The Piccolo Levriero Italiano Dog Breed: A Complete Guide

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Are you looking for a small, elegant and affectionate pet? Look no further than the Piccolo Levriero Italiano. Also known as the Italian Greyhound, this breed is a true gem. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, history, and care of the Piccolo Levriero Italiano.

Breed Characteristics of Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is a small breed of dog, weighing between 7-14 pounds and standing 13-15 inches tall. They have a slim and delicate build with long legs and a narrow chest. These dogs have a short, fine coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, red, cream, and white.

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is intelligent, affectionate, and loyal. They make excellent companions for families with children and are also great for seniors. They are friendly with strangers and get along well with other pets in the household.

Despite their small size, these dogs are very active and require regular exercise. They enjoy playing outdoors and going for walks. They love to run and can reach impressive speeds, making them great for agility and obedience competitions.

Highlights about Piccolo Levriero Italiano

Here are some fun facts about the Piccolo Levriero Italiano:

The breed was originally used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and hares
They are one of the oldest breeds of dogs, dating back to ancient Egypt
They were popular among Italian nobles in the Renaissance period
They are known for their elegant and graceful movement
They are sensitive to cold weather and should be kept warm

History of Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The history of the Piccolo Levriero Italiano can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were prized for their speed and agility. They were also popular in ancient Rome, where they were used for hunting small game. In the Renaissance period, the breed became popular among Italian nobles, who kept them as lap dogs and companions.

The breed nearly became extinct in the early 20th century, but dedicated breeders worked to revive the breed. Today, the Piccolo Levriero Italiano is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is a popular breed among dog lovers.

Size of Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is a small breed of dog, weighing between 7-14 pounds and standing 13-15 inches tall. They have a slim and delicate build with long legs and a narrow chest. Despite their size, they are very active and require regular exercise.

Personality of Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is known for its intelligence, affection, and loyalty. They make excellent companions for families with children and are also great for seniors. They are friendly with strangers and get along well with other pets in the household.

These dogs are sensitive and require gentle handling. They do not respond well to harsh training methods and should be socialized from a young age.

How to Keep Health of Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is a generally healthy breed of dog, but like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues. To keep your Piccolo Levriero Italiano healthy, be sure to:

Take them for regular vet check-ups
Feed them a healthy and balanced diet
Provide regular exercise and playtime
Keep them at a healthy weight
Brush their teeth regularly

Be sure to watch for signs of illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet right away.

How to Care for Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is a low-maintenance breed of dog when it comes to grooming. They have a short, fine coat that requires minimal brushing. They should be bathed as needed, but not too often, as excessive bathing can strip their coat of its natural oils.

These dogs are sensitive to cold weather and should be kept warm with a sweater or coat in the winter. They also need regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Feed for Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano requires a healthy and balanced diet to keep them healthy and happy. Be sure to feed them high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level. Avoid feeding them table scraps, as this can lead to obesity and other health issues.

Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of fresh water throughout the day. This is especially important during hot weather or if your dog is very active.

Coat Color and Grooming for Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano has a short, fine coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, fawn, red, cream, and white. Their coat requires minimal grooming, with just a weekly brushing to remove loose hair and dirt.

These dogs are sensitive to cold weather and should be kept warm with a sweater or coat in the winter. They also need regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy.

Conclusion

The Piccolo Levriero Italiano is a wonderful breed of dog that makes an excellent companion for families and seniors alike. They are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, and require minimal grooming. Be sure to provide your dog with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and lots of love and attention to keep them happy and healthy.