Do I need two Italian Greyhounds?
Italian greyhounds are sensitive dogs that do not care for being left alone. They are very people-orientated. While Iggy’s prefer the companionship of their humans, they also do well with other breeds, provided they are well-matched.
Raising Italian greyhound puppies
Raising a puppy alongside another puppy is highly beneficial. This companionship ensures they always have playmates and encourages both puppies to remain fit and active through shared physical activities. Their innate playfulness leads to consistent exercise, essential for their holistic growth and well-being. Activities like wrestling, chasing, and playing tug-of-war promote muscle development, enhance coordination, and effectively dissipate excess energy. This dynamic interaction not only enriches their daily routines but also fosters a healthy and energetic lifestyle from an early age.
Growing up with a canine friend also teaches your puppy essential communication and social interaction skills. They learn to read each other’s body language, understand play signals, and practice appropriate social behaviors. This early socialization is vital for developing good manners and preventing behavioral issues in the future. Puppies that learn to interact with their peers are more likely to grow into well-adjusted, confident adult dogs.
Raising a puppy alongside another puppy provides a variety of advantages; improved physical fitness, enhanced social development, decreased separation anxiety, and a deeper emotional connection between the dogs. This approach not only enhances the puppies’ well-being but also contributes to a more harmonious and fulfilling pet ownership experience.
Can I leave my Iggy alone?
The Italian greyhound is a breed that thrives on companionship and human interaction. This means that Italian Greyhounds are less suitable for individuals who have a busy schedule or spend periods away from home. These dogs are known for their sensitive nature and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. However, it’s impractical to expect that you’ll never need to leave your Italian greyhound alone, whether for work, errands, or other commitments.
In such cases, having a second Italian greyhound can offer significant benefits for both your pup and yourself. Introducing another Iggy into the household provides companionship and social interaction that can help alleviate loneliness and reduce anxiety when you’re not present. Dogs are naturally social animals and enjoy the company of their own kind. Having a companion of the same breed allows them to engage in play, communicate, and establish a sense of security and routine together.
While the Italian greyhound may not be the best choice for individuals who are frequently away from home, having a second Iggy can be a practical solution to meet their social and emotional needs. It fosters a supportive environment where both dogs can thrive, enhancing their well-being and happiness while easing the challenges of separation for their owners.
How do I Pair Italian Greyhounds?
If you do decide to have two Iggy’s there are a couple of considerations you must make;
Spaying and neutering
The work and home atmosphere would be better if your Italian Greyhounds are mixed-sex. To prevent unwanted pregnancies Spraying and neutering is very important. Even more so important if the Italian Greyhounds are related. Breeding siblings is extremely dangerous, with a high fatality rate.
Should I keep the brother and sister Italian Greyhound together?
Italian Greyhound siblings have a unique bond, which offers comfort from day one while making puppyhood a little easier for you.
When pairing Italian Greyhounds, many people prefer always having at least one male in the mix, just make sure he is neutered.
- A female-female pair is much more likely to bump heads while constantly fighting for dominance.
- A male-female pair will almost always see the male in a submissive role to the female.
- A male-male pair usually bonds in friendship with fewer disagreements over who is the “leader” of the pack.
Do Italian Greyhounds Do Better In Pairs When From The Same Litter?
Adopting sibling Iggy’s can be very beneficial when moving into a new house at just 8-weeks-old. Having the comfort of a familiar scent eases anxiety, and having a similarly aged playmate helps to use up extra energy… freeing up your time.
Italian greyhounds can thrive when paired with a non-sibling; however, proper matchmaking is necessary.
- Choice of sex is a significant factor in reducing squabbles when pairing two pups, especially when you pair two from different litters.
- Like humans, dogs with different personalities can clash, so it is best to introduce your Italian Greyhounds to each other before committing to adoption to ensure a good match.
Do Italian Greyhounds Get On With Other Dogs?
You may be thinking about pairing your Italian Greyhound with a different breed of dog such as a French Bulldog, and this can work out wonderfully.
However, you should be selective on what breed of dog to keep with your Italian greyhound. If the dog is too large, your Italian Greyhound could accidentally get injured. Italian Greyhounds have smaller bones than most dogs, and it’s not uncommon for legs to break.
Not All Dogs Are Created Equal
Keep in mind that not all dogs are equal – even when those dogs are from the same litter. Some Italian greyhounds prefer human companionship and don’t want anything to do with fellow canines. Other iggy’s will accept any form of companionship, so long as they are not left alone.
So, do Italian greyhounds do better in pairs? Italian greyhounds can do well as solo dogs or in pairs. While human companionship is preferable, an Iggy friend is certainly preferable over being left alone!