Italian greyhound - description of the breed and the nature of the dog

This is an elegant little dog with a timid innocent look, which managed to play a significant role in human history. Italian greyhound, according to many, is the first dog breed that was generally bred in order to keep it at home. Since ancient times and for a long time, Italian greyhound has been a favorite of high-ranking officials in the royal family. These dogs lived only in palaces, where they rested peacefully on soft silk pillows. Often, Italian greyhounds were captured on canvas by artists who painted aristocrats. Therefore, many Italian greyhounds managed to get on the generic image of various nobles. You can also find a description of these animals at Pushkin or Dostoevsky, as well as in other fiction.

Historical facts and legends

Italian Greyhound is in unprecedented demand in the society of fans of decorative dog breeds. Few people know the fascinating story of how this breed was first born. It should be mentioned that the breed appeared much earlier than the beginning of our era - in the fourth century BC. first mention of the breed in Egypt.

With the assistance of resourceful and enterprising merchants, the breed came to the territory of Greece, and from there to Italy. It is generally accepted that Ancient Rome is the true homeland of these dogs. The involvement of Italian greyhound in a common family of greyhounds is indicated by the fact that this breed is called the small Italian greyhound. Despite the seemingly timid and modest appearance, the decorative Italian greyhound has a perfectly developed musculature and a strong skeleton. At the same time, there is no doubt that the dog was not used as an escort for hunting or for protection.

Breed Italian Greyhound began to enjoy a certain popularity relatively recently. Only at the very end of the last century the fashion for having miniature dogs as a pet was born. At the same time, even in antiquity, many heads of countries adored having decorative doggies at the court. From French, Italian greyhound means "hare." Indeed, outwardly dogs of this breed can remotely resemble a hare or a small rabbit. Over the past millennia, the breed has not changed much, perhaps the neck has slightly lengthened, and the dog’s growth has become higher.

Even in the old days, the pharaohs, emperors loved to go hunting. But, apparently, the desire to have a dog with him, which could remind him of a desired hunt and at the same time possess the qualities of a court dog, and served as the main reason that Italian greyhound generally appeared as a separate breed of dogs. And she managed from the period of reign in Egypt of the pharaohs to reach the modern world, having at its disposal a unique legend that can perfectly characterize this miniature proud dog.

According to this legend, once the little son of the pharaoh was abducted by the Persian invaders, who, unfortunately, did not pay attention to the fact that a small Italian greyhound followed behind them. And when the ruthless bandits left the little boy in the middle of the desert alone, a devoted dog spent a lot of time next to him, protecting from various animals and saving the baby with the help of his warm body. And the dog did not go anywhere until the missing child could not be found by the subjects of the pharaoh.

If you trust in later history, then it refers to the King of Germany, Frederick, who tried to hide from the enemies pursuing him under the bridge, and with him there was Italian greyhound.As soon as the king’s personal dog yelped at least once, the murderers would certainly have found the king. But the dog devotedly silent, not uttering a sound. When several years after this incident, and the Italian greyhound passed away, Frederick, experiencing incredible gratitude to her, buried her near Berlin, where the members of the king’s family were interred.

This is the first dog breed that was bred on purpose for living in the house. It is from here that all the features of her character come from - ease, love of life and playfulness. At the same time, the dog, being outwardly small and lively, received a moderate and balanced character in the history of its development.

Over the long time that the representatives of the breed spent close to the person, they managed to turn into wonderful pets. Currently, such a dog can live not only in aristocratic families, but can easily live in a family with children, or keep company with old people living alone. Italian greyhounds have an excellent ability to take into account the mood and character of their owners, without being too annoying if the atmosphere in the house suddenly becomes difficult. All this indicates that Italian greyhound is a wonderful pet that does not cause any particular problems.

Description of the breed and its character

The breed of Italian greyhound is the type of dog that is as close as possible to the person. In this dog, amazing mind, reliability and fidelity are first of all appreciated.

The dog has a light, balanced, cheerful disposition. This tactful animal, characterized by exorbitant benevolence, which allows him to become an excellent companion for any people.

Italian greyhounds are very active and mobile. Sometimes, they can be partly shy, but they experience complete self-confidence when they are next to the owner. Due to their miniature dimensions, they are unlikely to be able to protect housing or protect a person, but at the same time they will turn into a wonderful watchman who can start fussing and sounding the alarm in time. However, there is a certain nuance here, as Italian greyhounds sometimes begin to make noise, for no reason.

They experience complete calm only when they are next to the family in which they live. Ideal for her is to sit in the hands of the owner. Italian greyhounds are affectionate not only to adults, but also to any child. At the same time, they are unlikely to allow the baby to squeeze or pull them by the ears, but they definitely will not bite. The situation can end with a bite only when the Italian greyhound is incredibly scared or there is a serious threat.

It is recommended to start raising a dog from puppyhood, and the first thing that should be shown to a new pet is a place where she can sleep or spend rest. Then you need to introduce the puppy to a bowl where the food is located. Every effort must be made to make the animal as disciplined as possible. This can be achieved by following a number of recommendations. For example, after each meal it is necessary to immediately eliminate the bowl from the floor, then the Italian greyhound will understand what is needed immediately, and not for a couple of hours, demonstrating leisurely.

You should not expect that the dog will demonstrate outstanding success in training, but she will definitely succeed in becoming obedient.
Italian greyhound has serious endurance, although outwardly it looks fragile and pampered. For many centuries she lived in pleasure and luxurious conditions, but the hunter's instinct from the doggie did not knock it out.In Italy, Italian greyhound is successfully used for hunting wild hares.

When buying Italian greyhound as a pet, many owners are interested in how a dog gets along with animals of the same breed. Do not worry, because Italian greyhound can easily find a common language with other dogs, while it can become a leader without conflict and be in the spotlight. It can be great to get along with other pets, but if you do not bring it up, it may try to hunt a little.

Italian Greyhound Content

To care for and maintain a dog of this breed is quite easy:

1. It will be necessary to periodically clean the coat of the pet with the help of the intended mitten.
2. It is often recommended to clean the ears and eyes of dirt particles.
3. To apply Italian greyhound to water procedures is necessary only if necessary, using dog shampoo.
4. If the Italian greyhound sheds, you can use a stiff towel to wipe it.

One of the advantages of a dog is that without the ability to walk it, it will not experience problems with going to a regular tray.

Italian greyhounds simply adore when they are combed out. And it is worth mentioning that dogs of this breed are proud, they always need to be in the spotlight, for Italian greyhound it is important to get feedback from the owner and see his feelings.

There are some nuances when caring for a dog:

1. They do not like water procedures, and shampoo can cause damage to the coat if applied excessively. It is only necessary to wash Italian greyhound as needed, about 9-11 times a year. In this case, washing the legs after a walk is allowed.
2. After washing, thoroughly wipe the dog so that it does not catch a cold.
3. Italian greyhounds are not very hardy and can be subjected to various diseases. To protect your pet from some serious diseases, you will need to vaccinate him.
4. There is no special need to cut the hair of the dog, and about once or twice a month, you only need to cut the claws. This process makes the Italian greyhound nervous, but it will not bite the owner’s hands.

In Italian greyhound puppies, the fur is sometimes longer than in adult dogs. The dog rarely molts, as the breed is smooth-haired.

How to choose a puppy correctly

The acquisition of Italian greyhound puppy is always a wonderful event that will be remembered for a long time. It is necessary to take a puppy seriously so that this moment is truly joyful.

Initially, you need to visit a number of exhibitions where you can watch the best dogs of this breed. There you will be able to make acquaintance with representatives of nurseries. It is immediately necessary to pay attention to what are the conditions for keeping Italian greyhounds in the nursery, to check the health of the doggie. Make sure that the puppy has clean hair, ears and skin. The nose should not be dry. In the nursery it is also necessary to obtain information about vaccinations.

It is advisable to get acquainted with the parents of the puppy of interest. Pay attention to how the dog walks. It is necessary that the Italian greyhound move not at a gallop, but at a trot, which will mean that the dog has no health problems.

It is necessary to dwell in more detail on the significant parameters of the breed:

1. The head has an elongated shape. The muzzle is pleasant, the eyes and nose are large.
2. The ears are very large, often pulled back, but when attention is shown, they are pulled up.
3. The chest is high. The backbone is very strong, the muscles are developed. Typically, the body does not exceed the height at the withers.
4. The limbs are sophisticated, they may seem fragile. In hind legs, the jerking force is usually very high.
5. Weight rarely exceeds 5 kilograms.
6. Height is about 36 cm on average.
7. Italian greyhound lives about 10-13 years.

It is worth saying that an adult individual is often not similar in appearance and character to a Italian greyhound puppy, so you need to ask the breeder to look at the parents of the young dog in order to be sure that the puppy is really purebred.

Cons of this breed of dogs

The fragile limbs of Italian greyhound are prone to injuries and fractures. This is especially true for a period of age from three to eight months. But this is not the only weak point in this breed. Sometimes you can find epilepsy, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, periodontal disease.

Italian greyhounds have a certain character, sometimes capricious. For example, they may stop eating, and if they manage to cope with such an attack, then the dog will eat everything that is offered to her.

Italian Greyhound Training

This breed needs special attention: despite the seeming helplessness, the dog can turn into a true violator of a quiet existence. When communicating with a pet, it is necessary to show a strong character, iron will and amazing perseverance. If the Italian greyhound is not accustomed to discipline, then it will consider itself a master in the house, using this position for its own good.

Starting education is necessary from the very first minutes, as soon as the puppy has appeared in the apartment. Do not let the puppy do what adults are forbidden to do. For each misconduct should be proportionately punished. Italian greyhound should understand the relationship between the act and the punishment.

Dogs of this breed must be trained for a long time, and this is a difficult process. The intelligence of the dogs is not the highest, but they are very proud. Italian greyhound will be able to master several banal commands, but Italian greyhound is unlikely to obey the owner on the training ground, trying to repeat complex commands.

A dog can be a great favorite for keeping in an apartment. Italian greyhound can coexist quietly with cats and other animals, but will be jealous.

Italian greyhound with love and special admiration refers to outdoor games, but at the same time it is very vulnerable to various injuries that are so easy to get during the game. This happens more often if the dog plays with the kids. It is also forbidden to walk dogs of this breed on city streets without a leash. And it’s not about the aggressiveness of the dogs, just because of the natural hunting instinct, a well-trained Italian greyhound can go in pursuit of any small moving object, be it small animals or even an ordinary plastic bag, as well as a piece of paper.

Video: Italian Greyhound dog breed