What It Is Like to Own an Italian Greyhound

Before Sean and I were considering adopting Kimbia, I had never heard of the specific breed, Italian greyhound. Of course I have heard of greyhounds but Italian was new to me. Kimbia, however, isn't full Italian greyhound, she is half Italian greyhound and half Jack Russell Terrier. I was interested in learning more about the Italian greyhound breed so he other night I was just doing some research and I read this:
The Italian Greyhound is sweet-natured and gentle, yet also exceptionally playful and athletic. This warmth-seeking, comfort-loving dog can usually be found basking in sunspots or snuggled into soft furniture, often hidden under a blanket, pillow, or towel. When you own an Italian Greyhound, you need to watch where you sit! 

Kimbia is such a sweetie pie, I constantly refer to her as a cuddle bug, she loves to snuggle up right next to you and give you all of her love.


She clearly has the snuggling position down!

But if this breed sounds like the perfect couch potato . . . he isn't! In between his placid snuggles, Italian Greyhounds will suddenly explode into a burst of vigorous running and leaping, tearing pell-mell around the house or yard, darting and zigzagging at breakneck speeds and literally bouncing off the walls, fence, sofa, or beds.
Perching themselves up high on the back of your sofa to better see out the window, young Italian Greyhounds are notorious for breaking their long fragile legs as they launch themselves fearlessly into space and crash to the floor. Their spurts of reckless abandon can be nerve-wracking to live with!
The same is true outdoors. A yard that hopes to contain an Italian Greyhound should have a high (at least six-foot fence), because this racy, agile breed is a fantastic jumper. Off-leash walks would be foolish for a similar reason: he can be out of sight in seconds.

Remember this jumping photo? It isn't even half of how she can ACTUALLY jump!
Polite (often a bit aloof) with strangers, there is potential for timidity, so he should be socialized early and thoroughly. Info found here
As I was reading through the above information, I was laughing and sharing with Sean because this description is EXACTLY Kimbia. The only difference is because she is half Jack Russell, she doesn't have the super skinny legs that a normal Italian greyhound has. 
Around 9pm each night, Kimbia will start doing what I consider her laps, she is like a bullet, running up around, zigzagging every which way, on the bed, under the bed, it seems like she is everywhere all at once with her speed.
Kimbia is beyond loyal, she is very attached to Sean and I. From the second, Kimbia hears the garage door opening when Sean is coming home, she is right at the door which leads into the garage, whining because she knows her dad is home.

If you like a very loyal dog, can deal with the fact that they aren't ever completely housebroken (which is Kimbia), will be a cuddle bug full of love and then dart around your house full of energy than an Italian greyhound is for you. After reading all of the Italian greyhound traits, it makes me wonder how much of Kimbia is actually Jack Russell...
Next Wednesday, I'll be sharing what it is like to own a jack russell terrier.

58 comments:

Dasha Crawford said...

He is such a cutie pie!

The Olive Tree Blog said...

awwwwww so cute! our dogs actually start barking about a min before the garage door opens when my husband gets home...it is crazy how they can sense it!

Always Maylee said...

Aww what a cute doggy. And I love her name!

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Ashley @ ThisUnscriptedLife said...

He is so cute! My dog does laps at night too. She is a German Shepard mix though so it's quite dangerous lol A huge 50 pound dog running all around the house up and down the stairs is not a good thing... We all just sit on the couch and laugh. I've read that dogs do that when they have a lot of energy and that walking them helps. We walk her twice a day so I don't think that helps lol

Kyla said...

I LOVE Italian Greyhounds...Kimbia is adorable! My friend has 3, and they are my favorite dogs, hands down. I can't wait until I have an apartment that allows pets, because I will be adopting an IG :)

REBrown said...

We have a chihuahua/rat terrier mix and he sounds really similar. He's really high energy, but really snuggly too.

Darby Hawley said...

I've heard of their energy level, and that jumping picture proves it! I love this post and seeing your sweet pup!

Shannon Marie said...

This pictures are too cute! I am longing to get a dog, especially a puppy, but I know I'm not at a point in my life where I could give the little one enough time and attention! I've puppy sat for a family and their dog did laps too! So funny!

Anonymous said...

I love that photo with get all cuddled up in the bed! So cute!!! And I love dogs who are super active and cuddly, she sounds perfect!

TheTinyHeart said...

Aww Kimbia is so cute!The photo of her jumping is awesome!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
1000 Followers Giveaway Extravaganza!

Unknown said...

Kimbia makes me want a dog! How freaking cute are all those snuggle pictures?! dying.

Leah said...

What an adorable dog. She is so adorable and looks like she loves you all a ton.
I've been thinking of making an addition to our family so the kids can enjoy loving on a puppy and the puppy loving back, but I still have yet to complete my research. Looks like you all made a right choice in choosing her.

Emily said...

These pictures are so adorable! What a cute dog!

creamyclothes.blogspot.com

Jennifer @ Delightfully Noted said...

Awww...Kimbia sounds just like my older doxie, Sianna. Sweet, cuddly, and the burst of energy and laps...yep, just like her!AND am I glad to hear about the housebroken thing I mean not for you bc that sucks but because it is the same with our daschunds and I always felt like I was the only dog owner w. these issues beyond puppy hood.

chantal marie said...

aww she sounds wonderful~! haha she sounds a lot like my Bijou! I wonder if Bijou is part Italian Greyhound!!

Hannah said...

Aww I love italian greyhounds so much. I think if I ever get a 2nd dog I will get an Italian Greyhound. I didn't know that they are never fully housebroken though! That's been my biggest frustration with my chihuahua/maltipoo mix. Do you use potty pads for Kimbia?

Also, my family has a JRT and the running laps sounds exactly like her! We call them "turbo runs" because she will just break out into a sprint randomly. So cute.

Lisamarie said...

Kimibia is adorable! My sister has a chihuahua mix that does "hot laps" each night. Little dogs are so much fun.

Helene said...

What an adorable pooch! Dogs are just the best- aren't they! thanks for sharing.

Rach said...

Awww she is just SO cute! Love that she is such a snuggler and also such a fearless leaper! :)

stephanie said...

omg what a cutie! and that jump is flat out impressive!!

la petite fashionista said...

she looks like the perfect pup! sweet and energetic. enjoy the addition!

Kelly said...

Your dog is absolutely adorable!

xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Anonymous said...

I've always heard amazing things about them, she looks so so adorable!!

Xo, Rachel
Glitzy Blues

funsizetessa said...

hahaha she looks like a whole lot of fun! so cute!

Sarah said...

Yes, love this!! She does have the snuggling part down!! I love a snuggly dog!

Hannah R. said...

We have a 70 pound German Shepherd/Doberman/Greyhound mix, and a 4 pound Applehead Chihuahua. They are best friends, and my chihuahua likes to go crazy and run laps around our living room. Her energy amazes me. :)

Alisa Marie said...

Your puppy is so cute! We just adopted 2 kitties from the SPCA and they have been so much fun! I'm more of a dog person, but we just aren't home enough to own a dog. Kitties were the next best thing :)

Lisa said...

She is just so cute!! Our dog also runs laps at nice, we call it her "track" race. She used to run in circles under the chairs in our dining room table as a puppy, and as we let her explore more rooms and now she has reign over the entire house, she runs all over the place. It is so entertaining! None of my other dogs growing up did this so I thought it was "her" thing..apparently not :) haha

Unknown said...

oh my goodness!! Of course you would find my page, then I yours, and then see this post about your adorable puppy. Why? Because all I've been thinking about lately is how much I want my own little pooch!!! The boyfriend and I are waiting until we get married but thanks for making it that much harder ;)
Lol in all seriousness though, great post.. I'm sending it to my man ... NOW.
XO
Angela
www.fashionablecents.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

She is PRECIOUS! We used to have a Jack Russel Terrier/Mini Pincher and he looked just like her! He was the best dog ever. Sweet, loving, playful, snuggly. Congratulations on your new addition to the family. She is going to bring you so much joy! :)
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/

Lindsay said...

Hey thanks for visiting my blog!
So sweet! My parents have two Jack Russells and I fully intend to kidnap them one of these days... I love happy, energetic dogs like yours :)

Chelsea said...

I want a puppy so bad! Your dog looks sooooo cute!

lo @ crazy ever after said...

Omg! I know you've commented on my blog before saying we had dog twins. I know I never responded....but I wanted to and forgot until I happened upon your blog today. Ahhhh. Sorry! Anyway. Bop on over to our blog and see what happened to out IG/JRT(or chihuahua) this past Sunday. Sad stuff, but we are happy to say he survived. I love that you wrote a post all about this breed. They are so fascinating. Our Bobo boy blesses our life immensely. Oh and our other dog is a JRT/chihuahua. Equally as awesome.

Alexa said...

The jumping photo still gets me! So hilarious!

TracyZLesh @ Then I Got To Thinking said...

Love the jumping photo... what a joy!! I love dogs... they provide so much unconditional love!

Holly said...

Kimbia is adorable!

Emily {Isnt That Charming} said...

Haha omg Kimbia is SO cute!! I love the picture of the jumping! haha

Sarah Alway said...

OMG she is so adorable! I've always wanted an Italian Greyhound, but my husband is a "big dog" person. I just think they are gorgeous and I really like the Jack Russell mix, too!

Kristin said...

she's adorable!! have you heard of jenna marbles?? look her up on youtube, shes a riot and owns a grey italian pup

Sophielou said...

she's so so so cute! and these pictures are amazing!! xxx

Unknown said...

These photos are so sweet - what a funny and adorble pup! I really want to get a dog sometime soon - they are so precious!

Happily following your blog now!

xo,
Maya

Lindsay [rookie's nest] said...

What a little cutie pie!!

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

Kimbia sounds like such a sweet dog and a lovely companion. It looks like she adds a real spark to your lives :)

Rowena @ rolala loves

Lauren said...

he's so precious! Bogey, my furry son, will always be my first born! ha!

Lindsey Louise Bales said...

awww, what a cute doggy! your blog is so wonderful dear.

lindsey louise

hellomrrabbit.blogspot.com

Discovery Street said...

sooooooooo cute!! we can't wait to adopt another dog!

Ashley said...

Wow, it's amazing they can jump that high! They sound like such cuddle bugs... I love all the pictures of your dog snuggling up and getting cozy. This makes me want a puppy sooo badly. Maybe Santa will bring us one. (:

Unknown said...

Hi Meg, I just read your comment over at WorthingtonLower.com and I completely agree with you. I have a hard time putting Mugsy and the Ardell family out of my mind and I am really sad that they can't at least have closure. At the very least. Kimbia looks like a lovely dog! It is the best feeling when someone thinks the world of you and brings so much joy to your life :)

Unknown said...

I am dying from cuteness. Now I want one!

Mrs. Pancakes said...

Kimbia is too cute! Love his action photos!

rooth said...

Aww, Kimbia looks like a bundle of energy and love, which is more than I can say about some people!

Sara McCarty said...

She is so sweet! I love the jumping photo! I wish my pups loved to cuddle and snuggle this much!

Natalie said...

She is a cutie pie! I have a JRT so I can testify that she has a lot of those traits too...Molly will do the "Terrier Terror" which she gets hyped up and seriously she is a gal that loves to cuddle and be on a pillow, under the blankets, but definitely curled up on something.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

Your pictures are adorable! what a little cutie pup!

Holly Foxen Wells of Glamour Mash said...

aww my gosh! She is such a cutie! I love greyhounds and had never heard of this breed! That photo of Kimbia hanging from the kimono is too funny!

holly foxen wells
www.GlamourMash.com

Janna Renee said...

She is gorgeous!! I don't know if I could handle all of that energy, but the cute factor would help with that ;)

Deanna said...

I was looking for images of italian greyhound mixes and came actoss this older post. Kimbia sounds exactly like our dog Max. He was a rescue and the shelter said Italian greyhound mix. I'm pretty sure the other half is Jack Russell. I'm not kidding. They sound like long lost siblings - from running laps at breakneck speed to snuggling under the covers. They even have the same colors, white and tan. He's an awesome dog and it's cool to see someone out there with the same pup experiences as us!

Unknown said...

We got our dog from the humane society almost two years ago. We were told that he was a chihuahua miniture pincher mix. After doing some research we think he is an Italian greyhound/ jack Russell terrier mix. He has all the characteristics that you describe, he will jump from ine piece of furniture to another, jump up and down repeatedly, race around anytime he happens to be off a leash. He always wants to be under the blanket wether sitting in your lap or curled up in bed. Thank you for sharing, I have absolutely no doubt to at least part of his heritage. He is a great dog as yours seems to be also. Thanks for the information.