House training - Italian Grey Hound

Question
My wife and I would like to get a small/medium sized dog that is friendly, can live with our cat, and can handle long walks, jogs around the lake, and few hiking trips every now and then.

We have a large house and a large unfenced garden.  We have never owned a dog before, and because out cat sheds a lot, we would like a dog that does not shed and require little grooming.

Internet search led us to the italian greyhound.  they look fine, they seem to be able to handle our active lifestyle as well.  however we are alarmed that they are difficult to house train.  I work from 8-4 and my wife works from home. so the dog will never be alone. but my wife will  not walk a dog.

My question is: HOw difficult is it to housebreak an italian greyhound and would it be possible for it to use a litter tray while i am away and go for walks with me in the morning and evening.  

Is there any other dog breed that fit our needs?

Thanks
nash

Answer
I have never tried to housebreak a dog to a litter pan, although I know it can be done.

I do have a few concerns, based upon what you relay in your message.

As I read your email, a red flag popped up when I saw that your wife "will not walk a dog."  Is there a particular reason she feels that way?  Is the dog more your idea, or more for you?  Puppies are a LOT of work, and even if litter pan training is your goal, there are bound to be accidents.  Is your wife opposed to taking a dog outside on a leash in order for it to relieve itself?

The other red flag is that you have no fence.  Italian Greyhounds are SIGHTHOUNDS, and as such, they are genetically wired to chase anything that moves.  What provisions do you have for keeping (any) dog from running away if it gets loose outside?

When you state you would like a dog that does not shed but also requires little grooming, that may be a tough order to fill.  Since the hair is always growing, the hair has to come off somehow - if the dog doesn't lose it on it's own by way of shedding, then it has to be trimmed off.

Here are some breeds that are typically considered to be non-shedders:

Airedale Terrier
Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Bolognese
Border Terrier  
Brussels Griffon  
Cairn Terrier  
Chinese Crested  
Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix  
Coton de Tulear  
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Labrador Retriever-Poodle mix  
Lowchen
Maltese
Poodle (Toy, Miniature, and Standard)
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Schnauzer (Miniature,
Standard, and Giant)
Schnauzer-Poodle mix
Shih Tzu
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Tibetan Terrier  
West Highland White Terrier
Wirehaired Fox Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier

Terriers generally are high energy dogs.  I would say the Maltese, Coton de Tulear and Shih Tzu would be my first choices.

After all is said and done, if you have your heart set on an Italian Greyhound, (or any other breed, for that matter), why don't you consider an adult, like a rescue dog?  They are often easier to housetrain because they have better bladder control than puppies.