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I am about to get an Italian Greyhound; Do the break their bones eaisely?

I have friends who have them and they say no, but the "SUPER DOOPER PROFESSINAL WEBSITES" say yes......help me?

Public Comments

yes they do have very fragile bones. They are still very good dogs but you have to be careful.
Any dog can eaisly break bones, just be careful.
Talk to a qualified breeder. I've read that mixed breed dogs have less health problems than full breeds. Just saying.
yes
AKC Ranking: 51 Family: sighthound, Southern (sighthound) Area of Origin: Italy Date of Origin: ancient times Original Function: lap dog Today's Function: companion Avg Size of male: Height: 13-15 Weight: 7-14 Avg Size of Female: Height: 13-15 Weight: 7-14 Other Name: piccolo Levrieve Italiani History The Italian greyhound has been around for many centuries, but exactly how and when this miniaturized greyhound was developed has been lost in time. Evidence of dogs resembling the Italian greyhound can be found in art dating nearly 2,000 years ago from Turkey, Greece and other areas around the Mediterranean. By the Middle Ages, miniaturized greyhounds could be found throughout southern Europe, but they found special favor with Italian courtiers. The breed came to England in the 17th century, quickly becoming as popular with nobility there as they had been in their Italian homeland. In 1820, the Italian greyhound was one of only two toy breeds mentioned in a book about dogs. The Italian greyhound continued to find favor, reaching its peak during the reign of Queen Victoria. After that time, its numbers declined, however, and the breed dwindled to such an extent that it almost disappeared in England after World War II. One possible reason for its decline was a degradation in quality, because dogs were bred for tiny size, often without regard to soundness and health. Fortunately, Italian greyhounds had come to America in the late 1800s, and even though their numbers were small, these dogs were of high quality. They, along with other imports, helped revive the breed in Europe. Since then, the Italian greyhound has risen gradually in popularity and is now enjoying a second renaissance. Temperament A sighthound in a small package, the Italian greyhound shares its larger relatives' characteristics. It loves to run and chase. It is extremely gentle and sensitive. Reserved, often timid, with strangers, it is devoted to its family and is good with children, and other dogs and pets. However, it can be easily injured by boisterous children and larger dogs. Upkeep The Italian greyhound likes a daily romp outdoors, but it hates the cold. Its exercise needs are best met with a good walk on leash or even a rollicking game indoors. It also likes to stretch out and sprint in a fenced area. This breed cannot live outdoors. Care of the fine short hair is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Regular brushing of the teeth is important in this breed. Health • Major concerns: peridontal disease • Minor concerns: epilepsy, leg fractures, patellar luxation, PRA • Occasionally seen: none • Suggested tests: knee, eye • Life span: 12 – 15 years • Note: The breed is susceptible to leg and tail fractures. It shares the sighthound sensitivity to anesthesia and barbituates. Form and Function Essentially a slender miniature greyhound, the Italian greyhound is exceptionally elegant and graceful. It embodies the same qualities that enable the full-sized greyhound to run at top speed using the double-suspension gallop: a curvaceous outline with a slight arch over the loin and good rear angulation. Its gait is high-stepping and free. The coat is short and glossy, like satin.
Well, yes, because they're so delicate, you need to be careful. They can easily break bones in a fall, being stepped on, or by larger dogs, especially as puppies.
I do not know a lot about that type of animal, but i think that if you feed him/her a good type of dog kibble, and have them on a healthy diet than i assume that it will be OK. Hope this Helps!
When Italian Greyhounds are young and still growing their legs are very fragile. You need to be careful with him and make sure he is not jumping off the furniture or bed until he is full grown. Once he is full grown, they are hardy little dogs. Always keep an eye on the legs though, they are what will break if your IG breaks a bone. Good luck with your IG....and be very patient when house training :-)
Yes, they are VERY fragile! They can break their leg rather easily. Please look at this site and look under health problems: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/italiangreyhound.htm
I would say listen to your friends.... the people with experience . I personally haven't had one, but I haven't ever heard of anyone that had one having any problems. My advice is to just to let him be a normal dog and not worry about it. Don't take unnecessary risks of course... but treat him like you would any other dog. Good luck!!!
i have one and you do have to be careful becuz they are fragile but if you don't let him jump down from higher places then he'll be fine!!! (mine jumped off the couch when he was REALLY little and he started whining but only becuz he stunned himself) lol
they would break easier than a stouter dogs. but a lot would depend on their breeding and your upkeep of them.
Italian Greyhounds, due to their long, slender legs, are more prone to leg breaks than some breeds. However, according to the orthopedic specialist who recently repaired my IG's broken leg, not as often as Poms and Toy Poodles. The problem with an IG is that when they DO break, it is usually right at the thinnest part of the 'wrist' (pastern) so it is hard to repair. They ALWAYS need a specialist to repair an IG that is broken. Most will be plated, some pinned, and some with a Kirschner apparatus. IG leg repairs are expensive (usually well over $3000). There are innate complications to an IG leg repair. In order to heal well, a bone needs blood supply. Without muscle tissue, there is limited blood supply. With the thin legs, the blood supply is further dimished when the leg is immobilized. Plus, the break is usually so low down that there is limited places to insert screws to hold the plate on. The good news is, if they reach adulthood without breaking, they usually won't break. The most dangerous age is the 7 month to 13 month stage when their brain hasn't caught up with their body! They think they can fly and that they are immortal. However, treating your IG like porcelain will make it worse! IGs need to develop bone density (which is only developed with usage), coordination and muscle tone to have strong bones. They need to learn how to fall when they are still small and rubbery! My general rule of thumb is, if the IG puppy can't get somewhere by itself, it isn't allowed there. Do not put it on the couch or bed unless it can get there by itself. I have been breeding and showing IGs for 25 years now.... and in that time have had 3 who have broken. The rest have been strong, wonderful companions. Other things to look for in IGs are epilepsy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Pateller Luxation. Do not buy from a breeder who cannot provide current OFA certificates for patellas and a certificate from CERF that is no more than a year old, both showing that the parents are clear. Also, join www.iggyplanet.com, it is a fun, informative and interactive forum for IG fans.