The mixture of the Italian Grayhound with the Chihuahua is also known as the Greyhuahua, and they have unique and unusual behavior that makes it a special breed.
This hybrid makes a very excellent companion pet if well trained and appropriately socialized when still a puppy.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this fascinating hybrid dog. From their history, physical appearance to their lifespan expectancy.
Dog Breed Quick Facts
| DOG BREED NAME | Greyhuahua | Mixed breed |
| HEIGHT | 8-15 inches | Small dog breed |
| WEIGHT | 6-18 lb | |
| PARENTS CROSSBRED | Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound | Chihuahua, Italian Greyhound |
| TEMPERAMENT | loyal, friendly, affectionate | Inherited traits From parents |
| Lifespan | 13-16 years | Long life expectancy |
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History of the Greyhuahua
The history of the Greyhuahua is not clearly understood since the breed is just new and hasn’t been around for too long, therefore to better understand it, we have to look at the history of its parents.
The Greyhound
The Greyhound is a breed of dog which was breed for racing games and had origins in Germany. Male greyhounds are usually 71 to 76 centimeters tall and weigh an average of 27 to 40 kilograms.
The females tend to be smaller, ranging from 60 to 71 centimeters tall and weighing from 25 to 34 kilograms.
The breed has very short fur, which is super easy to maintain, and they come in a variety of colors such as white, brindle, fawn, black, red, blue/grey e.t.c
The Greyhound is known to be aloof sbd indifferent to strangers, but they are affectionate and loyal to their owners.
They are generally lazy, docile, easy-going, and very calm. The dog became recognized by the American Kennel club in the 19th century around 1886.
The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is said to be the smallest dog breed in the entire world and has origins in Mexico in the city if Chihuahua, hence it’s named.
The breed comes in long and short hair type, has round Apple head and is small, everything about the Chihuahua is just tiny and adorable.
The dog became known in America around 1900 and then was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904, since then it has become prevalent till today and is loved by many people around the world.
It’s best known for being loyal to one particular owner, is very affectionate, energetic, friendly too.
So from the Greyhuahua, we should expect a mixture if characters from both sides of the family.
Meaning the hybrid will be intelligent, loyal, loving, friendly, protective etc.. Just like the parents, the hybrid is also a delightful dog breed that needs to be socialized and trained well whilst still young.
The physical appearance of the Greyhuahua
The Greyhuahua well have a short to medium coat depending on whether the Chihuahua parent has long or short hair.
The coat color possibilities are brittle, sable, pied, white, silver, blue, faen, cream, red, brown, gray or black. The coat texture is either straight, wiry, wazy, curly or corded.
The Greyhuahua hybrid as it is also commonly known, is one of the best small dog breed to have.
This lapdog breed is an excellent apartment living dog as a small dog with a tiny rounded head , compact body with long, skinny legs, and substantial rabbit feet, and it’s got triangular ears, brown eyes, a brown nose, and a long tapered tail.
The hybrid will weigh 6 to 15 pounds and stands at 13 to 15 inches tall.
Temperament/ Characteristics of the Greyhuahua
The Italian Greyhound mixed with Chihuahua hybrid has got many adorable characteristics, which makes it the most suitable dog by many family combinations.
Whether you already have other pets living with you, or have small children, you will find the Greyhuahua pet dogs to be resilient, adaptable and easy-going.
If you are bringing home an Italian Greyhound mixed with Chihuahua puppy, we have listed the Characteristics that you should expect from a Greyhuahua puppy dog:
The hybrid is very protective: This is a trait they inherit from the Chihuahua side of the family. Despite its size, if it thinks another dog is threatening you, it will go after the dog, even if the dog is way bigger than it is. And that makes the Greyhuahua best watchdogs for those looking for guard dogs.
The hybrid is an amiable and sweet dog breed: They love being around people as they tend to be attached to one owner. The dog will follow it’s owner around and be physically close to them. They are also very good with children and other pets.
The hybrid is very intelligent: This trait makes them to become very easy to train. They will listen to your commands and try to do exactly what you say.
But training Should be done when they are still young so that they grow to become what you want them to be.
The hybrid is very loving and loyal: The dog gets attached to it’s owners and also tends to get overly protective if not jealous when other people or pets take the attention of its owners.
They love being around people and will feel lonely and bored if left alone for a long time.
The hybrid is very sensitive: This is a trait which comes from the Chihuahua side of the family. They are very sensitive to things happening around them and they do not appreciate strangers coming to their house either. They will bark as a way to tell the stranger to go away.
Food requirements of the hybrid
The first thing you must understand before buying food for this breed is that they are not built to carry excess weight because it creates an increased workload for vital organs, it reduces life expectancy.
It increases the risks of leg break and other orthopedic issues through added strain in its muscles, bones, and joints.
So this hybrid must be fed a measured amount of food on a twice-daily schedule; this is the best way to monitor and maintain the hybrid’s weight.
The Greyhound mixed with Chihuahua is also said to be allergic to certain types of food, so it’s crucial that you know them.
Below we have listed the best foods you can feed your Greyhuahua. It’s been highly recommended by even veterinarians:
Stella andChewus freeze-dried dog food: This food contains raw chicken pieces from cage-free chicken, organic fruits and vegetables too.
The chicken it contains is the source of the healthy proteins the dog needs, this food is also Grain-free, starch-free, and does not contain any fillers or addictives.
Signature trout and salmon meal formula dry dog food: This food contains fish from the North Western United States and is the source of healthy proteins, the food also contains omega fatty acids for the dog’s to have a healthy skin and coat. The food is easy on the dog’s stomach and is easily digestible too.
Diamond naturals senior real meat recipe natural dry dog food:bThe main ingredients bod this food are eggs, chicken and oatmeal it will provide the dog with all the healthy proteins, vitamins and minerals it needs.
It is as well very appetizing and made with highly digestible animal proteins.
Primal freeze-dried pet food: The main ingredient of this food is real chicken, which is a good source of healthy proteins, the food also contains natural sources of vitamins and minerals that provide the dog with required amounts of nutrients.
It is calorie-dense and made with highly digestible animal protein.
Dick van patterns natural balance original ultra reduced calorie dry dog food: This food’s main ingredients are chicken, salmon, lamb and these are the best sources of protein.
The food also contains essential fatty acids for the dog’s healthy skin and shiny coat. The food also contains carrots, a source of vitamins and potatoes a source of energy and potassium.
This dog food prevents the Greyhuahua from having digestion issues, it is grain free, and it contains no soy, wheat it con. A lot of dog owners have highly recommended this dog food because they claim the food has made their dogs to appear healthier and very energetic too.
Exercise requirements of the Greyhuahua dog breed
Both parents of this hybrid are very active dogs and need to get plenty of exercise on a daily basis.
The Greyhuahua is a small dog, you can do a lot of activities with them indoors but they also need to get outside every day for at least an hour.
The hybrid loves to play with other dogs so taking a trip to a local dog park is a great way to spend the day, also play fetch, do agility training, and go for walks around the neighborhood with the dog.
Overall, the dog needs enough exercise, because if it does not get any, it is probe to bad habbits.
Grooming requirements For Greyhuahua
The dog does not shed much so it will require brushing for at least twice or three times a week, avoid bathing her daily as it may trigger erosion of essential natural skin Oils the dog needs to maintain a shiny luscious coat.
The trick is to make sure that you only bath your dog routinely, and in between you should use dry dog shampoo to clean bad dog smells off when it’s necessary.
Brush it’s teeth twice a week, clip is nails when they’ve grown too long. Check it’s ears regularly for infections, they should be cleaned each time when they are dirty.
Health Issues of the hybrid
The Greyhuahua, he can be prone to patellar luxation, joint issues as well as shivering, heart and eye problems.
Some of the health problems they will face are those that they will inherit from both sides of the family.
So it’s important to know the health condition of the hybrid’s parents before buying the offspring. At least it will help you know what to expect from it.
The life expectancy of the Greyhuahua hybrid.
The lifespan of small dog breeds like the Greyhuahua and most of the large dog breeds is unique disperately different. Most large dogs you know will only live anywhere between 8 to 14 years max.
So, How long do Italian greyhound Chihuahuas live?
13 to 16 years is how long Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mix hybrid lives for. The lifespan of 13 to 16 years for Greyhuahua is dependant on good care and best food to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrition she needs.
And Italian Greyhound mixed with Chihuahua being a small mixed breed between two resilient pure breeds means you get a pet dog that has a long lifespan as well as talents in racing and agility events.
