Assessment of breed characteristics
| Adaptability Definition of how easy a dog is. can adapt to changes in life. |  |
| Shedding Level Level and frequency of hair loss in animal. |  |
| Level of tenderness Level and amount of tenderness and affection that the dog gives back in return for attention to itself. |  |
| Need for Exercise Daily Activity Level dogs. |  |
| Social need Required number of dog contacts with other animals as well as people. |  |
| Housing ratio Factor that determines the level of noise and other inconvenience that the dog can deliver to the owners in the ratio apartment size to dog size. |  |
| Grooming Number of bathing, combing, as well as necessary number of professional grooming sessions required the dog. |  |
| Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment. |  |
| The tendency to bark The tendency to bark and its frequency and volume. |  |
| Health Issues Potential Health Status dogs. |  |
| Territorial tendency of the dog to protect his house, yard or even a car owner. |  |
| Cat friendliness A trend towards cat tolerance and reduced manifestation of hunting instincts. |  |
| Intelligence Dog’s ability to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning!). |  |
| Education and training Level of difficulty in training a dog perform certain actions. |  |
| Friendliness for children Factor determining how much the dog friendly to children, whether she likes to play with them and endure some children’s pranks. |  |
| Game activity The concept is determined by its very name, and, usually found in almost all dogs. |  |
| Observing Dog’s ability to detect presence a stranger in his territory. |  |
| Friendliness for other dogs Dog’s tendency to find common language with other relatives. |  |
Brief description of the breed
Italian greyhounds (small Italian greyhounds) are small dogs whose weight ranges from 2.7-5 kg. They are considered the smallest of the whole group of hunting greyhounds not only in weight but also in height, which rarely exceeds 38-40 cm. In appearance, Italian greyhound resemble a small copy of the Greyhounds – popular hunting dogs of English origin. Italian Greyhound Life Span is approximately 12-15 years old. For miniature dogs of this breed characteristic elongated narrowed rounded head shape with pronounced superciliary arches. Transition area from forehead to muzzle dogs are not pronounced, cheekbones are dry. Greyhound muzzle elongated, tapering to the tip of the nose in black. Italian Greyhound jaws have scissor bite. Eyes are oval, large, lively, dark shade. High-set ears, small, bent on the cartilage and retracted in opposite directions or on the back of the head. Neck in moderation muscular and dry, equal to the length of the head. The breast of Italian greyhound is narrow. The length of the body is equal to the length of the height of the dog at the withers, the back is straight and muscular, convex in the region to the extent of muscular croup. Tail thin in diameter, low set. Limbs straight, dry the muscles are anterior and with more pronounced posterior. Wool Italian greyhounds are short throughout the body, shiny and smooth. Color can be black, gray, fawn, blue or isabella shades (white marks in the chest and paws). Greyhounds are most often acquired as companion dogs because of their miniature size and livable The character is ideal for maintenance in urban apartments. Such dogs can perfectly fit into almost every family – young or old, active or calm. Nevertheless, Italian greyhounds, being hunting greyhounds (albeit very graceful), can perfectly manifest themselves during hunting for small game and bird (hare, partridge). True, in Russia as assistants larger hunting breeds are acquired that are more adapted to the features of our area. Thus, at least Italian greyhounds and are most often presented as decorative dogs for delights of the master’s gaze, they combine the same qualities as large greyhounds – hunting instinct, stamina when chasing after beast, playfulness. Participate (and have a lot of fans) small Italian greyhounds and dog races. However, in our country Italian greyhounds for several centuries play the role of home favorites – small, good-natured and affectionate enough.
Italian greyhound photo:
Photo of dogs of Italian Greyhound breed |
Origin history
Researchers breed claim that the approximate age of the graceful Italian greyhound is at least 6000 years old. The proof of this is discovery of ancient Egyptian archaeologists during excavations structures, tombs of the pharaohs and temples where they were discovered numerous images of dogs resembling Italian greyhounds in appearance – small, with long and narrow heads, slender greyhounds. Besides in the mid-20th century, scientists found in the tombs of the pharaohs and the priests of Ancient Egypt, the skeletons of dogs, in appearance completely identical modern Italian greyhounds. According to legend, in modern Italy miniature greyhounds appeared at one of the most famous Roman leaders – Guy Julius Caesar. A giver of dogs according to the same legend a no less odious figure appeared – the Queen of Egypt Cleopatra (big fan of the breed). Naturally, it is not known how exactly the little greyhounds spread around the world in that distant time. But after many centuries, around the 16-18th century, our era small greyhounds have become extremely popular among the nobility of many European countries, also had these dogs in Russia and the emperors (Peter I, Catherine II, etc.) and their entourage. Breed name appeared around the Middle Ages, it was founded from French “li? vre” – “hare”, that is, a dog for hunting a hare. The breed became officially recognized only at the beginning of the 20th century, when everything more often Italian greyhounds were started not for hunting, but for fun wealthy Then the breeders decided to surrender whalet and dwarf pincher blood greyhounds to preserve type greyhound and small stature. Both World Wars made existence these dogs are at risk. In our country, the decline in interest in Italian greyhound occurred after the October Revolution when these small dogs began to be considered toys so hated by the working people bourgeois and noble societies. However, Italian greyhounds survived all difficulties and became again popular all over the world. These dogs were loved by ancient rulers, medieval nobles, and famous personalities of modern times. Today’s fragile Italian greyhound you can easily see on the street, faithfully mincing on a leash for its owner – a simple resident of a modern city.
Italian greyhound character
Greyhounds are mostly considered good-natured dogs, sensitive to the manifestation of affection and aggression in relation to themselves. They are quite mobile (like to play, jump, run), but with Necessities are well adapted to the calm lifestyle of the family. At lack of time for long and active walks of Italian Greyhound can adapt to short-term walking. To other pets in the house they treat well (both dogs and cats), but do not acquire Italian greyhound to those families where large dogs already live with leadership qualities, since such a dog union can be deplorable for a slender Italian greyhound. For the same reason Italian greyhound is advised to start those owners whose children have crossed the threshold of rash curiosity when a child can cripple animal during the game. Italian greyhounds are unobtrusive, they can find occupation if the owner is busy and cannot pay attention to the animal. It is said that Italian greyhounds subtly feel not only the mood of the owner, but also the state of his health. So there are cases when a dog is next to the owner who has become ill, as if understanding and sympathizing with him. Such dogs are very affectionate and reverent to their the owner, calmly treat the guests at home, but at the possible threat can raise serious barking. It is smart, energetic and pretty trained dogs that are able to become real friends of man.
Maintenance and care
Italian greyhounds are dogs that can only be kept indoors, since frost, dampness and drafts are poorly tolerated. Besides in addition, in cold weather, the owner will have to put on a warm dog things and shoes so that during the walk the shorthair dog does not she shivered and did not get sick. Such dogs often freeze even in apartment, however, do not constantly wrap the animal. Enough on the coldest days, when in a house or apartment cool, insulate the dog by wearing a knitted or fleece jumpsuit (or jacket). The rest of the time, the dog at home should “temper”, otherwise any breeze on the street will be fraught with a cold. By the way, for freezing Italian greyhound, you can install a toilet tray, where the dog will be able to relieve itself without going out into the cold. As it was said earlier, these dogs can adapt to short walking, however, it is better if the owner can find the opportunity dog trips out of town and active walks. And to not Italian greyhound was overly impressionable, it is worth teaching her from a young age to new places, people, dogs. Caring for Italian greyhound does not carry difficulty – combing out several times a week with a brush or rubberized mittens. Swimming as needed (preferably not more than 2 times a year), just wash your paws after walks. A prerequisite for keeping an Italian greyhound is the control of the teeth of such a dog (brushing, removing tartar by veterinarian purchasing treats for cleansing teeth), because Italian greyhounds often suffer from dental problems. It is also mandatory to clean the ears, rubbing the eyes with a damp fleece, clipping of claws. Owners of Italian Greyhounds say that their pets very clean and have no “smell”.
Training and education
Do not forget that in terms of temperament, even a pet dog This breed does not cease to be a hunter. Therefore, cases are not uncommon when an ill-mannered dog from childhood is trying to steal a tidbit a piece from the table, chasing after small animals or rodents, while walking without a leash, she is able to run and behind an inanimate object driven by the wind. Also a dog can show feelings in the form of jumping on people with joy. therefore from the first days you should start to teach your dog the rules of good behavior in the house and on the street. Not worth the fun of letting a puppy eat food prepared for people, nibble things, while walks run independently, separately from the owner. Moreover Italian greyhound training will not be too difficult because this breed distinguished by excellent intelligence and diligence. But these dogs always react strongly to the mood of the owner and his emotions, therefore, do not break into a cry if at the beginning of training the puppy does not executes commands immediately. Most often, Italian greyhounds take a general course obedience, in the process of which they master basic commands and skills.
Health and Disease
Italian greyhounds, so fragile in appearance, are not overly problematic in terms of health. Throughout life they are active and curious, can cross and 15 years of age. Most often, Italian greyhounds suffer from such diseases: eye diseases (glaucoma, cataract, atrophy retina, corneal dystrophy), epilepsy, dental problems (plaque, tartar, tooth loss), alopecia (baldness), disease Perthes (necrosis of the femoral head tissue).
