Do Italian Greyhounds Bark and Are They a Noisy Breed?

Dogs are vocal creatures, with some more so than others. Smaller dogs often have a reputation for being more likely to bark or yap than their bigger relatives. However, some breeds bark for reasons that matter.one

Do Italian Greyhounds bark?

Italian Greyhounds or Iggies bark instead of yap, commonly associated with small breeds. Owners used to small breeds that spend a lot of time yapping will find Iggies very refreshing.

Most of the barking you’ll hear from Italian Greyhounds is protective, usually occurring when seeing or hearing strangers.

Although spirited hunters when they see rabbits or similar game, these dogs are mellow and bark only when necessary.

What is the Italian Greyhound’s Background?

The Italian Greyhound is a Type of greyhound with ancient origins dating back 2,000 years. Archaeologists have found skeletons and art from this period in Turkey and Greece showing evidence of dogs like Iggies.

These dogs were probably small-game hunters who also served as faithful pets.

The breed became popular during the Middle Ages and enjoyed a popular place among Italian nobility in the 16th century. These dogs were considered fashionable in that era.

The Iggie’s background as a hunter contributes to its tendency to bark. Dogs used for hunting stay especially alert to their surroundings.

The natural alertness makes these dogs aware of anyone or anything unfamiliar, human or animal.

These hounds may not know if an unknown person or animal is a friend or foe. However, they will make sure their owner knows all about it.

What Type of Personality Do Italian Greyhounds Have?

Italian Greyhounds have loving, sweet personalities and a strong need for affection. She may be nervous if an Iggie receives less attention than she should. Dogs who become nervous may bark more, usually out of fear.

These dogs sometimes tend to prefer one person. When a dog likes one person, she might become more demanding of that person’s attention than dogs that prefer the whole family. Demanding dogs may bark more when their “preferred person” is not around.

Nervous dogs who bark out of fear may need to be sensitized to new stimuli. When dogs can see that they are not about to be harmed, they will show a little more confidence around new people and places.

Dogs who prefer one person may need to be taught not to bark if their owner isn’t nearby.

If other family members reward your dog with treats for staying quiet when you’re out, your dog will participate in less of this behavior.

How Much Do Italian Greyhounds Bark Compare to Other Dogs?

Understanding a dog’s natural barking tendency is essential to understand the breed. You’ll be able to deal with behavior issues quickly.

Italian Greyhounds bark little in comparison to most breeds. Their disinclination to bark helps make these small dogs great for apartment living.

Although Iggies don’t have the guarding instincts of some other breeds, they will bark at perceived intruders.

What Makes Italian Greyhounds Bark?

Italian Greyhounds are rarely nuisance barkers, but it helps to know what triggers their barking.

Unfamiliar people or animals might make your dog feel territorial. Usually, the louder your dog barks, the closer the perceived intruder is to your Iggie.

A strange sound or object your dog has never seen might also cause barking.

Italian Greyhounds who spend too much time alone may bark from boredom.

If your Iggie has separation anxiety, she may bark non-stop when you’re out of the house. Pacing and destructive or depressed behavior often come with separation anxiety.

Your Italian Greyhound might bark when greeting other dogs she sees. This barking usually comes from friendly behavior like tail-wagging. If the other dog responds similarly, you can be sure your pup has a new friend.

These types of barking are typical behaviors that should not usually be an issue of concern. When your dog’s barking becomes a problem, you can take steps to resolve it.
Most dogs respond well to corrective measures to discourage nuisance barking.

What If Your Italian Greyhound’s Barking is a Problem?

Taking action when your Italian Greyhound has issues with nuisance barking is essential to control this behavior.

The longer your dog has been getting away with nuisance barking, the harder it will be to control her.

One thing you can do is remove whatever stimulus is making your Iggy bark. For example, restrict her access if your dog barks at something she sees out a window.

You might consider removing chairs or couches from the area that she’s using.

Sometimes, dogs get in the habit of barking to get their owner’s attention. Even telling your dog to be quiet is a reward because she still gets attention. Ignoring your dog until she quiets down and giving her a treat works well.

Your Italian Greyhound’s barking could signify she’s not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.

Tired dogs are usually better-behaved dogs. Increasing your dog’s playtime will reduce the chances of her spending as much time barking.

Sometimes owners will have little or no success getting their Iggies to stop barking. When your best efforts ultimately fail, you may want to enlist the help of a dog trainer. Using a trainer can help you overcome other issues your dog may have.

How Do You Keep Your Italian Greyhound from Barking at Other Dogs?

Italian Greyhounds may have different reasons for barking at other dogs. Some of the most common reasons Iggies may bark at other dogs include:

• Poor socialization around people or pets
• Anger or fear because of abuse
• Real or perceived threats to the dog or home
• Excitement over food or seeing the owner
• Playful feelings

Making socialization a priority is key to helping your Italian Greyhound get used to other dogs. When introducing your Iggie to other dogs, do so in a “neutral” environment. Rewarding your dog with treats for being friendly is helpful.

If your dog shows hostility, gentle but firm correction is in order. This behavior might be rooted in dominant feelings toward the other dog or fear. Your dog needs to realize that the other dog is not a threat.

On the one hand, having a dog bark when someone is at the door is a good thing. However, you must help your dog understand when to quiet down. Rewarding her with a treat when she quiets down on command is helpful.

This technique also works for overly excitable barking. When a dog knows enough to use her “indoor voice,” things will be more peaceful.

What If Your Italian Greyhound Barks at Night?

Italian Greyhounds, like other dogs, sometimes bark at inconvenient times. Barking at night can be particularly disruptive. Some reasons for barking at night may include boredom, fear, loneliness, or barking because of other noisy dogs.

Keeping your Iggy inside at night can stop a lot of nuisance barking. Dogs might feel isolated when left outside at night if they are often around their families. If other dogs nearby bark a lot, this may encourage your dog to bark, too.

Sometimes, dogs barking nearby at night can encourage your dog to bark even if inside. A white noise maker can help drown out these sounds and discourage your dog’s barking.

If your home has a quiet environment, your dog will sleep better.