Italian Greyhound

Shivering is common in IGs and usually has simple causes: cold, excitement or nervousness. With no undercoat and little body fat, they lose heat quickly even indoors. A fleece jumper, a covered bed and a warm room often stop it. If your IG trembles while warm and relaxed, seems in pain, or the shaking comes with other changes such as weakness or vomiting, see a vet.

Many do, especially when raised with a cat from puppyhood. An IG may learn to ignore its own cat indoors while still chasing cats in the garden or on walks. Introduce them slowly, supervise early meetings and give the cat high escape routes. An adult IG from a rescue with a strong chase history may never be safe, so ask about its past behavior.

You cannot remove all risk, but you can cut it sharply. Use ramps or steps for beds and sofas, avoid high furniture for young dogs, and never let a puppy leap from your arms. Keep play with bigger dogs supervised and on soft ground. The riskiest period runs from about 4 to 18 months, so be most careful then, when bones are still maturing.

They have a reputation for it, and it is well deserved. Small bladders, dislike of wet weather and sensitivity to scolding make the process slow. Take your IG out every two hours at first, go outside with it, reward immediately, and consider a coat on cold days. Crate training with a correctly sized crate also helps. Most get there with consistency, but expect months, not weeks.

It can work in a calm family with children old enough to handle a dog gently, usually 8 years and up. Toddlers who grab, drop or fall on a small dog pose a real risk of fractures. IGs are also sensitive to noise and rough play. If your household is busy and loud, a sturdier small breed might be happier and safer.