Italian greyhound

Italian greyhound - elegant, thin, very sensitive and simply amazing creatures. When they visited social events in the hands of their high-ranking owners, they invariably attracted the admiring glances of all the guests gathered in the hall. The history of the breed is rich in vivid events and legends, but over many millennia some facts, unfortunately, have been lost. What is a modern Italian Greyhound and what do future owners need to know about them?

The origin of the breed

It is known that these dogs belong to ancient breeds, and the found references to the Italian greyhound belong to the period of ancient Rome and even earlier period. True, it has not yet been possible to find out exactly where these dogs came from, but according to two common versions they could come from Greece or Turkey, Egypt or the Persian state.

The dog was named after the Italian greyhound or Italian Greyhound because the breed was very popular among Italian aristocrats during the Renaissance. From this country, she first came to the territory of England. The greyhounds were also the progenitors of the IGs, but larger ones. They were popular with the Greeks and Romans, as evidenced by their images on objects of art. It is not exactly known when, but images and smaller greyhounds began to appear.

How small dogs began to appear, and for what purpose they were taken, is still unclear. There is an opinion that they were used as hunters for small game, such as hares, or rodent pests. But the idea that the small greyhounds were exclusively companions, the idea is not excluded, since there is no evidence of other theories. There is also no authentic evidence of whether small greyhounds are direct ancestors of the IGs, but scientists are inclined to this version.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, dogs became so popular that it was possible to meet them in almost any European country. Since the Greyhounds were the only greyhound at that time, the Italian Greyhounds were also called, but with the addition of Italian. This led to the erroneous belief that the IGs are dwarf greyhounds, and in fact they have nothing to do with them. In other countries, they began to dignify Levriero (translated from IT. Greyhound).

A small part of the representatives of this breed were used for hunting, but most of the dogs were companions. Only in the 17th century, tribal books began to appear, and the breeders of England began to enter information about their dogs in them. In the middle of the 19th century, exhibitions of tetrapods began to take place everywhere; these events became very popular. This fact led to the fact that the breeders began to standardize their pets, this fate did not bypass the IGs.

Thanks to breeding work, these dogs acquired a more elegant appearance and immediately attracted general attention at exhibitions. However, breeders are addicted to miniaturization of the breed, which adversely affects its representatives. They lose their proportionality and often suffer from defects. As a result, at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, a club of this breed was formed, the main task of which was to return the original type of the IGs and eliminate the selective harm.

Like other breeds, World Wars have negatively influenced, and miniature greyhounds. Their population has declined critically, and has almost disappeared in England. But the case is saved by American felinologists, since the IGs have long taken root in the territory of the States. Then there began to arise clubs, the main purpose of which was the revival of the breed. At that time, the breeders managed not only to return the Italian greyhounds, but also contribute to their spread throughout the world.

Today, Italian Greyhound is an amazing little companion, pleasing and entertaining its owners.

See also: what kind of dog is better to have in the apartment .

Description of Italian Greyhound

Modern little greyhound is the result of long selection work. Breeders managed to improve their speed performance, and greyhound can reach speeds of up to 40 km / h, which exceeds the capabilities of other similar dogs by 10 km / h.

Speaking in the ring, Italian greyhound can boast of grace, grace of movements and aristocratic article:

• Body : Weigh Italian greyhound within 2.5-4.5 kg. According to the standard, the length of the body is either equal to or slightly less than its height. The average height of dogs is 38 cm. The back is straight, with a slightly rounded loin, smoothly turning into croup. The chest is narrow, but strong and powerful, has a pronounced arch, passing into the abdomen.
• The tail of the IGs is quite thin, of decent length, the end is curved. With the development of high speeds, it provides an equilibrium for the animal on turns.
• The limbs are equipped with lean muscles, they are of good length and at the same time thin, with oval legs and firmly assembled toes. Claws pigmented with dark color.
• Head slightly streamlined, elongated, with pronounced eyebrows and flattened cheekbones. The pigmentation of the lobe is dark, it has well-opened nostrils. The muzzle of the IGs is pointed, elongated, the lips are dark, they fit snugly. Jaws are long with a scissor bite. Eyes with dark iris, expressive look. The lids are decorated with a dark border. The ears have a high landing, in the area of ​​the base they are raised, and at the tips they are slightly pulled back. When the Italian Greyhound is alert, they stand upright.
• The coat does not have an undercoat, the coat itself is dense, shiny, perfectly adheres to the skin. There are three suits of Italian greyhounds - black, gray with a blue tint and "isabella".

The nature of the little greyhounds

Tenderness and humility are the main characteristics of the IGs. They are distinguished by exceptional devotion, they know how to carefully and faithfully listen to their master. They are not characterized by destructive behavior, but this can happen if the dog is bored, subjected to physical violence or falls into stressful situations.

They are distinguished by playfulness and developed intelligence; these are important qualities for excellent family companions. It is impossible to use rigidity in dealing with the IGs, as they can be very worried about this. Miniature greyhounds feel good in a relaxed family atmosphere, devoid of tension and showdown. They feel the mood of their owners. If the Italian Greyhound got into a not very comfortable situation, then it is important to stroke and cheer her up.

These Italian dogs are rather shy and are irritable if you scare them. They may also be worried and confused. This can create some difficulties with their content. The amazing quality of the IGs - run, they easily develop incredible speed. It is not difficult for them to jump on the fence, jump from any elevations, which is very traumatic for their thin limbs.

Italian greyhound has little contact with representatives of large breeds, since they have no protection against them. But they get on well with their own kind, they can be kept in pairs. But cohabitation with cats and other small pets is not recommended, because with their barking they frighten other animals. The same applies to small children. Keeping an Italian greyhound is not so easy, but if you follow certain rules, it can be an excellent family member, albeit with its own characteristics.

See more greyhound breeds .

How to care for Italian greyhound

The advantage of levretok is the absence of unpleasant smell. They also molt very little. Bathe these dogs only when necessary, using detergents for smooth-haired breeds. Some owners simply wipe their pets with a damp cloth. You only need to wash your pet's paws after each walk. Combing Italian greyhound is not necessary.

Ears should be regularly inspected, but they should be cleaned only with significant contamination. It is best to use special lotions. The eyes are not problematic to care, as they are enough to wipe with a piece of cotton or a disc from the outer corner of the eye to the inner. But this is done only when necessary.

But the teeth should be cleaned by the IGs regularly; for this purpose, special means should be purchased at the veterinary pharmacy. Italian greyhounds are very active, so in the summer you do not need to perform the procedure for cutting the claws, they are worn off naturally. And in the winter it is extremely necessary to do this.

The best food for any dog ​​is a special, well-balanced diet. However, today manufacturers do not produce specially adapted feed for the IGs.

The peculiarity of the dogs of this breed is that with all its subtlety and elegance, they withstand incredible physical stress. So it is worth paying much attention to feeding your pet. The basis of the diet should be the meat part - meat with low fat content and high-quality by-products. Groats in the diet is needed, but in small quantities. To saturate the diet with nutrients is not difficult, since they do not give up fruits, berries, vegetables. But you should not forget about additional vitamin and mineral supplements .

Do not underestimate the appetite of IGs, given their mobility, they eat quite a lot. But all the calories they consume are burned naturally. Since the Italian greyhound is not adapted to cold weather conditions and precipitation, the owners often teach their pets to the home toilet (filled tray).

Long walking tours are possible only in sunny, windless weather. The winds do not like the winds, and they are trying to close with their paws.

See also: how to teach a puppy to go to the toilet .

Photo Italian Greyhound

Video about Italian greyhound

Price and purchase of Italian Greyhound puppies

If there is a desire to have such an elegant animal, then you should know that this breed is not cheap and not very common. Although there are kennels in large cities, you may have to go to another city to get your future pet.

In Russia, a puppy of this breed, intended only as a companion, costs about 25,000-30000 rubles. Puppies of the show class, future champions of exhibitions and active followers of the breed will cost a little more - 30000-45000 rubles.

Italian greyhound is a doggie with a fine mental organization in need of care and affection. They should not be brought to families with a large number of noisy children or with an unkind atmosphere. With proper care, the Italian Greyhound can become a true devoted friend.

Kennels Italian greyhound