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Italian Greyhound breed profile

Training and intelligence
They are intelligent, but certain aspects of training may be dfficult. Housetraining can proove hard. As with other sighthounds, Italian Greyhounds are easily distracted by movement, so a reliable recall can be tough to achieve.

Temperament
Italian Greyhounds are very cuddly by nature - this is partly due to affection, and partly a need for warmth. They can take time to bond with you, but once they have, it will be a close bond.

Attitude towards strange dogs and people
Italian Greyhounds can be shy with other people and dogs. Socialisation is vital to avoid problems.

Grooming and shedding
The Italian Greyhound's short, light coat sheds little, and grooming will be minimal. The thin coat does leave them vulnerable in cold weather.

Exercise
Exercise should be restricted up to 18 months of age. Italian Greyhounds have bursts of energy, and needs an outlet to burn it off, but then will be happy to relax at home.

Need for company
They need company, and don't like to be left alone. If you can't provide the company all the time yourself, consider getting another Italian Gray hound - they do usually prefer to live in pairs - or even a cat. (Opinions vary on cats and Italian Greyhounds, but many live perfectly happily together.)

General
Daily teeth cleaning is important for Italian Greyhounds. For some reason these dogs do well in pairs; they like the company of their own breed. They are very delicate dogs, and that gorgeous velvety coat just has to be touched to be believed.

Sharing

281 - dog AITA and am I being unreasonable

In this podcast, host Julie considers a variety of Reddit AITA questions, and Am I Being Unreasonable from Mumsnet. We have stories of a puppy biting a child at a family get together, the pet sitting friend who took the dog to doggy daycare, the rescue dog defender feeling the pressure to meet up for dog walks, the sister who caused trouble when she said her sister's baby name sounded like a dog's name, the devoted owner who ducked out of his brother's wedding to care for his injured dog, an off lead dog causing issues and two alleged service dogs joining at the children's playground. Do you agree with Julie's take on all these canine conundrums?

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.