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Dogs 101 - ITALIAN GREYHOUND - Top Dog Facts About the ITALIAN GREYHOUND
The Italian Greyhound, also known as the ‘I.G.’ or ‘Iggy’, is the smallest of the sight hounds. Dogs similar to the modern Italian Greyhound have been noted in art from Europe and the Mediterranean region dating back over 2000 years. With such a long history, the exact origins or development records are difficult to trace. It is generally accepted that it spread from the Mediterranean to other parts of Europe, and had become particularly widespread by the Middle Ages in southern Europe. Its popularity among the nobility of Renaissance Italy is responsible for the breed’s name. Unfortunately, the trend of breeding ‘designer’ small dogs led these dogs to be bred selectively for small size, resulting in decline in quality and near extinction in Europe by World War II. But enough sound specimens had been brought to the US by then, and imports back into Europe helped revive the breed. The breed has remained popular as a companion for hunting small game as well as a family pet.
Time for some Ruff Trivia:
- While the Italian Greyhound is found in a wide array of colors and markings, a dog with which of these markingsis disqualified as per AKC standards?
o A: White Markings
o B: Brindle Markings
o C: White and Black Markings
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.
The adult Iggy has height in the range of 13 to 15 inches and weighs between 7 and 14 pounds. The overall appearance is of a miniaturized Greyhound, smaller and more slender in all proportions. A curvaceous outline, with a slight arch over the loin and good rear angulation, provide it the double-suspension gallop seen in normal-sized Greyhounds. The head is narrow, long and tapering to the nose; eyes are always dark and medium in size; the ears are small, thrown back and folded except when alerted. The coat is short, glossy, and soft to the touch. Coat color is either solid or combination of white with a wide range including black, blue, fawn, cream, red and sable.
Grooming:Shedding is minimal in case of the Italian Greyhound, requiring an occasional brush and a monthly bath. Wiping with a damp cloth after walks can be useful in removing skin irritants like burrs and seeds. The breed is particularly susceptible to periodontal disease, which can be prevented with good dental care - daily brushing of teeth and occasional dental cleaning by a vet. Cleaning of ears and trimming of nails has to be regular.
Temperament:The Italian Greyhound is a playful, gentle and sensitive dog. It is devoted to its family, craves being around humans, and gets along well with children. But it is generally recommended for families with older or no children. It is reserved with strangers, and can be a reasonably good watchdog because of its propensity to bark. Some dogs of the breed can be slightly timid. It is also generally friendly with other dogs, but care should be taken that larger animals do not hurt this slightly fragile dog.
Training:The Iggy is an intelligent dog like the larger Greyhound, and can be trained for agility, lure coursing and other performance trials. It enjoys running around and shows a high predator drive when faced with small animals. Though a reasonably active dog, its exercise needs can be met with a good walk or a game indoors.
Health:Life expectancy of the Italian Greyhound is 12 to 15 years. Its bones are particularly fragile as a puppy, and it should be prevented from jumping off higher surfaces during its early months. Apart from dental issues, some other common disorders can be epilepsy, hip degeneration, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, alopecia, hypothyroidism and von Willebrand’s Disease.
Attention loving and affectionate, the Italian Greyhound is a gentle, sensitive animal. Bred to play the dual role of hunter and companion, it is highly adaptable to life in the city or in the country.
Find out if the Italian Greyhoundwould be a good addition to your home. Now you can visit Brooklyn’s Corner.com to take our quiz and find out which dog would be the best match for you.
Music by Kevin McLeod - Royalty Free