Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhound is the smallest dog
breed of the sighthound type, occasionally called the Italian for short, or
nicknamed the ‘IG’.
The normal weight of Italian Greyhound ranges between 3.6 to 6.8 kg (8 to 15 lb) and height between 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm). Italian Greyhounds are included in the toy group in United Kingdom and United States but in the sighthound group in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
Appearance
The chest of Italian Greyhound is deep, with a tucked up belly, long slim legs and a lengthy neck that tapers down to a small head. The head is long and pointed, like a standard Greyhound. Generally, they look like ‘Miniature Greyhounds’. However, some Italian Greyhound owners dispute the use of term ‘Miniature Greyhound’ for the breed. According to American Kennel Club (AKC), they are real genetic Greyhounds, with a lineage extending back over 2,000 years. Their contemporary small build is a function of selective breeding. Their gait is unique and should be high stepping and free, slightly similar to a horse. Italian Greyhounds are able to run at the highest speed with a double suspension gallop, and can reach up to 40 km/h (25 mph).
Coat and Colors
The standard coat colors in United Kingdom are Black, Blue (Grey), Red, and Fawn. If we talk about Kennel Clubs, all colors are accepted at Kennel Club (UK), whereas Parti colored Italian Greyhounds are accepted at American Kennel Club and Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC). However, according to the FCI standard for international shows, only while color on the chest and feet is allowed. The current Italian Greyhound's appearance is a consequence of breeders throughout the Europe, especially Austrian, French, British, German, and Italian making great contributions to develop this breed. The Italian Greyhounds look like a small Greyhound, or rather a Sloughi.
Italian Greyhound Temperament
Italian Greyhound is a good companion dog which likes the company of people. However, slim body and short coat of the dog make it more delicate and injury can result from rough and careless play with the children. Italian Greyhounds are fast, agile and sporty, and they love to run. Due to long-sized legs and poor bone density in some lineages, Italian Greyhounds are sometimes prone to broken legs. Usually, they are good watchdogs and they bark at unfamiliar sounds even at the passers-by and other animals. However, they should not be considered “True Guard Dogs” as they are mostly aloof with strangers, easy to scared, and spooked to run.
As sighthounds, Italian Greyhounds naturally hunt by sight and have an exceptionally high predator drive. Some Italian Greyhounds participate in dog agility. The breed's agile body and its love of action give potential to perform well at this game. Although natural disposition of the breed is overall racing instead of working tightly as a team with a trainer on a technical course. Lure coursing is suitable for Italian Greyhounds as they are fast dogs.
Grooming
Dogs of this breed have very short and almost unscented coat that needs little more than an occasional bath about once a month. Although some veterinarians recommend that even bathing once per month is also common for this breed, but wiping with a damp cloth is suggested after the walks because seeds, burrs, and floating dust in the air can get into the coat and irritate the skin. The breed sheds medium to little hair.
History
‘Italian Greyhound’ is a name of breed which is popular in Renaissance Italy. Mummified dogs very similar to the Italian or small Greyhounds found in Egypt, and some graphics of small Greyhounds were seen in Pompeii, and they were possibly the only accepted companion dogs there. In the first century AD, some dogs similar to Italian Greyhounds were seen around Emperor Nero's court in Rome. By the middle ages, the breed was spread all over the southern Europe and later it became a favorite pet of the Italians in 16th century, when miniature dogs were on high demand.
The breed is known to be originated in the countries ‘Greece’ and ‘Turkey’ more than 2,000 years ago. This belief is based on the portrayal of ‘Miniature Greyhounds’ in the early ornamental arts of Greece and Turkey, and on the archaeological discovery of small greyhound’s bones.
Even though, breed designers tried, but remained unsuccessful to make this breed even smaller by crossbreeding it with other breeds. This only led to alterations with deformed skulls, bulging eyes, and dental issues. The original Italian Greyhound had become extinct when groups of breeders got together and succeeded to return the breed to standard. From this period onward, the history of the breed can be found correctly after spreading through Europe, especially arriving in England in the 17th century.
The breed has been popular with royals.
Among the royal aficionados are Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen Anne, Queen
Victoria, Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great and Maud, Queen of Norway.
Also see: Cute Pictures of italian greyhound puppies
