Is an Italian Greyhound the Right Breed for You? | 5 Pros & Cons

[@borjekarhunen6481]

A dog that is chill at home and active outside is great. Keep up the good work.

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so much. Yes I totally agree ✨

[@mesapdarecriminals0integri563]

I did things the wrong way. I had finished school and college and was finishing up my Master’s degree so I was 22 or so. I had just bought my first house and decided I was ready to get my first dog and I set aside a weekend to be able to go to the local pounds and shelters since I was totally against getting a dog from anywhere other than rescuing one from an otherwise unfortunate situation. That Thursday night before my dog finding weekend, I had to run to the mall to get either a pair of jeans or a pair of shoes, I don’t remember, but this made it so I was going to pass the doggy store in the mall with all the purebreds which I knew supported a horrible industry of puppy mills and heartless overbreeding to provide constant streams of puppies to all local shops. I couldn’t help but go take a peak and of course, they were all just so beautiful but right away, I knew there was no chance for me to get one even if I HAD wanted one from there since the price tags started at about $4500 and went as high as maybe $8000. That’s why I was surprised to see an empty cage, the very last one bottom corner, with a price of just $99. I went up to the clerk and asked how the heck they sold a purebred for $99 and she told me that dogs that don’t sell get the price reduced every so often and the dog had gone from 6000 to 4000, to 3500, to 2900, to 1500, to 450 and finally was dropped to $99 as they wanted to get rid of it no matter what. She then told me, “oh and we didn’t sell her, in fact in 15 minutes when we close that will be the end of her time with us. Her mill will come pick her up tomorrow.” I asked what that meant and they said sadly it meant that she would be taken back to the puppy mill and spend then next seven years or so of her life confined to a small box where she would be kept pregnant all the time, her breeds taken and sold, and her re inseminated over and over. They said it is not a happy life at all but that that was what was in store since they had just pulled her from her display to do the discharge papers on her. I was so sad given what they had just told me I pulled out my wallet and I said, “I will take her.” They asked, “are you for real?” I said I was totally sure then asked, “by the way what breed is she?” They told me she was an Italian greyhound, something I had never heard of and I was a bit worried she wouldn’t tick all my boxes but a moment later someone came from the back asking who the guy was who wanted the “iggy” and I looked at the dog I had just bought and in an instant fell deeper in love than I even knew a love existed. We went straight home and I started researching and I loved the fact they needed clothes, I felt so much like a real daddy when I read I would be brushing her teeth for her every day. I loved that I had purchased what the AKC rate as the number one most affectionate dog since that’s what I wanted in life, a needy little angel to take care of in every way possible. Not your average let do as they please dog. And that night I put her in her crate to sleep and after she cried for maybe six minutes, even though it said to be strong I gave up and went and got her and I put her in my bed and she fell asleep on my pillow so we were nose to nose and every little breath she exhaled I would inhale and then I’d exhale and she’d breath in my every breath and I fell even harder and that’s how we slept for 16.5 years. We camped together, she went to summer camp for dogs, she came to the store with me, dog park every day, dog ice cream parlor on weekends, and as stated already, I never once left the house with her without her drawing a crowd of people asking what she was and telling me how beautiful she was. But it comes with a terrible cost. I lost her seven months ago and I still haven’t hit the day yet when I can remember her or come across something of hers and just carry on, I still try holding back and end up choking on tears I have to let out and snotting and spitting kind of crying wondering when it’s gonna go away. Having an Italian greyhound I found out by total surprise, is like loving a toddler who returns every bit of love you give out back for its entire life and it was just the two of us all those years no matter who came and went. My work knew how close we were and they even gave me two weeks of family bereavement paid off of which I used the first Monday thru thurs and returned Friday. It was nice they gave me two weeks but the gesture was kind enough so I got back as soon as I could but those first four days I was a wreck. And now I am trying to decide if I can ever do it again and go through that. I know for one thing, being able to afford an Italian greyhound won’t ever happen again and it was by the grace of God that for all those months nobody that went to that pet shop knew that the greatest living soul to ever walk the earth was right there ending up in her getting down to an affordable $99, had they only known she was worth millions. She was family though. Her grandparents regularly wanted her, in fact potty training. 18 months old she probably was and I had done everything right but she still wasn’t the least bit trained. I got so fed up at one point I had to have my parents take her for the weekend and I dropped her Friday and returned Sunday night to a potty trained dog and for the next 15 years she never had a single solitary accident. So consider it if you’re having trouble training your iggy. All she needed was a day or two watching my parents potty trained three dogs and I guess they showed her how it worked and she understood right away. So that’s all I got to say, just know what I didn’t. You are taking on the most needy yet loving most perfect angelic life who will completely fill your life if lonely, will ease your depression, will love you in a way you have never known love, and they will make it so easy to sacrifice anything you have to make them happy and it will always feel worth it and be a no brainer. All I wanted was for her to be happy and loved and when she died in my arms, I looked over at my parents and cried, “I did it! She lived her entire life loved and she died not having a clue what sadness is.” What a weird set of circumstances brought us together but now I understand love like I never did before and it has nothing to do with people and dating and all that stuff we get hung up on. It’s caring nothing about yourself and living so only giving matters and the little innocent soul in front of you is worth any suffering on your part to ensure they never know suffering or sadness. Having someone to give love means everything, not being loved by others

[@mammi3577]

Amazing story how you find her❤😢so sorry for your loss

[@pawsjo1713]

Thank you for your story

[@naddylee]

Such a sweet story. Are you from a bigger city? Because I didn’t know doggy ice cream parlors were a thing!

[@yaratorres9387]

😢 wow, I can’t even think of losing my 2 Iggies. I love them with my life ❤

[@kiranshegaonkar8080]

❤ is all I can say after reading your comment😢

[@funfullife]

Your greyhound looks so cute all snuggled up with you! Thanks for the useful tips! 😊👍🏽 I’d love a video about what to be aware of when finding a breeder!

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you for the feedback. I will definitely make a video on that too, very important topic 😊

[@James-T-49]

Everything you said is true. I knew nothing about the breed, got Charlie from a shelter. He quickly became the best dog I've ever owned. Very affectionate, very athletic.

[@bobbiehofer4924]

I have two adopted Iggies. My first Iggy was also adopted and loved him more than life. I love Greyhounds so much. When I adopt they are older and come from bad situations. My one boy never had hugs or kisses, toys, sleeping in bed until he came home with me. I want the cuddle, the Velcro dog and I got what I needed. Housetraining for the one Iggy is a real struggle and he’s 10 and has been with me for seven years. We’re still working on it. They do not like other people coming around and bark a lot outside. My boys are really good in crates if I need to go out. I am at home usually 24/7 and they are my emotional support babies. But they also are very demanding, they are mooches, they let you know when it’s meal time, and they lie to others about how neglected they are. I love them so much. You really do have to be aware of the traits of these little guys and what they need. You will be rewarded many times if you overlook their quirks.

[@tammychristinerager]

Liquid calcium. I take it and have given it to dogs. If I got an Italian greyhound I would make sure to give liquid calcium magnesium citrate everyday in the meal. To help the bones and teeth. Solgar and Bluebonnet are good brand. God bless you and you're cute pup. Thank you this video is very good.

[@thelifeofnello]

thank you for your comment! I will read into that :)

[@jessicaklonoski554]

A late spay also helps with the bone density issue. My vet was very firm - with IGs, we let her have her first heat (and IGs have notorious late first heats), we wait 4 months to let the hormones do their thing on her bones, and THEN we spay. Her first heat was at 15-months-old, she was spayed at 19-months-old. Super glad I waited.

[@namastea]

Magnesium Chloride is much better

[@Abcdefghijk920]

So glad you touched on the house training. I adopted mine at two years old so the house training after than point is, in my case, damn near impossible. He always wears a belly band. Simple fix for my baby to have a forever home. He is my best friend. Definitely a Velcro dog.

[@berengueladomecq585]

We have got a beautiful Italian princess called Misty, she’s 4 months old and we are mad with her. Nello is absolutely gorgeous! Congrats

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so much 😊🐾

[@Joel-o7l]

Omg I can’t get over how cute he is🥺🥺❤️

[@thelifeofnello]

aww thank you. He's a good boi for sure!

[@jemmaseen4176]

Hi, if you are planning to get an italian greyhound then the life of nello videos are a MUST-WATCH. I have learrned a lot about them. Thank you.

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you for your comment ❤️❤️❤️

[@IMaqua]

Thats an amazing first video, keep it up. I am definitely thinking of getting italian greyhound in near future...

[@thelifeofnello]

thank you so much for your feedback! 🥰

[@mastod0n1]

Our full sized Greyhound also has a lot of separation anxiety. When we got her I used to work mostly nights while my wife works a "normal" hours job where she worked 8am-4pm. Once I started working similar hours to my wife our Greyhound did not respond well at first, leaving us multiple presents in the living room and apparently crying so loud that one of our neighbors said something. Our ex-racer has adapted for the most part but we bought a machine washable area rug that we put down in her favorite place to leave us presents when we, God forbid, go to work every day. The accidents happen less and less frequently but it's still something that you have to be prepared for and willing to spend time working on.

[@lucys4484]

I cant get enough of this cutie Nello on instagram and now you guys have a youtube channel?! Thats awesome!!😍😁

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so much for your comment Lucy, your support means so much!

[@mastod0n1]

I've never liked small dogs for some reason. But I have a full sized retired racer greyhound and a friend of a friend has an Italian greyhound and I would definitely consider getting an Italian greyhound as my next dog. They seem very much like they carry the same type of personality as their full sized brethren and I've fallen in love with that personality within my Greyhound.

[@redpepper7181]

Or a whippet, same personality as a greyhound. Great dog.

[@saltycat662]

I was never a fan of small dogs either even though I grew up with them. But as I've aged and now deal with chronic health issues, small dogs have been a blessing for me. They're so easy to travel and cuddle with. They're also easier for me to pick up and clean. I do still miss having a big dog sometimes though. I'm just glad to have dogs in my life. My life never feels complete unless I have animals running around in my home.

[@TheAnchalnigam]

Nello is super cute. Most of the cons are so applicable to(almost) all breeds of dogs I believe. So pros seemed more of reasons to have 😉

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you for your comment 🥰 I agree with you ☺️

[@Caperhere]

I’ve always had dogs. We got an Italian Greyhound from a reputable dealer four years ago. The training problem cannot be overlooked. They will ruin your floors. In four years I’ve never heard of an IG owner who has a housetrained dog.

[@thelifeofnello]

@@Caperhere Nello is housetrained 😊 and our floor looks perfectly fine ✨

[@jen_nilein859]

Schön, dass ihr jetzt auch hier seid. Obwohl wir einen Mix haben finden wir uns in vielen Dingen wieder, Wahnsinn ❤😊🐕 LG

[@thelifeofnello]

Vielen vielen Dank für deinen Kommentar. Dann hat das Windspiel eurem Liebling bestimmt viel vererbt 🥰

[@jackietagg]

I love my iggy so much ..he’s the best buddy .. I would do any thing for my dog .. he’s my best friend ❤️❤️❤️❤️🐕

[@thelifeofnello]

They are amazing dogs 🥰

[@karentopper5847]

What an amazing iggy love their Instagram too!

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@juliefairbanks7029]

You & Nello did an amazing ob on your first KZbin video, Maxi🏆This was such a helpful & informative explanation, and I even learned a few things, despite having been an Italian Greyhound owner for more than fifteen years! You two look so beautiful together, and Nello is ridiculously adorable💙

[@juliefairbanks7029]

*job

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so so much for your feedback Julie, it really means a lot 🤍 Our fingers & paws are crossed that you‘ll soon have your own little Iggy again. After experiencing what it’s like living with these beautiful creatures, you can just never be without them ever again ✨

[@lindasapiecha2515]

Thats why i never show fear over anything thats normal like noises bees etc.. and mine is So chilled and confident

[@thelifeofnello]

That‘s great - but sometimes hard when you really are scared because even if you try to hide it, dogs will know/feel it ☺️

[@Sephvion]

It's a shame about the separation anxiety part. I don't mind the other challenges, but that separation anxiety is the main problem. It's like you can't have a job past 6 hours before problems occur.

[@SoulzVrGt]

Hello I’m really excited because I’m getting a iggy in five days!

[@thelifeofnello]

Awww so cool 🥰

[@elizabethohern121]

Very informative! I completely agree with all 10 pros & cons. Well done! 👍

[@thelifeofnello]

Hey guys, this is our first video. Please let us know if you like it. If you have any questions about this topic, let us know in the comments below, we will read & reply to all of them. Love xxx

[@gosign1]

Have a 7 month old Igy. We love her. She is everything you described in your video. You nailed it. My advice is to BUY PET INSURANCE!!! The leg break is no joke. Raven broke her leg jumping up on a chain link fence and got caught. $16,000 later she is as good as new thanks to the outstanding surgeon and staff at our local Animal Hospital. But trust me, at $60 per month the insurance is well worth it. Other than that EVERYBODY loves Raven!

[@thelifeofnello]

@@gosign1 thank you so much for your feedback! I hate to hear about your little puppy's leg break - a total nightmare. So glad she is doing better now. But you are absolutely right, putting away some money each month to pay for medical bills or getting pet insurance is so important.

[@Caperhere]

I really enjoyed your video, and learned things about the breed. I strongly suggest pet insurance, as these dogs have many health problems.

[@thelifeofnello]

@@Caperhere thank you for your feedback! Yes pet insurance is definitely a good idea 😊

[@kristinstringen5187]

@@thelifeofnello love your videos, our Odd is now 16 months and he’s our tressure❤️ one of the cons are the peeing on stomack and feets😉

[@keithbarrett9882]

Brilliant and super helpful video, helps a lot ofbpeople really understand that importance of taking in such a breed

[@poultrypower89]

omg that dog is ABSURDLY cute.

[@thelifeofnello]

Hehe 😊 thank you!

[@jessicaklonoski554]

Your analysis was spot on - they really aren't for everyone. I have a 7-yr-old Iggy, Sophie. I can leave her for the exact amount of time you specified - about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. I've pushed it to 4 hrs when I've had to. But I NEVER recommend them if the people in the house work outside the home full time unless you're on differing work schedules that allow one of you to be home most of the time. Sophie doesn't have separation anxiety, but that's the max amount of time I can count on her to hold her bladder or poopies lol. We have a STRICT potty schedule, and she never has accidents because of that. They are HIGH maintenance in terms of disposition - VERY clingy (you'll want some breathing room every now and again, and you're not gonna get it with this breed, be warned lol). Super affectionate, wonderful temperaments, sweet-natured.

[@elizabethohern121]

I recommend crate training. You will need to use the crate to help with all training, especially house training. They are a challenge to house train!

[@gabriellaguerreiro6474]

Hi Nello!!! I was searching some Italian Greyhound's videos and i started watching this one (i didn't see your name) and thought "oh he looks like Nello" and theeeeeeere you are! hahaha Im from Brazil, I follow you on instagram and i loooove it (my boyfriend too hahah)! Love the video, it helped a lot! :)

[@thelifeofnello]

Awww so sweet, this actually made me giggle a bit 🥰😊 So glad you like it and I feel very honored that you recognized me 😝🐾

[@renroxhrd]

You need to water your Cermet so they an growh.

[@thelifeofnello]

hahahaha exactly, forgot to mention that 🤣

[@chrisklingman2283]

I have a 16 year old Italian Greyhound thank goodness she never had any separation anxiety at all. The house training took a bit of time I’d say 6-9 months she pretty much got the whole litter box thing down. There will be mistakes so be prepared. She isn’t what I would call a Velcro dog but they tend to attach to one person.They do not like noisy households with people shouting and arguing that’s for sure. Brush their teeth as often as possible and watch the nails they grow fast. My dog has her CGC certification and is Therapy Dog certified, so yes they can be trained!

[@animeloveer97]

When she said they were sensitive all I could think of is Jenna marbles saying "cermits are sensitive you must water your cermits or they will cry" or something like tht LMAO

[@justjaniced2008]

Great review of a wonderful breed! ❤️ I truly love Iggy’s

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you for your comment!

[@LonaresGhost]

so cute!! you have a great english level!

[@thelifeofnello]

aw thank you so much. I have to admit it's quite challenging with English not being my mother tongue 😊

[@ca77721]

I love your dog.Especially the colour.

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you!

[@ttapioca5]

Unser italienischer Windhund sieht so sehr wie Nello aus! Sie heißt Polar und ist auch blau. Nello ist sehr süß (obwohl ich natürlich voreingenommen bin).

[@thelifeofnello]

Danke ✨✨✨ IGs are the best!

[@kenwalker5384]

I had an Iggy Whippy Deerhound X , Mach III Millie, She only had two speeds, flat out or spark out! She lived to twenty years old, and only stopped being a puppy at nineteen!

[@8675-__]

Large size IGs don't break legs or have dental issues BUT small ones do have these issues.. SO choose the correct size accordingly.

[@linaulnes8821]

They seem to need about the same as a Papillon, they are small and super active both mentaly and physicaly, probly need a bit more then an Iggy, but the Iggy can do more running. Iggys seems to not like all year outdoors much like the Whippet. Papillon loves being outdoors no matter weather which is why I think Iggy might not fit my current lifestyle. My Papillon loves being out in snow, rain and sunshine. SUP, horse back rides, backpack rides on dog mushing, everything. Iggys seem a little more fragile and wanting to snuggle up indoors when minus degrees and rain. But they seem super sweet and really cool. Papillon is very clingy/dont run far from their owners, but they still good at being alone if trained right. If one don't like to go out in the rain they seem perfect 😊

[@8675-__]

Funny we had the choice between these two breeds and we ended up with 2 IGs.....now 22 yrs later, we have 6 of them.

[@o_b4hia774]

I found my Little one at the street, she is so similar to Nello

[@thelifeofnello]

Maybe she is part Italian Greyhound too :)

[@shangdi3162]

My IG was male & a little more muscular than most. He lived abt 14 years & it's been abt 21 years since he died but I think about him everyday. My mother bred Afghans & my IG definitely thought he was as tuff as they were. He was the only animal out of dozens I still miss. I would love to have another one but I am single & I couldn't leave it alone all the time it wouldn't be fair.

[@mantidream8179]

This little Iggy is just sitting there thinking "I'm baby"

[@thelifeofnello]

That‘s what he is ☺️

[@nikkitaross6220]

Thank you for this video. I want one but main reason I'm sceptical now is about the easy leg brea😔

[@ozielfarias4039]

Great videos! What’s the microphone you’re using ? It sounds great .

[@doggiesarus]

I've had mine for 15 years. She may go for a few more years. The peridontal disease is real. The clingyness, the fact that she sleeps nearly all day (old lady now). A lovely charming dog. I will be sad when she leaves us. About the only thing I will not miss is the house training issue. I trained her to go in a box though. She only makes poop mistakes, and not pee mistakes. I mean, being realistic. And she is a very picky eater. Chicken and rice is all she wants now-- I slip in a few veggies.

[@The1stKing]

1:10 hah, how people can be different. 🙂 I find reason no 2 a con not a pro. It gets exhausting when the dog follows me everywhere, like my shadow (and i would know the feeling because i have a miniature poodle who is also like a magnet).

[@zinaandrusko]

WOW! this was a great idea to make a KZbin channel for Nello! It is really helpful and our italian greyhound is exactly how you said. Love it! 💗

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I'm so glad you liked our first video 💗

[@paulsiv3423]

Great video :D

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so much!

[@nikoletapaidokouki6310]

Lovely video and what a wonderful person Nello is 😊 does he get along with other dogs?

[@thelifeofnello]

He is indeed 🥰 yes! Check out our vlogs to see him with other dogs!

[@ludovicaschiavini1237]

I really enjoyed the video! I have a Whippet and there are similarities both in pros and cons, I think a video like this could be very useful for those who are approaching these breeds which are unique. Super cute Nello♥️

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you so much for your comment. Whippets can be very similar to Italian Greyhounds - they are both Sighthound breeds after all 🥰

[@sage5585]

I strict eating and pooping schedule helps potty training

[@thelifeofnello]

that is true!

[@serenacampanella9969]

Girly don't feel bad I am petrified of bees too! 😂

[@thelifeofnello]

Hehe good to know I‘m not the only one

[@matthewbayinvestor]

I love Italian greyhounds. The potty training difficulty is the only reason that has held us back from getting one. May I ask how long it took to house break your IGs? You didn’t mention that in the video but you suggested yours is fully hose trained. Please let us know! Thanks!

[@thelifeofnello]

It‘s really hard to tell how long it took exactly. He only did his business inside less then 10 times altogether but it took until he was about 6 months old until I really trusted him. It takes time to learn to read their signs. I made a video on how I house trained him, if you want to find out more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYS4nqxrjMRjpM0

[@8675-__]

Females are easy to potty train. Males are not, they can be challenging especially if you have little experience with training.

[@8675-__]

Using food as a reward to reinforce a good habit is always helpful. Just a tip!

[@8675-__]

Females can be trained easily in 2 weeks...Males it can take months. It depends on the dog and your consistency.

[@erin9110]

I thought I wanted a whippet but now I'm torn between the two breeds

[@thelifeofnello]

Check out this thelifeofnello.com/italian-greyhound-vs-whippet Maybe it helps 🐾

[@itshe00]

Wahnsinn, so viele Aufrufe, toll ! Wird Zeit die 1000 zu knacken dann gibt's Kohle 😁

[@anneliewerani4428]

Ohh can you eventually do a video on how you clean Nello‘s teeth? 🤍

[@thelifeofnello]

Yes will do - it‘s on the to-do list already 🥰

[@Houseplantpixie]

Hi thanks for your video. Do you think an Italian greyhound would be OK to leave alone with a second dog? I am doing research now as I want a friend for my 3yr old boy Frankie (he's a huskie x mastiff)

[@thelifeofnello]

I would be very careful with bigger breeds. It might take some time until they are used to each other 🐾

[@mr.sanctum]

Have a greyhound so now all about it lol 😊

[@mammi3577]

Thank you ❤

[@MWCG]

They are so cute

[@anthonycortes7683]

I have your dogs long lost twin brother… I see your dog and I’m looking at mine napping rn same coat and body I’ve been trying to find my dogs family no lie. Any other Italian greyhound his names buddy he’s about to turn a year old tomorrow

[@thelifeofnello]

Hehe all Italian Greyhounds are so much alike ☺️ not only their physical traits but also how they act and what they do. They are the best 🥰

[@camillasgarcia]

Hi there! The solution for Con number 1 is having two of them!

[@thelifeofnello]

hehe but does that always solve the problem or will you just have two waiting for you to come home?

[@palermo131]

@@thelifeofnello, most owners wind up with more than one Iggy, and that was our situation. We had Uccello and Sophia that kept each other company. Separation anxiety should be treated seriously, for the sake of the dogs happiness. The best method I found is to slowly stretch out the time spans of your departures, and never make arriving or departing feel like a special event or they will receive that to mean you felt like you might not make it back. Take them enough places with you that they understand the kind of activities you do when away. Talk often directly to them in full sentences in a normal conversational tone: they will catch on. Do not be overly afraid of breaking your dog’s leg. Your best bet is to buy a quality dog, then the most important thing is to engage them in activities that will strengthen their bones. For that you must engage them in exercise or activities that place extra stress on the bones, like walking large flights of stairs. I trained Uccello to play catch with me at the top of the stairs. He loved it and never tired of it! On one Sunday getting ready for church he chased a squirrel - by jumping off our 2nd story balcony (who knew he could fit through the spindles, or that he would even attempt this?)! He hit the ground most ungracefully, got immediately up without missing a beat, and continued after the critter. PS- if YOU are allowed to sit on the couch all day, you’ll court osteoporosis. It’s common sense.

[@thelifeofnello]

@@palermo131 totally agree with what you said 😊

[@desikarantani3676]

Hello Dear Friend, I am wondering of your expertise to guide the pros and cons of owing an IGGY.

[@thelifeofnello]

☺️🥰

[@Bioeliful153]

Can they fly in the airplane cabin (can they fit on a small bag/kennel)? or do they need to go down in a kennel with the luggage?

[@Iriarte84]

Omg Nelloooo 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@thelifeofnello]

hehe little baby was tired 😁

[@Jennifer-xw7uq]

I'm surprised Nello's mom didn't stress the importance of keeping an Italian Greyhound on leash at all times when they are outside. It's one of the first things that is stressed when buying or adopting an Iggy. The exception is if they are in an enclosed (fenced) area. Because they are sighthounds, they will chase something they see and there is no catching them. They are so focused on the chase that they will not pay attention to anything else, making recall difficult, if not impossible! It only takes seconds before they are out of sight. You can imagine what would happen if they run into traffic. Once you get to know your dog, you may be able to let them off leash in certain situations, but there is always a risk. Having said that, they are an absolutely wonderful breed.

[@thelifeofnello]

I have not stressed this because I don‘t agree. Nello was off leash in safe areas (that were not fenced) from day 1 on. But what I do want to stress in this context is that recall practice is essential (we have a video on that too). But of course they are a lot faster that other breeds and you always have to be very attentive ☺️

[@Jennifer-xw7uq]

@@thelifeofnello I certainly understand your point and you're absolutely right about recall practice. However, here in the US, especially in our cities, we don't have the same safe, open areas nearby as you seem to. Walking our dogs along streets with traffic is common. Your videos with Nello are setting a wonderful example for what is possible with an IG, but for people considering an Iggy for the first time (which is the point of your video,) I just think it's important to emphasize that leashing a sighthound is a good safety practice while owners are getting to know (and train) their dog. Anyway, Nello is an adorable and extremely well-trained pup, so kudos!

[@thelifeofnello]

@@Jennifer-xw7uq thank you 😊

[@johnkoester7795]

Make sure you water them so they can grow

[@thelifeofnello]

I have been waiting for this 😝🥰

[@johnkoester7795]

@@thelifeofnello This comment?

[@thelifeofnello]

@@johnkoester7795 yes! I love Cermet

[@superalien4781]

what about health issues please ?

[@aeroscapeuk7175]

We really want an Italian greyhound, but we work full time so are out of the house for 8hrs a day. I know these dogs have separation issues… but would 8hrs alone be a problem for them? Or can it be something we can train?

[@ssglopezvm]

I have 2 IGs... love these dogs. The female is pregnant. I'm in Hawaii.

[@anastasijapeters9327]

I like!

[@anthonycortes7683]

If you got a Instagram for your dog I’d be very happy to follow it, and I can post a pic of my dog they’re so identical like 98% nvm 100%

[@thelifeofnello]

Sure, you can find us on Instagram - @thelifeofnello ☺️

[@TrangTran-lc8nh]

Hi, can you share how you take care of his teeth please?

[@thelifeofnello]

Yes, we will cover that in one of our next videos 😊

[@limithegoat]

OMG I WQNTTT ONEEEEEE

[@kasiafatyga1677]

Is it true that this breed is safe for people with allergies?

[@thelifeofnello]

I would always recommend to meet an Iggy in person as everybody is different but yes, they are considered hypoallergenic ☺️

[@kasiafatyga1677]

@@thelifeofnello Thank you so much! Im so in love with Nello

[@thelifeofnello]

@@kasiafatyga1677 makes me happy to hear 🥰

[@FarObserver]

Cute little elf

[@Temms]

You forgot the biggest bonus, they barely have any smell!

[@leonjourney8334]

Mines like Houdini and a stalker had baby. I have a back yard, and mine won't go out unless I go out with him. He's literally touching me almost 24/7. Destroyed my front door after he DESTROYED his cage METAL cage when I left the house.

[@RickRubinesque]

It's a posh whippet

[@pheonix9821]

I have a question .... Will having a companion make it easy for them to live alone?

[@thelifeofnello]

Maybe easier - but only with proper training and still only for a few hours ☺️

[@pheonix9821]

@@thelifeofnello that's really sad I thought I can get one but seems like I need to look out for other breed but thank God I got to know it before getting one .... I don't want to make a animal suffer

[@VINvIN344]

harsh strict training is a no no, stress that

[@thelifeofnello]

I agree!

[@Dmicroluv]

he is 😻😻😻 how many hours a day do you spend walking with him outside?

[@thelifeofnello]

Thank you 🥰 It always depends on what the weather is like but normally around 1h 😊

[@Dmicroluv]

@@thelifeofnello is it half in the morning, and half in the afternoon or you two take one whole hour of walking?

[@thelifeofnello]

​@@Dmicroluv On some days we go for a walk for one whole hour, yes. On other days it's only 30 minutes and a few short "pee breaks" 😊

[@Dmicroluv]

@@thelifeofnello thank you kindly!

[@santas_1708]

귀여워~ ㅎㅎ

[@thelifeofnello]

감사

[@thelifeofnello]

haha I have no clue if google translate was right here ;)

[@uluwatu77]

Quick question to anyone. I have an Italian Greyhound, no privacy and biggest problem is that I can't leave him overnight with anyone else, so no more trips to Asia for me. Would getting a second iggy change anything? Would it make it easier to leave them both together with a dog sitter?

[@gantzthegreat8998]

proud iigy and whippet owner here.....get a whippet, they are better. Thank me later!

[@cathiestead5549]

Ok enough of the word Super lol

[@hibiscusfreak]

I agree. When did "super" replace "very?"

[@mrkillmoney]

Please consider therapy

[@alanabarros5540]

Just loooove to follow Nello’s day to day, he was actually born to be a influencer 🤣 I’m passionate with dogs, especially with iggys, but Nello is diferent, I can feel it (for real!!). He’s my favorite. Love u, Nello!!! Ur the cutest! Kisses n sooo much love from you brazilian fan 🇧🇷❤️

[@thelifeofnello]

Obrigado Alana, this means so much ❤️ Iggies really are special, there is just no other breed like them. Sending lots of love all the way to Brazil, have some bolinho de arroz for me (they are delicious!)