It seems there’s a common myth doing the rounds. A myth about a petite, graceful, high-speed, low-drag pup that goes by the name of Italian Greyhound. You might have heard whispers, or even loud proclamations, about Italian Greyhounds being difficult dogs. “Too hyper!” some might say. “It’s impossible to housetrain/train/discipline!” others might chime in. Today, we’re going about busting this myth and setting the record straight.
To it, let’s go back in time. To the Renaissance era, to be precise. Watch as Leonardo da Vinci paints the Mona Lisa, while a lean, sleek canine romps gingerly around his studio. The Italian Greyhound, or ‘Piccolo Levrieri Italiani’ as in its native tongue, was a firm favorite amongst Italian Nobles. Why, you ask? For the very characteristics that are complained about today – its boundless energy and independent spirit.
Alright, let’s return to the present – back to your couch. You’re sipping on a cup of hot coffee, browsing the Internet, thinking if an Italian Greyhound would be a wonderful new addition to your family. You’ve heard that they’re difficult dogs – like a tornado in a doggy jacket. But what if I told you that’s not the whole truth? Come, let’s understand the Italian Greyhound better together.
Before we debunk this myth, let’s set the facts straight. Yes, Italian Greyhounds are a vivacious breed. Yes, they love running around. And yes, they can be slightly unpredictable at times. But these aren’t necessarily negatives. These characteristics simply mean that this breed requires special attention and a particular type of care.
Firstly, understand that the Italian Greyhound is, believe it or not, a Greyhound. While they might be scaled down to fit in a fancy tote, they descend from sprinters who used to chase and hunt. So, they have that inherent need to run, jump and be a gymnast within the walls of your house. Patience and understanding while house-training and obedience-training are key to curbing some of that excessive energy.
Secondly, despite their size, Italian Greyhounds need extensive physical activity. Regular walks and play sessions can pacify your Italian Greyhound’s need for speed. A well-exercised Greyhound is a happy Greyhound.
When it comes to temperament, Italian Greyhounds have a dual personality. They might be high-energy, but they also love to chill out. Their small, warm bodies seem to be made for curling up on a comfy lap. The point is this – being high-energy doesn’t equate to being difficult.
As for the dreaded “impossible-to-housetrain” reputation that the Italian Greyhound carries, let’s approach it logically. They are thin-skinned creatures (literally!). So, the cold isn’t their best friend. Hence, going outdoors to relieve themselves might not be inviting, especially during chilly seasons. Indoor potty training methods like using litter boxes or pads can work for this breed.
The Italian Greyhound might look like a porcelain statue, but don’t be fooled. They are smart and can be quite the tricksters. They have a flair for drama and clownish pranks. Some owners might find this trait challenging to handle. But if you appreciate a dog with a sense of humor, you’re going to enjoy this breed immensely!
The key to bringing up an Italian Greyhound, which might look like a daunting task, is to understand their heritage and needs. Adopt a patient and gentle approach to training. They are sensitive creatures who respond well to positive reinforcement and a lot of love. And yes, be prepared for pooch-kisses!
Once you divest yourself of the mindset that the Italian Greyhound is a difficult dog, you will see a loyal, loving, and playful companion in them. Because at the end of the day, a dog is as difficult as you perceive them to be.
So, is an Italian Greyhound a difficult dog, you ask? We believe it’s not the correct question. The real question is – are you ready to put in the effort, time, and love required to understand and nurture an Italian Greyhound? If your answer is a ‘yes’, every second spent with this lively, loveable breed will pay off, guaranteed. Face the grayhound-sized challenge with a bulldog’s determination. Trust us; it’s worth it!
