Boston Iggy
Hybrid Breed Description
The Boston Iggy is a cross between the Boston Terrier and the Italian Greyhound. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Boston Iggy. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a compact and well-balanced small dog, standing between twelve and seventeen inches tall at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from ten to twenty-five pounds depending on their size classification. Their sturdy build features a broad chest, strong legs set moderately apart, and a square-shaped appearance that gives them a balanced, athletic look despite their small stature. Males typically reach around seventeen inches in height while females average about sixteen inches, and all Boston Terriers are characterized by their distinctive tuxedo-like markings that have earned them the nickname of the American Gentleman. One of their most recognizable features is the short, square muzzle that creates a flat facial profile, placing them in the brachycephalic category of breeds. The head is square and flat on top with a well-defined stop, large round eyes set wide apart, and small erect ears that stand up like bat ears. Their large, prominent eyes are dark and expressive, creating the breed's characteristic alert and intelligent expression. The Boston Terrier sports a smooth, short coat that lies close to the body and comes in several color combinations including black and white, brindle and white, and seal with white, always featuring the signature white markings on the chest, muzzle band, and between the eyes. The breed's physical structure includes a slightly arched neck, level topline, and their famous naturally short tail which can be straight or have a corkscrew shape but never exceeds two inches in length. Their bodies are short-coupled with good depth of chest, and their movement should be free and effortless with a slightly arched, proud carriage. The flat face and shortened muzzle contribute to their unique appearance but also require special consideration regarding breathing and temperature regulation, as these dogs can overheat easily during exercise or in warm weather.
Key Characteristics
Boston Terriers are renowned for their gentle, friendly, and affectionate nature, embodying the perfect companion dog temperament. Often called the American Gentleman not only for their appearance but also for their refined personality, these dogs are eager to please their owners and form incredibly strong bonds with their families. They thrive on human companionship and prefer to be involved in all family activities, often following their owners from room to room to stay close. Boston Terriers are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and can become fearful or shut down if treated harshly, making patience and consistency key to successful training. These intelligent dogs are generally easy to train due to their desire to please, though they can exhibit a stubborn streak at times and may not always obey commands even when they clearly understand them. Boston Terriers are typically quiet dogs that bark only when necessary, making them excellent choices for apartment living. They demonstrate a playful and sometimes clownish personality, entertaining their families with silly antics and showing a sense of humor that many owners find endearing. While they get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats when properly socialized, they can be protective of their owners which may result in territorial behavior toward strangers or other pets if not addressed through early training. Despite their small size, Boston Terriers have moderate energy levels and require regular exercise including daily walks and play sessions to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They can be quite bouncy and energetic when young but tend to mellow with age, though they maintain their enthusiastic and spirited nature throughout their lives. These dogs do not tolerate being left alone for long periods and can develop separation anxiety if isolated from their families regularly. Boston Terriers are social butterflies that genuinely enjoy meeting new people and making friends, though their initial protectiveness may require proper introductions to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Boston Terriers face several significant health concerns primarily related to their brachycephalic structure. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome is the most prevalent issue, caused by their shortened muzzle and flat face which results in narrow nostrils, elongated soft palate, and compressed airways. This condition leads to breathing difficulties, snoring, snorting sounds, and increased susceptibility to overheating, particularly during exercise or hot weather. Many Boston Terriers require surgical intervention to improve airflow, and owners must carefully monitor their dogs during physical activity and avoid situations that could cause respiratory distress. The condition can also complicate anesthesia administration during veterinary procedures, requiring specialized protocols for safe sedation. Eye problems are extremely common in Boston Terriers due to their large, prominent eyes. Cataracts frequently develop in both older dogs and as a hereditary juvenile condition that can appear as early as eight weeks of age, potentially leading to blindness if untreated. Corneal ulcers occur readily because the protruding eyes are vulnerable to injury from environmental particles and accidental trauma. Other ocular conditions include cherry eye, dry eye syndrome requiring lifelong medication, and glaucoma which causes severe pain and can result in blindness without immediate treatment. Responsible breeders conduct eye examinations on breeding stock to minimize the transmission of hereditary eye diseases to future generations. Orthopedic and other health concerns include patellar luxation where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing lameness and potentially requiring surgical correction in severe cases. Skin allergies and atopic dermatitis are prevalent, manifesting as excessive scratching, redness, and secondary infections that need ongoing management. The breed's unique body structure with a curved back and short tail predisposes them to spinal problems and intervertebral disc disease. Additionally, Boston Terriers are prone to dental disease due to crowding in their small mouths, requiring diligent oral hygiene. The average lifespan ranges from eleven to fifteen years, and maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as obesity exacerbates breathing difficulties and joint problems.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest member of the sighthound family, standing thirteen to fifteen inches tall at the withers and weighing between seven and fourteen pounds, making them perfectly sized for lap dog companionship while maintaining the athletic grace of their larger greyhound relatives. These elegant dogs possess a slender, fine-boned structure with a deep chest, tucked-up abdomen, and long slender legs that create a distinctive sinewy outline. The body length from shoulder to rump is roughly equal to their height at the withers, giving them a balanced, square-like appearance despite their delicate frame. Their movement is characterized by a high-stepping, well-sprung gait with excellent forward extension during trotting and impressive speed when galloping. The head is small, elongated, and narrow with a slightly tapered muzzle and minimal stop, creating an aristocratic profile. Their medium-sized dark eyes convey an alert and intelligent expression, while the small ears fold back along the head and angle to the right when the dog is attentive. The long, gracefully arched neck flows into a slightly curved back, reflecting their breeding as coursing hounds. The low-set tail is long and tapers to a fine point, typically carried in a gentle curve. One distinctive feature is their webbed feet which, combined with their aerodynamic build, makes them surprisingly capable swimmers despite their delicate appearance. The Italian Greyhound's coat is short, fine, and glossy with a smooth, velvety texture that lies close to the skin. The breed displays various solid colors including black, blue, cream, fawn, red, and seal, as well as these colors combined with white markings on the chest and feet. Blue and grey shades are particularly prevalent in the breed. Their thin coat and minimal body fat make them extremely sensitive to cold temperatures, requiring protective clothing during cooler weather. The skin is supple and the overall appearance is one of supreme elegance and grace, earning them favor among nobility throughout history and making them popular subjects in Renaissance paintings.
Key Characteristics
Italian Greyhounds are sweet, gentle, and affectionate dogs that form exceptionally strong bonds with their families, often attaching most closely to one particular person in the household. They crave companionship and attention, becoming anxious or withdrawn if denied the interaction they need, which can manifest as hyperactive or shy behavior. These sensitive dogs are highly attuned to their owner's emotions and tone of voice, thriving in calm, stable environments where they receive consistent affection and positive reinforcement. They tend to be reserved or even timid around strangers, requiring gradual introduction and socialization to feel comfortable with new people, though they eventually warm up when given time and space. Intelligent and eager to please, Italian Greyhounds are relatively trainable but can display stubborn tendencies typical of sighthounds, meaning they may understand commands perfectly but choose not to comply if they lack motivation. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques using treats, praise, and patience, as harsh corrections or raised voices will cause them to shut down emotionally. Despite their reputation for being difficult to housetrain, consistency and dedication can achieve success, though it may take up to a year for complete reliability. These dogs possess moderate to high energy levels with the interesting characteristic of enjoying both active play and lazy lounging, happily joining owners for jogs or walks in the morning before spending the afternoon curled up for a nap. Italian Greyhounds retain a strong prey drive inherited from their coursing heritage, making them likely to chase small animals including cats if not properly introduced and supervised. They are generally compatible with children when raised together, but their delicate build makes them unsuitable for rough play or households with very young children who might accidentally injure them. While not excessive barkers, they will alert their owners to approaching strangers with their distinctive bark rather than a yap. These dogs are definitively indoor companions that dislike cold or wet weather, often resisting outdoor bathroom trips in inclement conditions. They require secure fencing when outside as their speed and jumping ability combined with their hunting instincts mean they will bolt after anything that catches their attention.
Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years, but their delicate bone structure creates vulnerability to specific health concerns. Fractures of the forearm bones, particularly the radius and ulna, are extremely common in puppies between four and twelve months of age. These breaks often occur from seemingly minor incidents like jumping off furniture or rough play, as young Italian Greyhounds are fearless and believe they can fly. Owners must puppy-proof their homes thoroughly, eliminate launching pads, supervise play carefully, and keep dogs off slippery floors during the critical growth period. While proper breeding can reduce genetic predisposition to weak bones, some fractures are inevitable in this breed, and dogs from families with many broken leg incidents show increased risk. Dental disease represents the most common chronic health problem in Italian Greyhounds, as their small mouths create crowding that leads to rapid tartar accumulation and periodontal disease. Some individuals develop rough, yellow teeth with poor enamel that wear down quickly and trap excessive calculus, requiring extra vigilance with daily brushing and professional cleanings. Eye conditions including Progressive Retinal Atrophy affect Italian Greyhounds more than many breeds, causing gradual vision loss beginning around three to five years of age with night blindness as an early symptom. Cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal injuries are also concerns due to their large prominent eyes. Genetic testing can identify PRA carriers, allowing responsible breeders to avoid producing affected puppies. Orthopedic issues beyond fractures include patellar luxation where the kneecap dislocates from its groove, causing intermittent lameness and requiring surgical correction in severe cases. Hip dysplasia occurs less frequently than in larger breeds but still affects some Italian Greyhounds. Hypothyroidism causes metabolism problems leading to weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes, managed effectively with daily medication once diagnosed through blood testing. Other concerns include epilepsy with seizures typically beginning between two and five years of age, liver shunts where blood bypasses the liver reducing its function, and various autoimmune conditions. Color dilution alopecia causes hair loss in dogs with diluted coat colors like blue or certain fawn shades. Cryptorchidism occurs in approximately fifty percent of males.
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 Boston Iggy 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 Boston Terrier and Italian Greyhound to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.