Italian Greyhound (Italian Greyhound)

Italian Greyhound, Petit Levrier Italiane, Piccolo Levriero Italiano, Italienisches Windspiel, Galgo italiano

Breed characteristics

• Popularity: 7
• Training: 3
• Size: 1
• Mind: 3
• Security: 1
• Relations with children: 5
• Dexterity: 10
• Shedding: 4

Story

The Small Italian Greyhound is mainly known under our name Italian greyhound. In Soviet times, there was even a line in the verses of the famous author – “they say that Italian greyhound is rare.” In fact, it can be said even now, since this breed is really not very common in the CIS.

It’s hard to believe, but Italian greyhound is of origin, dating back at least 2,000 years. Despite the fact that in the history of these dogs there are gaps, it can be absolutely accurately stated that they existed in Greece and Turkey. This is confirmed by artefacts with images found by archaeologists as well as small dog skeletons dating from the first centuries of our era.

One of the gaps is the lack of facts describing exactly how dogs came to Italy, but there they were popular and spread across Europe. Following Italy, in the 17th century the breed Italian greyhound came to England, where he won success among aristocracy. Common people, as you yourself understand, these dogs were uninteresting, and unavailable due to the high cost.

Among the royals who owned Italian greyhounds were, for example, Frederick the Great of Prussia, Katerina Medici, Henry IV, Charles I and Queen Victoria. By the way, it was during her reign that popularity The breed has reached its “ceiling.” During the years of the First and Second World wars a lot of these dogs in Europe died, for obvious reasons, and a small breed population in America helped save Italian greyhound from complete extinction. After all, to survive independently in difficult conditions, in unlike large dogs, these pets cannot.

Description

The dog breed Italian greyhound has a fragile physique, long limbs, pronounced chest and abdominal cavity. Muzzle elongated, ears hanging down on the sides of the head. The tail is medium length.

Personality

The breed of Italian greyhound dogs is distinguished by its cute character, and is excellent passes as a companion to a person of any age. Unlike from many small dogs, Italian greyhound has more harmonious character, and not so fond of barking at all that moves with and without cause.

We can say that these dogs have a more harmonious character, more flexible in terms of relationships with strangers people and other animals. Although, it is not absolute character and often depends on education, which means do not forget that even natural inclinations need to be developed. If not to do, Italian greyhound can become moody, inadequately respond to some people and children. By the way, they relate to children calmly, if the dog is well-bred, then he perceives them well, if not, then acute reactions are possible.

Children also need to explain how to deal with this. animals, because his physique is fragile, and the child can it is easy to harm the dog by negligence. Italian Greyhound dogs have a fairly sensitive psyche, and therefore, although they need in education and early socialization, you should be demanding not only to your pet, but also to yourself in relation to them. They are smart enough, and understand people normally.

Italian greyhound has an average energy level, likes to play and needs in daily walks, moreover, you should carefully monitor my favorite. Despite their small size, they are very agile. and can develop a sufficiently high speed, but because if the dog decided to go on a study of the immediate surroundings despite your teams, catching up with her can be difficult.

By the way, it will seem incredible to you, but once upon a time used for hunting, because after all it’s a greyhound, which means she has hidden hunting instincts and can respond to small rodents and even cats. Although the latter most likely will not back down, come into a fight and your baby will have a hard time. Because on a walk needs an eye and an eye. If Italian greyhound is not possible plenty of walking, and does not get enough attention and affection from the owners, she begins to mope and becomes boring, she disappears appetite.

Training

Italian greyhound breed needs training and character formation, however, this is more likely due to socialization. Try to introduce the dog to different people, animals and situations, gently cutting off abnormal behavior. Training may occur, but you need to find a suitable game form.

Although the breed is smart, Italian greyhounds have a short duration. concentration of attention. Therefore, classes should be short, using games, treats and praise to motivate your favorite to learn.

Physical punishment, screaming, psychological pressure and inappropriate behavior should be ruled out. By this you only completely break the animal psyche, and it will turn into something like a living soft toy that is constantly in fear and is in a depressed state.

Italian greyhound can be taught basic commands, it is also necessary concentrate on obedience to minimize the possibility of escaping or chasing squirrels in the park or parrots houses.

Care

The Italian greyhound breed has a very short coat and needs combing out once a week. Also always make sure that the dog had clean ears, clean your eyes daily, and also three times trim the claws per month.

You need to bathe the animal once or twice a week or more often, since small dogs often sleep in a place with owners and generally often are in close contact with people. Italian greyhound is sensitive to cold, and therefore in winter for a walk you need to wear a jumpsuit.

Common diseases

The breed of Italian greyhound dogs has many health problems, and this Must be considered when buying. Among them:

• cataract – usually appears in older dogs;
• von Willebrand disease;
• vitreous degeneration – maybe hereditary;
• progressive retinal atrophy;
• hypothyroidism;
• knee dislocation;
• hip dysplasia – is hereditary a disease;
• allergy;
• Italian Greyhound may suffer from epilepsy;
• cryptorchidism;
• portosystemic shunt;
• sensitivity to anesthesia.

Breed Information

Breed photo