Editing Italian Greyhound (section)

== Characteristics ==

[[File:IG Valerka.jpg|thumb|The coat is short]]

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds.{{r|akc}} It weighs no more than {{val|5|u=kg}} and stands {{val|32|to|38|u=cm}} at the [[withers]].{{r|enci}} It is deep in the chest, with a tucked-up abdomen, long slender legs and a long neck. The head is small, elongated and narrow.{{r|enci}} The gait should be high-stepping and well-sprung, with good forward extension in the trot, and a fast gallop.{{r|enci}} The coat may be solid black, or grey or [[isabelline (colour)|isabelline]] in any shade; white markings are accepted on the chest and feet only.{{r|enci}}

Median [[longevity]] is about 14 years, compared to an average of 12.5 for all dogs.{{r|dk|page=127|kim|page2=127|uk}}

The dogs may be affected by breed-related [[neurological]] abnormalities including [[congenital deafness]] and [[intervertebral disc disorder|cervical intervertebral disc disease]].{{r|ron|p=291}} In the United States, the [[Ortheopedic Foundation for Animals]] has found the Italian Greyhound to be the least affected by [[Hip dysplasia (canine)|hip dysplasia]] of 157 breeds studied, with an incidence of 0.{{r|ofa}}