Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is the perfect Greyhound in miniature, a graceful, dainty animal that makes an ideal house-pet. It does, however, need plenty of exercise.

Origin and history

This obedient and easy-to-train little dog is thought to have originated from the Greyhounds depicted on the tombs of the Pharaohs. But it has existed in its present form for centuries and takes its name from its great popularity in sixteenth century Italy.

It was favoured by Queen Victoria, who did much to popularize so many toy breeds during her long reign. Unfortunately for the breed, some English Toy Terrier blood was introduced in an effort to reduce the size further. This spoiled the breed character, and in an effort to restore it several dogs were imported from the United States. Alas, this did little to help matters and by the early 1950s only five registrations with the Kennel Club remained.

However, fresh stock was imported fror]l Italy and, thanks to the determined efforts and dedication of breeders, the Italian Greyhound was once more firmly established by the early 1970s.

Italian Greyhound Puppies

Good points

Affectionate
Easy to train
Graceful, diminutive appearance
Intelligent
Obedient
Odourless
Sensitive
Rarely moults

Take heed

Deeply wounded by harsh words
Should not be kept in a kennel

Size

The most desirable weight is 6-81b (2,7-3.6kg), and not exceeding 10lb (4.5kg). Height 13-15in (33-38cm) at the withers.

Exercise

Certainly not the dog to keep shut up indoors all day. It thrives on plenty of exercise, but adapts well to town living provided adequate walks and off-the-Iead runs are possible.

Italian Greyhound Information

General appearance

A miniature Greyhound, slender in all proportions, and of ideal elegance and grace in shape, symmetry and action,

Colour

Recognized colours: all shades of fawn, white, cream, blue, black and fawn, and white pied.

Head and skull

Skull long, flat and narrow; muzzle very fine; nose dark in colour

Tail

Rather long, fine with low carriage,

Feet

Long, hare feet.

NB: There are some variations in the US standard,

Italian Greyhound Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

The Italian Greyhound needs little more than a rub down with a proverbial silk handkerchief. But remember that this breed feels the cold, hates the wind and rain, and needs a coat. Care must be taken of the teeth. Regular scaling by a veterinarian is recommended (this applies to all toy breeds), but cream of tartar - mixed into a paste on a saucer with a little water, and applied with cotton wool - will often remove unsightly stains.

Feeding

About 70z (198g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 1 cupful of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cold water.