Learn about a dog breed > Dog breeds > Italian_Greyhound Puppy Breed Information
Return to Animal List
 |
| Name: |
Italian_Greyhound |
| Average Maximum Height: |
13-15in |
| Average Maximum Weight: |
7-8lb |
| Colors: |
black, blue, cream, fawn, red or white
The colour of the coat is a subject of much discussion. In England, the USA, and Australia, white spotted Italians are accepted, while the FCI standards adhered to in Europe allows white spots only on the chest and paws. |
| Coat: |
short, fine and glossy |
| Grooming Required: |
Minimal |
| Good with Children: |
Yes |
| Good with Pets: |
Yes |
| Best Kept: |
Indoors |
Activity Level
(1 low; 10 high): |
4 |
| Trainability: |
Low |
| Originates From: |
Italy |
| Origin Date: |
Antiquity |
| Original Use: |
Companion |
| Current Use: |
Companion |
| Other Names: |
Piccolo Levrieri Italiani |
| Life Expectancy: |
13-14years |
| AKC Recognition: |
Yes |
| Year Recognized: |
1886 |
| Class: |
Toy |
|  |
 |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Quick Links |
|
| |
Italian_Greyhound puppies for sale
Italian_Greyhound breeders
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Common Traits |
|
| |
Prone to fragile bones, fractures, and eye problems |
|
| |
|
|
| |
History |
|
|
The name of the breed is a reference to the breed's popularity in renaissance Italy. Mummified dogs very similar to the Italian Greyhound (or small Greyhounds) have been found in Egypt, and pictorials of small Greyhounds have been found in Pompeii, and they were probably the only accepted companion-dog there. As an amusing aside the expression 'Cave Canem' (Beware of the dog) was a warning to visitors, not that the dogs would attack but to beware of damaging the small dogs.
Although the small dogs are mainly companionship dogs they have in fact been used for hunting purposes, often in combination with hunting falcons.
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the family of gazehounds (dogs that hunt by sight). The breed is an old one and is believed to have originated more than 2,000 years ago in the countries now known as Greece and Turkey. This belief is based on the depiction of miniature greyhounds in the early decorative arts of these countries and on the archaeological discovery of small greyhound skeletons. By the Middle Ages, the breed had become distributed throughout Southern Europe and was later a favorite of the Italians of the sixteenth century, among whom miniature dogs were in great demand. It is, in fact, due to its popularity in Italy at this time that the breed became known as the "Italian Greyhound." From this period onward the history of the breed can be fairly well traced as it spread through Europe, arriving in England in the seventeenth century. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Miscellaneous |
|
| |
Litter Size: 3-5
Italian Greyhounds in the arts
The grace of the breed has prompted several artists to include the dogs in paintings, among others Velasquez, Pisanello and Giotto. The breed has been popular with royalty throughout, among the best known royal aficionados were Mary Stuart, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, Catherine The Great, Frederick the Great and the Norwegian Queen Maud.
Activities
Some Italian Greyhounds enjoy dog agility. The breed's lithe body and its love of action enable it to potentially do well at this sport, although not many IGs participate and their natural inclination is for straight-out racing rather than for working tightly as a team with a handler on a technical course.
Lure coursing is another activity well-fitted to the Italian Greyhound, and they seem to enjoy it tremendously. Although the Italian Greyhound is a very fast dog, it is not as well suited to racing as its larger cousin. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Searching for a or
? Look no further. Animaroo has
and
Don’t forget to look at all
on the site and Italian_Greyhound rescue .
Still deciding what might be right for you?
Take a look at all of our and
and even
dogs for adoption.
Italian_Greyhound Puppy Breed Information
|
|
Sources
|
 |
 |
 |
|
