How Many Puppies Do Italian Greyhounds Have In A Litter?

The average Italian greyhound litter is between two and four puppies. A good indicator of an Italian greyhound’s litter size is the size of the litter that the mum was born into.

How Many Puppies Do Italian Greyhounds Have In A Litter?

Despite their small size, a female Italian Greyhound can carry a litter of as many as 4 puppies for an average sixty-three-day pregnancy period.

Female Italian Greyhounds typically range in size from seven to ten pounds on average, though some individuals can reach weights as high as fourteen pounds. During pregnancy, the female Italian greyhound can gain between fifteen and twenty percent of her body weight!

A female must be well-fed during this time (and when the puppies are born) to keep the mother and puppies healthy. Feeding the mum well will help with milk production.

During pregnancy, poor nutrition can negatively impact the puppies’ health and, after birth, their ability to survive. In fact, studies have shown that poor nutrition during pregnancy can have a detrimental effect on the mother’s and puppies’ immune systems.

Veterinarian guidance is the best way to ensure that a pregnant female Iggy gets proper nutrition! Most vets recommend an increase in daily calorie intake of fifteen to twenty-five percent. However, every dog is different, and each pregnancy calls for a veterinary assessment which may require a blood draw.

Even with proper nutrition, complications are not unusual for Italian greyhound births. These complications are often due to the female’s small size. For example, a caesarian section is often necessary to safely deliver Italian greyhound puppies – especially if she gives birth to a large litter.

Following birth, the female Italian greyhound often goes through behavioural changes. Even the most relaxed dog can become edgy and easily annoyed. Although most new mothers will agree that this is a physically and mentally draining time. Even the littlest thing can become a significant point of contention!

As the Italian Greyhound litter develops…

The Italian greyhound puppy is born with their eyes closed, and it is not until two to three weeks of age that they open. At this young age, the puppies can sense light and movement, but their overall sense of vision is poor.

The Iggy pup will start playing with siblings and weaning from their mother’s milk between six and eight weeks.

During their younger years, Italian greyhounds should have their physical activity monitored closely because of the fragility of their bones. As they age, Iggy’s bones become less fragile, but throughout their lifetime, broken limbs are a distinct possibility.

An Italian Greyhound puppy can achieve physical maturity as early as eight months old, but it may take two to three years for them to reach mental maturity.

When Does the Italian Greyhound Litter Get Vaccinated?

Puppies are susceptible to serious diseases and illnesses if they are not vaccinated.Usually, Italian Greyhound puppies can start their vaccinations from around 8-weeks-old. They will need a second set of injections, usually 2-4 weeks after their first set.

For some high-risk puppies, a third injection may also be recommended by your vet along with regular boosters. This is to help keep them protected as over time their immunity could otherwise go away.

Different countries and different veterinarian practices have their own vaccines and schedules. There are many differing opinions about the type and frequency of vaccinations.

Once you have found and researched a vet that you have confidence in, listen to his/her advice. Ensure you have a clear understanding of all administered vaccinations. If your puppy has received vaccinations previously, the breeder should provide you with a vaccination record card.

At what age can I buy an Italian Greyhound puppy?

By this age, Italian Greyhounds typically master basic socialization skills from interactions with their mother, littermates, and possibly other household dogs. This early socialization is crucial for preparing them for life beyond their birth environment and adapting to interactions in diverse settings.

During their time with their mother and littermates, Italian Greyhound puppies learn essential lessons like bite inhibition, proper play behavior, and communication cues. They also grasp their position within a social hierarchy and develop crucial social skills for positive interactions with other dogs.

Exposure to various stimuli and experiences within the litter fosters their adaptability and confidence as they mature, laying a foundation for navigating new environments, people, and animals with less fear or anxiety.

When adopting an Italian Greyhound puppy around 8 weeks old, continuing this socialization process is vital. Exposing them to different people, places, and dogs in a positive and controlled manner reinforces their early social skills, ensuring they mature into well-rounded and well-adjusted adult dogs.

Starting with a strong foundation of socialization at an early age sets Italian Greyhound puppies up for success in their future interactions and relationships with both dogs and humans alike.

Would you considered adopting two Italian greyhounds at the same time?

So, How Many Puppies Do Italian Greyhounds Have In A Litter?

While every Italian greyhound litter varies in size, the average litter typically consists of two to four puppies, which is quite remarkable considering the small and delicate nature of these dogs. It’s important for owners to maintain a schedule and keep records of vaccinations, as well as seek advice from their veterinarian, as practices may vary slightly among different veterinary professionals.