How small is a newborn IG pup?
They average 6-8 oz, 4-5 inches in length. |
What is a usual size litter?
Average of 4-6 pups |
When does a puppy start walking instead of crawling?
Approx. 4 weeks old |
How early can you start house training a puppy?
Starts at 4-5 weeks. Dont expect flawless results until 10-12 weeks. |
Can I train a puppy to a litter box?
Yes. Start young. - use larger topless box - use newsprint pellets as opposed to dusty cat litter. Treat readily. |
Can I train a puppy to use newspaper or pad?
Yes. They catch on to this technique quickly. Easily accessible. |
I want to train my IG puppy to go potty outside because it is the best way... right?
Actually - training both ways is best. IG's dont like rain, snow, wind or cold - an alternative is smart. |
Are IG's hyperactive?
IG's are a high energy dog, not hyperactive. Daily exercise is essential. |
I am concerned about my little girl coming into heat...how soon can i expect this to happen?
As early as 5 to 11 months. It is an inherited trait (like mother like daughter) |
Are IG's prone to any particular problems?
All dogs have specific problems associated with the breed. With IG's it is gum disease, dental care is important. PRA, cataracts, thyroid, and slipped petellas are other concerns. Most breeders have there breeding stock proven clear of these defeccts. |
Are IG's a yappy dog?
They are alert to new sights and sounds but not overly vocal |
My puppy has developed diarrhea - what can i do ?
Give child dosage of pepto bismol every 3-4 hrs until it stops. They wont like the taste at first, use a syringe. Now investigate why it developed diarhea. |
I am elderly. I want a dog for a good companion and lap dog. Will an IG be to active for me ?
When you want to sit and relax - the IG is right there with you. If you want to jog, play of just go for an leisurly walk, the IG is right there with you. No dog is more adaptable then the Italian greyhound |
I travel alot, would an IG be right for me?
IG's travel well as a rule, but when the opportunity arises, exercise it as much as you can. |
I live in a apartment with my little Italian greyhound, but she is getting so destructive, is this normal?
A bored puppy will become destructive. Stop chewing by offering something it can chew. Stern discipline when wrong and more importantly, praise when good will teach your puppy. Exercise will also burn off excess energy. |
I have heard that IG's have a fleeing nature, and so cannot be trusted to run freely?
IG's are hounds and so they will wander as will any dog when left unsupervised. Our Iggy's run freely all the time and rarely leave the property. |
At what age should i get my Iggy spayed or neutered?
6 months is usual. At this age most puppy are fully developed.With modern technology, pups can be treated earlier with laser surgery |
I have heard that a female should experience a menstrual cycle before getting her spayed - is this true?
No. Anatomical maturity. A menstrual cycle only creates problems and worries for the owner. So why go through it |
Is it true that getting my pet spayed or neutered will make it gain weight.?
This is not true. Any dog recieving a high protein food and not getting sufficient exercise to burn it off will gain weight. Laziness is habitual. |
I found my puppy's tooth on the floor - he's only 4 mo old, what is wrong?
Like children, it is normal for all puppies to lose their baby teeth at 3 1/2 to 4 mo. Larger, stronger teeth will eventually replace them. |
How many teeth should my dog have ?
32 at maturity |
I am feeding my puppy on a 33% protein puppy food. How long should it stay on this diet?
Puppies need the protein to build strong bones during the growing period. 1 year is usual. While your puppy is on this diet, daily exercise is a must. |
Do IG's enjoy swimming?
Not usually...but some introduced properly at a young age will learn to appreciate water. |
I want to buy an IG, but I am concerned about it getting along with my cat?
Most IG's will be curious and bother cats in a playful fashion but they will learn to respect them. Introduction very young is best. Some become good friends with the feline. The problem may be with the litter box though. |
I have heard that Italian Greyhounds commonly have problems with joints, eyes and are prone to epeleptic fits?
These findings would be based on a bad breeding program such as puppy mills or backyard breeders that don't care. Always contact reputable breeders no matter what breed you desire. |
Is there a temperament difference between male and femal IG's?
No. Good temperament is a quality most breeders would demand in their breeding program. If any females tend to display more dominance in a sae gender group. |
Can we come visit potential puppies and see/interact with parents?
Absolutely ! - This gives you a hands on experience and helps you decide if this breed is really for you |
I have an older dog, would a new IG get along with my current pet?
Many of our IG's have been introduced into homes with other pets with no problems at all. One must remember though...an old dog may be short on patients with an enthusiastic IG pup. |
Do I need to reserve a pup ahead of time to purchase one?
Almost always! They are usually previewed and chosen at 5-6 weeks when a down payment is placed to hold your puppy until 8 weeks old. |
What age can puppies leave their mother?
Most often at 8 weeks old. If they areeating and drinking well at 7 weeks, we will consider letting them go early. |
What colours do IG's come in ?
IG's are bred in all colours and combinations except balck & white or brindle. Recessive genes come into play as well. |
If i want to show my IG pup, is there any stipulations that must be met?
Certainly. Your IG would have to be within and adhere to the CKC standards for Italian greyhounds ( detailed on our IG information page). Your pup would have to be atleast six months old, and not fixed to be shown.The way your pup carries itself and it's gait is very important also, and you would also need to learn all you possibly can about ring procedure and showing an IG to it's potential. Perhaps most imporantly, you would have to observe your pups attitude while in a ring. some dogs are born to strut their stuff, other sometimes dont want anything to do with it. If your dog doesn't want to do it, it will ultimately never do well, cause the judge would never see its full potential. So observe your pup and makes sure the pup finds it enjoyable to... |