Origin: Italy
Origin of Name: The Italian Greyhound is an Italian breed of small sighthound.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
Despite a fragile appearance, the Italian greyhounds are sharp, hardy hounds that have survived the turmoil of two millennia. Archaeological evidence suggests that IG was banned as a great companion in the region of Greece and Turkey some 2,000 years ago, when the powerful Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean Sea.
The miniature greyhound was a popular companion, and perhaps a small hunter in southern Europe during the days of the Empire, but the breed came into its own in Renaissance Italy, where it was a status symbol among the aristocracy owning miniature versions of popular breeds. And wealthy driver. IG can be seen in paintings of various Renaissance masters, who consider grace and balance to be important to the aesthetics of the era. The IG found its way into the lap of many nobles in Europe. James I, Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, Anne of Denmark, and Queen Victoria were among those royalty who enhanced their glory with an IG or two. An African king named Lobengula once beheaded 200 cattle for an Italian greyhound.
AKC registered its first IG in 1886. Deeds of two world wars wiped out many breeds of Europe, including the IG. After both conflicts, American breeders, who were far from the ravages of war, kept the breed alive and helped to increase its numbers again in Europe. IGs in modern times work to win their share in the show ring, and greed allows them to modify their small but powerful engines.
The most important grooming tip for the Italian greyhound is that the teeth should be brushed regularly, preferably daily. Dental cleaning should be done annually or as needed by a veterinarian. Until the dog realizes something, it cannot be removed from the brush with a very short, smooth coat. Nails need regular attention, preferably with a grinding tool. They should not be truncated all the way to hurry. This breed has one leg, and the two middle nails may be left slightly longer than the other two.
This breed best responds to award-based training methods rather than punishment. The instructor must be firm with commands and be grand with praise. Practices used as a reward should be short and immediate when the order is learned and followed. Professional dog trainers should be carefully selected. Harsh methods do not work with these intelligent, sensitive small dogs, even though they may be stubborn.
This breed responds best to reward-based training methods rather than punishment. The trainer should be firm with commands and lavish with praise. Treats used as a reward should be small but immediate when the command is learned and followed. Professional dog trainers should be chosen carefully. Harsh methods just don’t work with these intelligent, sensitive little dogs, even though they can be stubborn.
Italian greyhounds should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). It is easy to allow these dogs to be overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. At an IG in proper weight, the hip bones should be seen simply. The ribs should not be visible, but should be able to feel under the thin covering of the flesh. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog's weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Italian greyhounds generally live longer, with a typical age of 13 to 15 years. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions such as PRA, autoimmune problems, leg-Calve-Partes disease, and hypothyroidism. Although IG is not as fragile as it looks, care must be taken to avoid dangerous situations, which can result in broken legs. Comprehensive information about the health of the breed can be found on the website of the Italian Greyhound Club of America.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: