Italian Greyhound
History of the breed
The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog of the sight hound type. Italian Greyhounds are sometimes called an "I.G.", or "Italians" for short.
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, tripping over or stepping on 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, rat or mice.
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the family of gaze hounds (dogs that hunt by sight). The breed is an old one and is believed to have originated more than 4,000years 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. Sadly, though, 'designer' breeders tried, and failed, to make the breed even smaller by crossbreeding it with other breeds of dogs. This only lead to mutations with deformed skulls, bulging eyes and dental problems.
The original Italian Greyhound had almost disappeared when groups of breeders got together and managed to return the breed to normal. 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.
Appearance of the breed
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds, typically weighing about 8 to 15 lbs and standing about 13 to 15 inches tall at the withers. Though they are in the "toy" group based on their weight, they are larger than other dogs in the category due to their slender bodies, so owners must be careful when sizing clothing or accommodations.
The Italian Greyhound's chest is deep, with a tucked up abdomen, long slender legs and a long neck that tapers down to a small head. The face is long and pointed, like a full sized greyhound. Overall, they look like "miniature" Greyhounds, though many Italian Greyhound owners dispute the use of the term "miniature Greyhound", in reference to the breed itself. By definition of the American Kennel Club - they are true genetic greyhounds, with a bloodline extending back over 2000 years. Their current small stature is a function of selective breeding. Their gait is distinctive and should be high stepping and free. They are able to run at top speed with a double suspension gallop, and can achieve a top speed of up to 25mph.
The color of the coat is a subject of much discussion. For The Kennel Club (UK), the American Kennel Club, and the Australian National Kennel Council , parti colored Italian Greyhounds are accepted, while the Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard for international shows allows white only on the chest and feet.
The modern Italian Greyhound's appearance is a result of breeders throughout Europe, particularly Austrian, German, Italian, French and British breeders, making great contributions to the forming of this breed. The Italian Greyhound should resemble a small Greyhound, or rather a Sloughi, though they are in appearance more elegant and graceful.
Temperament of the breed
The Italian Greyhound is affectionate and makes a good companion dog. The breed is excellent for families and enjoys the company of people. While they are excellent with children, the breed's slim build and short coat make them somewhat fragile, and injury can result from rough play.
Although the Italian Greyhound appears fragile, they have some characteristics of larger dogs. Their large, strong lungs enables a bark that is deeper than one might expect from a small dog.
The breed is equally at home in the city or the country and does not require as much exercise as larger breeds, although they are fast, agile and athletic. The young dog is often particularly active, and this high level of activity may lead them to attempt ill-advised feats of athleticism that can result in injury. They enjoy running as fast as they possibly can, typically faster than other larger dogs.
In general the Italian Greyhound is intelligent, but they often have a "what's in it for me" attitude and do not exactly throw themselves into training with great excitement, so patience, firmness, gentleness and reward in training seem to work best. They are also known for their mischievous ingenuity; despite a high center of gravity, they can easily walk upright on their hind legs to reach items up on tables. They may also use their 'hidden talent' of jumping to unusual heights to reach high-up items of interest or desire to them.
Italian Greyhounds make reasonably good watchdogs, as they bark at unfamiliar sounds. They may also bark at passers-by and other animals. However, they often get along well with other dogs and cats they are raised with. They are not good guard dogs as they are often aloof with strangers and easily spooked to run.
Due to their slim build and extremely short coat, Italian Greyhounds are at times reluctant to go outside in cold or wet weather, so some owners lay old newspaper on the floor near an exit so their pets can relieve themselves. Some respond well to dog-litter training as well.
This breed tends to gravitate to warm places, curl up with other dogs or humans, or burrow into blankets and under cushions for warmth.
As gazehounds, Italian Greyhounds instinctively hunt by sight and have an extremely high predator drive. Owners of Italian Greyhounds typically keep their dogs leashed at all times when not in an enclosed area to avoid the risk of even a well-behaved pet breaking away at high speed after a small animal. Also, a short leash is highly suggested to owners due to reports of animals breaking their own necks when running a full lead mounted to the ground or a wall. Sometimes a dog harness is a good option; since the IG has a tapering neck and small head, they can often "slip" their collar and leash. This can also be used to avoid the above mentioned neck injury if your dog is prone to bolting. This also gives the dog the freedom of a long leash.
Owners of Italian Greyhounds should be extremely mindful of any unknown dogs, no matter what size, because Italian Greyhounds can be extremely territorial, and may even "have a go" at any larger unknown dogs on their property.
Like most small breeds, Italian Greyhounds have small bladders. Housebreaking progresses with training and patience, but still at a slower pace than with larger breeds.
Italian Greyhounds are known for their lack of bladder control in comparison to other dogs. This is thought to be due to the bladder muscle in the dog being far too weak and due to many generations of breeding without removing the undesirable genetic traits.
Italian Greyhounds eating habits are different than that of most dogs. The quantity of food and timing of when they eat is sporadic. They generally eat when they want to as opposed to at a fixed feeding time and they only consume needed portions. Unlike many other dogs and except in rare cases, overfilling an Italian Greyhound's food bowl will not result in overeating.
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 Italian Greyhounds 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. Regardless, many Italian Greyhounds participate in amateur straight-track and oval-track racing.
Health Concerns of the breed
Health problems that can be found in the breed:
Epilepsy
Legg-Perthes disease (degeneration of the hip)
Patellar Luxation (slipped stifles)
von Willebrand disease (vWD) (Bleeding disorder)
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Color dilution alopecia (hair loss in dilute pigmented dogs, ie: blues, blue fawns, etc)
Leg Breaks (most common under the age of 2)
Cataracts
Vitreous degeneration
Liver shunts
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Periodontal disease, gum recession, early tooth loss, bad tooth enamel
Hypothyroidism, Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (Hashimoto's disease)
Responsible breeders will routinely check their dogs for the onset of various inherited disorders, these commonly include (but are not limited to): CERF examinations on eyes, OFA patellar examinations, OFA thyroid function panels, von Willebrand's factor, OFA hip and Legg-Perthes disease x-rays, and others.
Dogs of this breed have an extremely short and almost odorless coat that requires little more than an occasional bath, but a wipe-down with a damp cloth is recommended after walks as seeds, burrs and floating dust in the air can get into the coat and irritate the skin. Shedding is typical as of other breeds, but the hair that is shed is extremely short and fine and is easily vacuumed.
The teeth of an Italian Greyhound should be brushed regularly. Their scissor-bite and thin jaw bones make them susceptible to periodontal disease, which can be avoided with good dental care.
Rescue
There are a very large number of rescue organizations for this breed.
Rescue By Country
Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue
Italian Greyhound Club of Canada Rescue
United Kingdom - Italian Greyhound Rescue Charity
Rescue By State, Province, or Region
Alaska Italian Greyhound IGCA Rescue
Arizona IGCA Rescue
California Italian Greyhound Club of America Rescue
California Italian Greyhound Rescue
Colorado IGCA Rescue
Colorado - Wiseguys Italian Greyhound Rescue
Connecticut IGCA Italian Greyhound Rescue
East Coast Italian Greyhound Rescue
Florida IGCA Representative
Florida - Rocket Angel Italian Greyhound Rescue
Georgia & Alabama Italian Greyhound Rescue
Idaho - Sighthound Adoption and Fostering Center
Illinois Windy City IGs Italian Greyhound Rescue
Indiana IG Rescue
Italian Greyhound Rescue of the Western United States
Louisiana IGCA Rescue
Michigan IG Rescue
Midwest Italian Greyhound Rescue
Minnesota/Wisconsin - Lifeline Italian Greyhound Rescue
Missouri Italian Greyhound Rescue
Nebraska Italian Greyhound Rescue
Nevada IGCA Rescue
New Jersey Italian Greyhound Rescue
New Mexico IGCA Rescue
New York IGCA Rescue Affiliate
North Carolina Italian Greyhound Rescue
North Carolina - Triangle Italian Greyhound Rescue
Northwest (Idaho, Oregon & Washington) Italian Greyhound Rescue
Ohio IG Rescue
Ohio - Golden Years Senior Greyhounds
Oklahoma - Hazeljanes Blessings IG Rescue
Oklahoma IGCA Rescue
Ontario - Southern Ontario Sighthound Rescue
Pennsylvania Italian Greyhound Rescue
Silver Hounds Senior Italian Greyhounds
Tennessee Italian Greyhound Rescue
Texas IGCA Rescue
Utah Iggy Palace Rescue
Wisconsin Italian Greyhound Rescue
Clubs, Associations, and Societies
Italian Greyhound Club of America
Italian Greyhound Club of Canada
American Italian Greyhound Club
Italian Greyhound Society UK
Italian Greyhound committee (Norway)
Italian Greyhound & Cirneco dell'Etna Club of Finland
Italian Greyhound National Club of Russia
Friends of the Italia Greyhound Australia
Italian Greyhounds of Colorado
Italian Greyhounds of Ukraine
