A mix between the Italian Greyhound and a Poodle, the Pootalian is a designer dog breed. They’re also known as the “Italian Greyhoundoodle” or the “Italian Greyhoundpoo.” As a relatively new dog breed, not much is known about their origins beyond those of their parent breeds. This guide will introduce you to the temperament, size, and health of Pootalian dogs.

Breed Overview

Poodle

Originally bred as a hunting companion, Poodles were introduced for water retrieval. Although they became popular in France, they’re actually a German dog breed. Their name comes from the German word, “pudle,” which means to splash in puddles.

The 19th century saw their biggest rise to popularity as hunting dogs in Germany, France, and the U.K. Afterward, they became beloved companions and show dogs.

Italian Greyhound

Older than the poodle, the Italian Greyhound is believed to be descended from dog breeds that have been around for over 2000 years. They originated in southern Europe and were a firm favorite of Royals and Italy during the 16th century.

Unlike the Poodle, which was bred initially as a hunting dog, Italian Greyhounds have always been companion animals. There is some debate about their use for hunting small game.

Pootalian Characteristics

Pootalian Puppies

Most people who are familiar with Pootalians are aware of their aggressive tendencies. Due to this, the breed isn’t one of the more popular ones, and they’re not as widely available as less aggressive breeds. Since they’re not very popular among people wanting to have new dogs, they’re not an expensive dog breed. You can also look into adopting from a shelter or rescue depending on the availability of dogs they have. The fees are generally much cheaper, and you’ll be saving a dog from loneliness.

If you bring a Pootalian into your home, you can expect to have a dog with a strong personality. They make for excellent pets for single individuals or the elderly. Be ready to take them out at least twice a day, and to have consistent training sessions.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Pootalian 🧠

Pootalians are a comfortable mixture of the boundless energy of the Poodle and the playfulness of the Italian Greyhound. Where the Poodle is raring to go and the Italian Greyhound is happy to take a nap, the Pootalian is the best of both worlds.

They prefer quieter lifestyles than some other dog breeds and might not fit in with noisier families. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding whether a Pootalian will suit your family.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Pootalians are mostly friendly, but some members of the breed have been known for their aggression. While they’re friendlier with children than with some other dogs (provided that they’re properly socialized), they’re still not the most comfortable around children. Young families in particular should teach their children not to pester these dogs too much. Some Pootalians may not get along with children at all.

Pootalians can also be wary around strangers and can suffer from separation anxiety. In general, this breed is more suited for quiet, single households or as companions for the elderly.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

It is not always easy to tell if a Pootalian will get along with other dogs or pets, and some members of the breed are friendlier than others.

Early socialization can help, especially if your Pootalian is raised among other pets. In this case, the earlier you start familiarizing your dog with other animals and children, the better. Sometimes, though, these dogs are too possessive of their chosen humans to allow anyone else close.

Things to Know When Owning a Pootalian

The temperament and intelligence of various dogs make caring for them different, depending on your chosen breed. Both the Poodle’s active nature and the Italian Greyhound’s quiet companionship play a role in a Pootalian’s personality and behavior. Knowing how to properly care for your new dog will help you keep them happy, calm, and healthy.

Food & Diet Requirements

Pootalians should be fed a diet of high-quality dog food. They’re prone to allergies, so double-check that your chosen brand of food doesn’t contain anything that won’t sit well with your companion.

Feed your Pootalian 1 cup of dry dog food a day, split over two meals. You can also mix in canned dog food, but remember to adjust the amount that you feed your dog accordingly to avoid obesity.

Exercise

Pootalians might be small, but they more than make up for their size with their energy levels. While Poodles are incredibly active, breeding them with the less-energetic Italian Greyhound means Pootalians are a little more manageable.

Regular exercise can help curb a few of the less desirable traits that the breed is known for, like chewing on furniture. A house with a yard isn’t a requirement and Pootalians do well in apartments, but you should walk them at least twice a day. Dog parks are an option too, provided that you properly socialize your Pootalian. Always bear in mind the breed’s tendency toward aggression around other dogs.

Training

With this dog’s known aggressive tendencies, training is essential to ensure that your Pootalian is well-behaved and good company. Eager to please and intelligent but also stubborn and easily bored, Pootalians aren’t the easiest dog to train, but they’re not the hardest either.

Keep training sessions short, light-hearted, and positive. Along with establishing yourself as the one in charge, you need to keep sessions fun and interesting to keep your Pootalian’s attention and ensure that they listen to you.

Positive reinforcement in the form of treats or a game with their favorite toy is highly recommended.

Grooming ✂️

As a mixed breed, your Pootalian’s coat can either be inherited from the Italian Greyhound or the Poodle. More often than not, though, the breed boasts short, wiry, coarse fur and doesn’t shed that often. A good brushing with a comb, de-matter, or pin brush twice a week is more than enough to keep your Pootalian’s fur in top shape and reduce any excessive shedding during summer.

Bathing is recommended only when necessary, to avoid stripping the natural oils from your dog’s coat. When you do bathe your Pootalian, make sure you use proper dog shampoo and check their ears. Since the Pootalian has folded-over ears, water and dirt can get trapped in the ear canal and lead to discomfort and infections.

Finally, remember to brush your dog’s teeth frequently or give them dental chews. Keep your Pootalian’s nails clipped.

Health and Conditions

Mixed breeds are generally known to be hardier than purebred animals, but they’re not impervious to inherited ailments. Pootalians are prone to diseases common to both the Italian Greyhound and the Poodle, along with health conditions that smaller dog breeds are susceptible to in general.

Male vs Female

Beyond the obvious height and weight differences—females are generally the smaller and lighter members of a species—there are a few ways that the sexes differ. In general, it is widely believed that female dogs of any breed are more affectionate, while males display unwanted habits. In practice, however, it is often the males that are calmer, easier to train, and friendlier, while the females rule the roost.

Both Poodles and Italian Greyhounds have similar temperaments. They’re playful and friendly, and the males of both breeds tend to show less domineering traits than the females. The Pootalian, as a hybrid breed, inherits traits from both of their parents, and the males are generally more affectionate than females.

Keep in mind, though, that all dogs are individuals. Regardless of the breed, they each have their own quirky personalities, regardless of their sex.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Pootalian

Pootalians haven’t been around long enough to have made their marks on history like the Poodle or the Italian Greyhound. There are still a few interesting facts about this hybrid breed that you might not be aware of.

1. Pootalians can vary in appearance

As a mixed breed that isn’t AKC registered, there isn’t a particular standard for Pootalians to meet. While their face and body structures remain the same, their coloring, fur length, and height can vary depending on their parents.

2. Pootalians are low shedding

Due to their short and wiry fur, Pootalians don’t shed that much. This makes them a great choice for people who suffer from allergies.

3. They are determined hunters

Although Italian Greyhounds were bred as companion dogs, Poodles were initially introduced for hunting. As a result, Pootalians tend to inherit their Poodle parent’s hunting tendencies. This might be where their aggression toward children, dogs, and other animals stems from.

Final Thoughts

Pootalians are a mix of the energetic Poodle and the affectionate Italian Greyhound. As a designer dog breed, they’re bred as companions and make for excellent pets for singles or the elderly. Provided that they’re walked at least twice a day, they do well in both houses with access to a yard and apartments.

However, Pootalians are not recommended for families with children or multi-pet households. They’re well known for their aggressive tendencies, particularly toward other dogs. While some members of the breed will learn to tolerate other dogs and animals through socialization, a few will never lose their dislike for other creatures.

If you’re looking for a companion for your quiet and otherwise empty apartment, Pootalians are affectionate and loyal. They create strong bonds with their favorite people and love to play as much as they adore curling up on your lap for a long nap.

There are more Poodle Mixes! Here’s a sample:

• Schipper-Poo
• Sheltidoodle
• Shmoodle
• Skypoo