Italian Greyhounds are a beloved breed of dog due to their low-maintenance lifestyle and small size. However, one often overlooked aspect of this breed is their intelligence. Are Italian Greyhounds smart? This is a question that is frequently asked by potential owners of this breed. It is important to understand the intelligence level of the breed in order to make an informed decision when deciding whether or not to adopt an Italian Greyhound. This blog post will explore the intelligence of the Italian Greyhound and how it plays into its behavior, training capabilities, and overall temperament. We will look at the breed’s cognitive capabilities and how dedicated owners can use that intelligence to their advantage. Through this exploration, potential owners of this breed will gain a better understanding of the breed’s intelligence and how it can shape their experience with an Italian Greyhound.
Italian Greyhounds Coat Colors
Breeders and owners frequently refer to the Italian Greyhound’s short, smooth coat as glossy, and an in good condition IG coat does appear to have a healthy sheen.
The colors of Italian Greyhound coats include light brown, cream, white, blue, red, chocolate, medium gray, and black. While other kennel clubs prefer one solid color, white is acceptable on the chest and feet, particolored IGs (solid colors with equal amounts of white) are permissible under the breed standard favored by the AKC.
2 Reasons Why Greyhounds Are Actually Smart
We have learned from Coren’s obedience tests and the characteristics of the Greyhound that they aren’t the best when it comes to obedience and working intelligence.
However, obedience and work is just one dimension of dog IQ. According to Stanley Coren, there are three components that make up canine intelligence. As such, Greyhounds are smart in other ways with Instinctive and Adaptive Intelligence.
They are long-lived. Nothing irritates me more than seeing an old dog being turned into a rescue because its owner is unwilling to make such a long-term commitment. I fully anticipate that I have a long queue of people just waiting to adopt old dogs with no teeth and health issues, with the possible exception of someone surrendering a dog to rescue that is old and has never received proper care. (Anyone who believes that should get in touch with me about some swamp land I’m selling in Arizona.)
They ADORE their owners, meaning they will follow you everywhere. You won’t ever be alone again, not for a second. They will want to be on you, next to you, lick your ears, your nostrils, etc. For the men: My husband has nicknamed IGs “crotch crushers”. For some reason, they will always land on your “twigs and berries,” regardless of the angle from which they jump.
They are VERY athletic. If motivated, they can climb a six-foot fence and fit through the smallest of openings to steal your Thanksgiving turkey off the kitchen counter or the cat food from the top of the washing machine. They can also catch anything that catches their attention that is small and slower than them, including birds, opposums, lizards, snakes, rabbits, squirrels, and just about anything else.
Do you have $1,500. 00-$3,000. Leg breaks aren’t as common in the breed as they once were, but they are still a possibility with a breed like the Irish Greyhound, which has long, slender legs and believes it can fly. You must be able to handle it financially and be ready for the possibility. Italian greyhounds have a history of breaking free, so they shouldn’t be allowed to run loose in an unsafe environment. Unless you are the Bionic Man, the Flash, Superman, or possess other superhuman abilities, you will not be able to catch them if they become frightened or decide to chase after something.
What they need in dental care is what they don’t need in grooming. I brush my dogs’ teeth daily. Lack of dental care will result in breath that can make flowers wilt and bacteria circulating through your dog’s bloodstream that can cause other health issues. Poor dental hygiene can also cause bone loss, which puts the dog at risk for jaw fractures.
FAQ
Are Italian Greyhounds difficult?
They are athletic, agile, and intelligent. However, due to their stubborn nature, it can be challenging to housebreak these dogs. Fortunately, by including praise, consistency, and rewards in your dog’s training regimen, you can successfully train your Italian greyhound. Greyhounds thrive in warm weather.
What are Italian Greyhounds known for?
The elegant Italian Greyhound is a miniature version of a real Greyhound and makes a watchful, amusing, and devoted toy companion. Although they make attractive couch dogs, IGs are actually fast-moving coursing hounds with a natural instinct for hunting.
Are Italian Greyhounds one person dogs?
Because they are too delicate and sensitive for all but the quietest of families, and because they typically form close bonds with just one person, Italian Greyhounds don’t typically make great family dogs.
Do Italian Greyhounds like to cuddle?
Italian Greyhounds Want To Be Close To You All The Time They Are Extremely Cuddly No wonder some people call Iggies “velcro dogs”. So you won’t ever feel lonely or cold again with an Iggy. To be as close to you as possible, Nello will even attempt to enter your jumper.