Italian Greyhound
Toy

Group:

Toy

Size:

small

Lifespan:

12-15 years

Exercise:

little

Grooming:

very little

Trainability:

moderate

Watchdog ability:

moderate

Protection ability:

very low

Area of Origin:

Italy

Date of Origin:

ancient times

Other Names:

Piccolo Levrieve Italiani

Original Function:

lapdog

History

The Italian Greyhound is a very old Greyhound. Interestingly, a dog similar to the Italian Greyhound of today was found in a 6000 year old Egyptian tomb. Like the Greyhound, this breed was brought to Europe by the Phoenicians. The breed was later developed by the Romans. As evidence, a small Greyhound was found in an ancient lava flow in Pompeii. During the sixteenth century, this delicate dog became popular with European nobility, and is portrayed in many paintings of that time. They rose to great heights of popularity in the Italian renaissance and gained their name then.

Temperament

The Italian Greyhound is a devoted and affectionate dog breed who makes a good companion. Headstrong and stubborn, the Italian Greyhound requires a consistent and firm leader. It loves to run and chase. It is extremely gentle and sensitive. Reserved, often timid, with strangers, it is devoted to its family and is good with children, and other dogs and pets. However, it can be easily injured by boisterous children and larger dogs. While Italian Greyhounds like to please, bad habits have to be discouraged right from the beginning. .

Upkeep

The Italian Greyhound likes a daily romp outdoors, but it hates the cold. Its exercise needs are best met with a good walk on leash or even a rollicking game indoors. It also likes to stretch out and sprint in a fenced area. This breed cannot live outdoors, unless the kenneling is well insulated and the run covered and is situated in a sunny sheltered area. . Care of the fine short hair is minimal, consisting only of occasional brushing to remove dead hair. Regular brushing of the teeth is important in this breed.

Official Breed Standard

CHARACTERISTICS:
High stepping and free action.

GENERAL APPEARANCE:
A miniature Greyhound, more slender in all proportions, and of ideal elegance and grace in shape, symmetry and action.

Head and Skull:
Skull long, flat and narrow. Muzzle very fine. Nose dark in colour.

Eyes:
Rather large, bright and full of expression.

Ears:
Rose-shaped, placed well back, soft and delicate.

Mouth:
Teeth level.

Neck:
Should be long and gracefully arched.

Forequarters:
Shoulders long and sloping. Legs straight, well set under the shoulders; fine pasterns; small delicate bones.

Body:
Chest deep and narrow. Back curved, and drooping at the hind- quarters.

Hindquarters:
Hocks well let down. Thighs muscular.

Feet:
Long, hare-feet.

Tail:
Rather long, fine, with low carriage.

Coat:
Skin fine and supple. Hair, thin and glossy, like satin.

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

Weight and Size:
The most desirable weight is from 2.7 to 3.6 kg. (6-8 lbs), and not exceeding 4.5 kg. (10 lbs).

Faults:
Black or blue with tan markings, brindle.

Note:
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.