|
Italian greyhounds are
a small breed of sight hound. The breed
is believed to be thousands of years old,
and originated in regions that are now
the modern countries of Turkey and Greece.
Though the dogs most likely occupied Italy
before the first century, AD, their name
derives from their extreme popularity
as a companion breed during the Italian
Renaissance.
Italian greyhounds have
served historically as a companion breed,
perhaps from their time of origin and
certainly by the first century, AD. The
breed has long been favored by royalty;
the Roman emperor Nero and a great number
of European kings and queens have been
known for owning Italian greyhounds. Though
they most often serve as companion dogs,
Italian greyhounds have also been used
to hunt rodents and other small animals.
The Italian greyound is
a miniature greyhound, and resembles its
larger counterpart in many ways. Like
the greyhound, the breed is known for
its rapid acceleration and thin stature.
However, though Italian greyhounds are
able to run remarkably quickly, they are
not as suited to racing as greyhounds.
On average, Italian greyhounds
weigh 8-18 lbs and are 13-15 inches high.
Italian greyhounds have thin, short, glossy
coats; deep, narrow chests; long, thin
necks and heads; and thin but strong and
sloped hind legs. Italian greyhounds'
colorations vary significantly by individual
due to the age and widespread use and
breeding of the breed. Individual Italian
greyhounds may be practically any color
naturally seen in dogs. Many display somewhat
large patches of fur that are entirely
white.
Italian greyhounds are quiet,
affectionate, and gentle. They are very
companionable and fare well in quiet households
in which they may enjoy the company of
people. However, they are often wary of
and shy around strangers. Italian greyhounds
are also very agile, athletic, and active;
they require daily exercise, and love
to run. They are highly responsive to
the sight of potential prey, and many
Italian greyhounds may abruptly take off
after small animals when they are not
supposed to.
Though Italian greyhounds
have very pleasant temperaments, they
may not be suited to environments that
include very young children or larger
dogs, as the small size and delicate build
of Italian greyhounds often make them
fragile and prone to being hurt. Italian
greyhounds should also be supervised in
their physical activity, as they are inclined
to overexert themselves while running
and end up injuring themselves. Broken
legs are a relatively common ailment of
Italian greyhounds.
Italian greyhounds have
short coats that produce almost no odor
and shed lightly to moderately. For this
reason, they do not need to be groomed
frequently. However, because their coats
are short, it is advised that Italian
greyhounds are gently wiped with a damp
cloth after exposure to burrs, seeds,
and dust, which may irritate their skin.
Though their coats require very little
maintenance, their teeth do not; it is
recommended that each Italian greyhound's
teeth are brushed daily, as the breed
is prone to gum disease.
|
Dog Pound
