Italian Greyhound

The most elegant, graceful, and refined of all dogs is the tiny Italian Greyhound. A miniature form of the Greyhound, this breed is far less fragile than it looks. Their exquisitely delicate lines, their supple movements and beautiful attitudes, their soft large eyes, their charming coloring, their gentle and loving nature, and their scrupulous cleanliness of habit - all these qualities justify the admiration bestowed upon them as drawing room pets.

They are fragile to a certain extent, not to be handled roughly. But their constitution is not necessarily delicate, and many have been known to live to extreme old age. Their fragility is more apparent than real, and if they are not exposed to cold or damp, they require less pampering than they usually receive. This cause has been a frequent source of constitutional weakness, and it was deplorably a fault in the Italian Greyhounds of half a century ago.

A miniature English Greyhound, more slender in all proportions, an ideal elegance, grace in shape, symmetry, and in action.

Origin: One cannot be quite certain as to the derivation of the Italian Greyhound. Its physical appearance naturally suggests a descent from the Gazehound of the ancients, with the added conjecture that it was purposely dwarfed for the convenience of being nursed in the lap. Greek art presents many examples of a very small dog of Greyhound type, and there is a probability that the diminutive breed was a familiar ornament in the atrium of most Roman villas. In Pompeii a dwarfed Greyhound was certainly kept as a domestic pet, and there is therefore some justification for the belief that the Italian prefix is not misplaced.

At one time there were disastrous attempts to miniaturize the breed further with an infusion of English Toy Terrier blood and it was not until the early 1970s, following the import from Italy of fresh stock, that the breed really got on its feet again.

Temperament: Intelligent, graceful, gentle and obedient. It is also a very loving, sensitive house pet.

Exercise: Enjoys plenty of exercise. However, this is a pet for extra careful people who understand that clumsiness could lead to broken legs.

Grooming: Brush and rub down with chamois leather or toweling. Due to its coat, this Italian Greyhound feels the cold and always needs a coat in chilly weather.

Training: One of the easily trained dog among the hound group, however harsh words will cause this little pooch very much pain.

Physical Appearance of the Italian Greyhound

Head: Skull long, flat and narrow.

Muzzle: Very fine.

Nose: Dark in color.

Ears: Rose shaped, placed well back, soft and delicate, and should touch or nearly touch behind the head.

Eyes: Large, bright, and full of expression.

Body: Neck long and gracefully arched. Shoulders long and sloping. Back curved and drooping at the quarters. Deep narrow chest.

Coat: Skin fine and supple. Thin, glossy coat with satin-like texture. Preferably self-colored. The color most prized is golden fawn, but all shades of fawn, red, mouse, cream and white, are recognized. Blacks, brindles and pied are considered less desirable.

Legs and Feet: Forelegs straight, well set under the shoulder; fine pasterns; small delicate bone. Hind legs hocks well let down, thighs muscular. Feet is long. Hare foot.

Tail: Rather long and with low carriage.

Movement: High stepping and free.

Weight: 3.6kg / 8lb

Height: 33 to 38 cm / 13 to 15 in