight of their owners more than anything else. Bred down from Greyhounds, Italian Hounds are simply miniature versions. They are exceptionally fast and can run upwards of 25 miles per hour, but their favorite activity is laying right by your side… or on your lap. Originally from the Mediterranean region, they became fast favorites in Italy and were considered symbols of wealth. Italian Hounds can even be seen in some Renaissance-era art. These days, though, they are more commonly seen as family dogs than palace pooches.
Temperament and Behavior
Italian Hounds love their families, but they can take a minute to warm up to new people and animals. Socializing these dogs early helps prevent this. Even though they are small themselves, they have some hound instincts with even smaller animals. It’s best to keep them on a leash when not indoors or in a fenced area. One area of trouble with this breed seems to be house training. You may find accidents in the house even as they mature, but it’s hard to stay mad at these loving, gentle cuddlers. Italian Hounds are also great with kids but, because of their fragility, do best with older children.
Coat & Grooming
Italian Hounds have slender bodies and fragile bones. When they are in a playful mood, be careful that they don’t jump off anything high because they can easily break something. With a short coat that barely sheds or gives off a scent, your guests might not even guess that you own a dog. When it comes to maintenance, they are about as low-key as it gets. Bathe and brush as needed and dress them in a them a sweater when cold out.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Italian Hounds crave the attention of their owners like a small child would. They make a great companion for a single person or childless couple. If part of a family, they do best in a calm home with older children. They love being spoiled and coddled, and they also love being dressed up in sweaters and trendy outfits. They love the attention and need the extra protection in colder weather.
Exercise & Activity
Italian Hounds require around an hour of exercise per day. Give these speedsters room to zip around and a lap to dive into and you will have one happy hound. With training, you can bring out the “Greyhound” in them, and they will enjoy and excel in agility competitions. Italian Hounds don’t need training, though, to become specialists in the art of sunbathing. They are already experts.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Italian Hound FAQs
Common questions about the Italian Hound breed, answered by our editorial team.
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