Italian Greycrested
The Italian Greycrested is a cross between the Italian Greyhound and the Chinese Crested. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Italian Greycrested. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is an elegant and slender toy breed that stands between thirteen and fifteen inches at the shoulder and weighs seven to fourteen pounds. This miniature sighthound possesses a refined, graceful appearance with a body that is built for speed and agility. The breed features a narrow, long head with a fine muzzle that tapers to a dark nose, and their skull is almost flat with a slight stop. Their ears are small, delicate, and folded back along the head in what is described as a rose-shaped formation. The Italian Greyhound's deep chest and tucked abdomen create the distinctive silhouette characteristic of sighthound breeds, while their long, slender legs end in distinctive hare-shaped feet with well-arched toes. The neck is long, gracefully arched, and blends smoothly into the shoulders. The coat of the Italian Greyhound is short, glossy, and satin-like in texture, lying close to the body and requiring minimal grooming. This breed comes in a wide variety of colors including black, blue, cream, fawn, red, sable, and various shades of these colors with or without white markings. The American Kennel Club breed standard accepts any color or marking except brindle and the black-and-tan markings found in some other breeds. Their skin is thin and supple, adding to their refined appearance but also making them more susceptible to cold temperatures and minor injuries. White markings are commonly seen on the chest, feet, and sometimes as a blaze on the face. The Italian Greyhound moves with a distinctive high-stepping, free-flowing gait that showcases their elegant structure. Their long, tapering tail is set low and curves gracefully, often carried between the legs when the dog is relaxed. The breed's expressive dark eyes convey an alert and intelligent demeanor and are medium-sized with a soft, appealing expression. Despite their delicate appearance, Italian Greyhounds are surprisingly athletic and capable of impressive bursts of speed, reaching up to twenty-five miles per hour when running. Their overall appearance should convey refinement and elegance in every aspect.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed tends to be reserved and somewhat aloof with strangers, though they typically warm up over time. Early socialization is essential to help them develop confidence and prevent excessive shyness or timidity. Italian Greyhounds can coexist peacefully with other dogs and pets, particularly if raised together, though their strong prey drive may cause them to chase small animals. They are generally good with gentle older children but may not be the best match for households with very young children due to their fragile build and sensitivity to rough handling.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Progressive retinal atrophy and primary closed angle glaucoma are hereditary eye conditions that can lead to vision loss or blindness in affected dogs. Genetic testing is available and recommended for breeding stock to reduce the incidence of these conditions. Italian Greyhounds may also experience hypothyroidism, epilepsy, autoimmune disorders, and color dilution alopecia in dogs with dilute coat colors. Due to their thin coat and low body fat, Italian Greyhounds are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures and require protection such as sweaters or coats during cooler weather.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a distinctive toy breed that stands between eleven and thirteen inches at the shoulder and typically weighs five to twelve pounds. This elegant breed comes in two distinct varieties that can appear in the same litter: the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Hairless variety features soft, smooth human-like skin over most of the body with hair present only on the head forming the characteristic crest, on the feet creating socks, and on the tail forming a flowing plume. The Powderpuff variety is completely covered with a soft, silky double coat that falls straight and is moderately dense. Both varieties share the same fine-boned, graceful structure that gives the breed its refined appearance. The Chinese Crested possesses a wedge-shaped head with a slightly rounded skull and a distinctive, almost regal appearance. Their large, erect ears are set low on the head and may be fringed with hair in the Hairless variety. The breed's almond-shaped eyes are set wide apart and can range from dark to light colors depending on coat color, conveying an alert and inquisitive expression. The body is slightly longer than tall with a level topline, moderate tuck-up, and a slender tail that tapers to a curve and is carried gaily when the dog is in motion. The Chinese Crested is accepted in virtually any color or combination of colors according to breed standards, making this one of the most diverse breeds in terms of acceptable coloration. Common colors include black, apricot, blue, chocolate, cream, palomino, pink and chocolate, pink and slate, slate, and white, with many dogs displaying spotted or multicolored patterns. The Hairless variety requires special skin care including moisturizing and sun protection, while the Powderpuff needs regular brushing to prevent matting of their soft undercoat. Both varieties move with a lively, graceful gait that emphasizes their elegant structure.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Chinese Cresteds tend to be reserved and sometimes suspicious of strangers, though they typically warm up once they feel comfortable. Early socialization is important to help them develop confidence in new situations and prevent excessive shyness. They generally do well with gentle, older children but may not be suitable for households with very young or rambunctious children who might handle them roughly. The breed can coexist peacefully with other pets when properly introduced, particularly if raised together. Chinese Cresteds are prone to separation anxiety due to their strong attachment to their owners and do best in homes where they are not left alone for extended periods.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited eye condition that can lead to blindness in affected Chinese Cresteds. Primary lens luxation, where the lens of the eye becomes displaced, is another hereditary eye condition common in this breed that requires prompt veterinary attention to prevent secondary glaucoma. Patellar luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are orthopedic conditions that can affect the breed, with severe cases potentially requiring surgical intervention. Canine multiple system degeneration is a rare neurological condition documented in Chinese Cresteds. Responsible breeders test their stock for genetic conditions to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases in their puppies.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Italian Greycrested may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Italian Greyhound and Chinese Crested to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.