Bella Italian Greyhound Clear Lake, IA

This is Bella - she is an Italian Greyhound and is under a year and a half. She is spayed, up to date on her shots and is now ready to be adopted. She is reported to not get along well with small "squeaky" dogs which is typical of the breed.

Because they aren't an extremely popular breed in Iowa - here is some of what you should know about this breed, however, we highly recommend you do your research if you are interested in adopting her.

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!

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. 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.

Polite (often a bit aloof) with strangers, there is potential for timidity, so he should be socialized early and thoroughly.

The Italian Greyhound is amiable with other dogs and cats, but some have a high prey drive and will run squeaky creatures into the ground.

They are mildly stubborn and very sensitive. They respond favorably only to gentle, upbeat training methods that emphasize cheerful praise and food rewards. Physical corrections upset them because they can be "touch-sensitive", startling when touched unexpectedly or grabbed suddenly not suitable for a home with small chilren.

Italian Greyhounds have marvelously quirky, inquisitive, demanding personalities that are unique from other breeds. With all of their special needs, they are not good choices for inexperienced dog owners.

UPSIDE TO ITALIAN GREYHOUND:
Is small and lightweight, with a unique slender, curvy build that he often shows off by posing like an elegant porcelain statue; Has a sleek easy-care coat that comes in many colors; Doesn't shed very much (though is not a hypoallergenic breed); Moves with light-footed grace and a high-stepping gait; Can switch from couch potato to fast, agile athlete in an instant; Is polite and peaceful with everyone; Doesn't bark much.

DOWNSIDE TO ITALIAN GREYHOUND:
The fragility of toy breeds; Shyness when not socialized enough; Keeping him on-leash or in a safe enclosure, as he would otherwise dash away, oblivious to your calls, in pursuit of anything that moves; Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule; An independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training; Notorious housebreaking difficulties.