Mary Allen
Graceful, elegant, intelligent, and extremely affectionate, the Italian Greyhound attracts attention and pleases with its wonderful character. These dogs love to play and have physical contact with people. The delicate physical constitution must be protected from cold and moisture. However, these Greyhounds are not homebodies and are best kept in sporting families.
Italian Greyhound – a Favorite at Court
Despite its tiny size, the Italian Greyhound is a complete greyhound. Its roots probably go back more than 6,000 years to Ancient Egypt, where it was a popular companion in the court of the pharaohs. Through Greece, these delicate, but fast hunting dogs, along with sailors, came to Italy: here the dogs quickly won the hearts of high-ranking and wealthy women. Renaissance paintings depict them as prized hunting companions of the high nobility, and Frederick the Great was also a passionate owner of the breed. The typical playfulness and love for people made the Italian Greyhound a wonderful family member then, as it is now. You can also find this breed under the name Galgo Italiano.
Nature of the Italian Greyhound
Fast as the wind, playful as a child – the name of this dog speaks for itself. As expected, the little dog turns out to be empathetic at heart – but without being nervous or restless. The little Greyhound is smart and playful. He loves to cuddle and doesn’t like being alone. These predispositions make him an enjoyable family dog if one does justice to his joy of movement. Children are happy and quick to teach him dog tricks because this affectionate breed wants people to like it. Several dogs of this type also respond well to co-training. Despite his qualifications as a family dog, the dog remains a tenacious runner, characterized by liveliness and a love of movement.
Training & Maintenance of the Greyhound
As with any other dog breed, you need to start early with consistent and loving parenting for a greyhound. Pressure and rigor are not needed: the Piccolo Levriero Italiano (such is the breed’s original name) works entirely on its own to fulfill your requests without error. Dogs of this breed love to race through life as freely as the wind and at breakneck speed. If you have a fenced area at your disposal, you can share the unbridled joy of your dog’s life.
In open areas, everything is different: in most cases, it makes sense to lead a Greyhound on a leash. Because in addition to his speed, part of his hunting instinct is part of his nature as a hunter with a scope. Don’t underestimate its small size – the mini Greyhound loves and needs long walks every day. Some cynologists describe the Italian Greyhound as an unsuitable partner for children. This is only partly true: as long as children understand enough the needs of a thinly built breed, harmonious coexistence is possible without any problems.
Italian Greyhound Care
The extremely short coat without an undercoat makes it easy to care for your four-legged friend: combing has little effect because the Italian greyhound hardly loses hair. Therefore, this breed can also be suitable for a family with allergies. Do not bathe your pet, and avoid unprotected walks in the rain. However, the dog loves to bathe on hot summer days. The dwarf among the greyhounds has almost no fat under thin skin and freezes very quickly. A suitable coat in bad weather for this dog is not a luxury, but a health concern. Particular attention should be paid to daily dental care.
Features of the Italian Greyhound
The filigree physique of the Greyhound is prone to injury. In addition, the breed exhibits a predisposition to patella problems, undescended testicles, and epilepsy. Reputable breeders take care to destroy this legacy through sensible breeding operations.
By the way:
only puppies born with white hair remain light-colored, all the rest more or less clearly change coat color in the growth phase.