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.