Italian Greyhound (Italian Greyhound)

A small, graceful breed with a lengthy history, the Italian Greyhound is also known as the Italian Sighthound. For centuries, aristocratic families and royalty have treasured this dog, which is frequently described as elegant and sensitive. They have a sophisticated look, but they are vivacious and unique individuals.

These dogs make wonderful companions because they are very affectionate and have a strong bond with their owners. They do well in a family environment because of their gentle disposition and love of human companionship, especially when they receive plenty of love and care.

Italian Greyhounds are renowned for their speed and agility in addition to their loving nature. Don’t be fooled by their size; they enjoy playing and can run fast. They are an excellent balance of being active and laid back, though, as they also like to lounge around.

General characteristics of the Italian Greyhound breed

The small Italian Greyhound or Italian Greyhound is another name for the Italian Greyhound. The French translation of the Russian name is lièvre, which means hare, and levrier, which means greyhound. The "greyhound" is also referred to as levriero in Italian. These dogs resemble most greyhounds in appearance, but they are significantly shorter in stature. Partridges and hares were previously hunted by Italian Greyhounds. It is now a friendly and loyal friend.

Italian Greyhounds are small, graceful dogs with smooth short hair, thin limbs and expressive eyes. A feature of the breed is frequent trembling. Small tremors can appear not only from the cold, but also from nervous overexcitement. These greyhounds are similar to cats in their behavior: they also like to climb high, settle in warmth and comfort, and do not tolerate water. By nature, they are fearless, active, emotional, and wayward. A former hunter, this dog can run away in pursuit of a bird or even a car.

Parameters	Characteristics
Breed name	Italian greyhound, small Italian greyhound (Italian. Piccolo levriero italiano), Italian greyhound
Country	Italy
Breed group	Greyhounds, short-haired greyhounds
Use	Hunter, companion
Life expectancy	13-14 years
Height	32-38 cm
Weight	3-5 kg
Temperament	Choleric, emotional
Aggression	Low
Activity	High
Need for care	Minimal, almost does not shed
Training	Difficult to do
Features character	playful, sociable, affectionate, affectionate, obedient, kind
behavioral features	run fast, jump high, can climb on cabinets, tables, windowsills
colors	beige, gray, black

Pros

A domestic dog that fits into any owner’s lifestyle is the Italian Greyhound. It will make lonely people smile and provide entertainment for teens and active seniors. It doesn’t need sophisticated care or extensive training. The Italian Greyhound can live in the city or in the country because of its small stature, which makes it comfortable in small apartments. These dogs are well-liked all over the world because of their numerous benefits:

• playful, cheerful;
• have an attractive appearance;
• sociable, affectionate;
• not aggressive, good-natured;
• smart, sense the emotional state of a person;
• loyal, strongly attached to the owner;
• get along well with other dogs;
• clean, the coat almost does not shed and does not smell like a dog;
• love children, can be nannies;
• have good health, unpretentious.

Cons

Not everyone is a good fit for this breed. Italian Greyhounds’ excessive emotionality, energy, and jumping prowess may not appeal to lovers of ornamental dogs. Additionally, people who require company on lengthy walks and hikes should consider their limited endurance and frail physical state. Despite having kept their hunting instincts, these dogs are not utilized for hunting either.

However, the primary drawback of Italian greyhounds is their intolerance for isolation. These dogs need their owner’s presence, attention, interaction, and tactile stimulation all the time. Therefore, this breed should not be introduced to busy individuals who are not often at home. Additionally, ivory greyhounds have a number of drawbacks:

• they can be annoying;
• they like to lick a person"s face;
• naughty, they climb on tables and cabinets;
• very emotional, prone to stress;
• often bark, squeal, whine;
• afraid of the cold, in the cold season they need clothes.

The qualities of the breed are enhanced by the video:

Italian Greyhound video on ilikepet. characteristics of the breed, maintenance

Italian Greyhound Video: Zooplace.Ru

Video: Italian Greyhound. Price, selection criteria, facts, history, care, and pros and cons

History of the origin of the breed levreka

Among the oldest dog breeds is the Levreka. 5–6 thousand years BC, the Egyptian greyhound was her ancestor. e. These tiny canines resided in pharaohs’ chambers. Numerous images of them were discovered in the pyramids, on walls of houses, and on papyrus. They eventually fell into ancient Greece and Rome from Egypt.

The first decorative breed was the Italian Greyhound. In Europe, noble homes and royal palaces were home to elegant greyhounds. During the Renaissance, their popularity increased particularly in Italy. Several dogs were kept simultaneously because they were thought to be lucky charms. They were dubbed Italian greyhounds at that point. They were used to hunt rabbits for entertainment.

These dogs were popular at the Medici court. They were kept by King Frederick the Great, Queen Victoria, Empress Catherine II. Italian greyhounds were often depicted in paintings by famous artists.

Italian Greyhound popularity started to decline in the 19th century. Italian greyhounds were bred in smaller sizes by breeders in an effort to save the breed from extinction. Upon the close of the 1800s, the breed received official recognition. Tiny dogs did not meet the standard, which was created based on the traits of historical Italian greyhounds.

But the breed continued to degenerate. Therefore, at the beginning of the 20th century, breeders began to update the gene pool. Italian greyhounds began to be crossed with representatives of other breeds: whippets, miniature pinschers. This made it possible to preserve the refinement of the physique and small stature. The final breed standard was approved only in 1968.

The breed arrived in Russia under Peter I’s rule. It was given this name right here. At the imperial palace, these dogs were well-liked. But they had become less common by the turn of the 20th century. Not until the 1970s did the breed start to come back. These days, people keep these dogs as friends. They are well-liked everywhere in the world.

Appearance of the Italian Greyhound

The petite Italian Greyhound still possesses the grace and elegance of the Greyhound’s build. They appear weak and refined despite their thin build. However, they are actually fairly muscular dogs that can jump high and run up to 40 km/h. The Italian Greyhound stands 32–38 cm tall at the withers. These are the greyhounds’ tiniest representatives. Males and females are about the same size. 3.5–5 kg is the average weight of an Italian Greyhound, regardless of gender.

Head

The head is narrow, flat, proportional in size to the body. The stop and occipital protuberance are almost invisible, but the superciliary arches are pronounced. The nose of the Italian Greyhound should be black, but dark brown is allowed. The nose is large, the nostrils are wide. The muzzle is pointed, the bite is scissor-like.

The Italian Greyhound’s round, rather large eyes are spaced widely apart. The iris should have a deep brown color, the eyelids should fit tightly, be black, and the whites should be nearly invisible. The gaze is focused and expressive. thin, medium-sized ears. Half-lowered and turned down again. The dog’s ears lift and turn to the sides when it is interested in something.

Frame

The neck is long and gracefully curved in the shape of a cone. It abruptly passes into the withers. The throat is not folded or suspended. The long limbs give the body an almost square shape, contributing to the ascetic appearance. Some people have longer bodies than others; their length is greater than their height at the withers.

The cereal is wide, the lower back is slightly convex, and the back is straight. The stomach is constricted, and the chest is deep and narrow. Many dogs have ribs that are highly visible. It has a long, thin, and low tail. The tail itself does not rise above the back line; the tip is elevated.

Limbs

The limb standard states that the leverage is long and thin. vertically arranged front lines. The elbows point back and the blades are narrow. The hocks are clearly defined, the thighs are long, the shins slope, and the hind legs are graceful. Small pads cover the curved toes and oval-shaped paws. The movements are lively and nimble. The dog can run fast, but he cannot run at a fast pace for very long.

Wool and color

Representatives of this breed have extremely short coats that are velvety to the touch. It fits snugly and is the same length across the head and body. The dog is not protected from the cold by its undercoat.

The Italian Greyhound should have a single color. It is possible to see white spots on the paws and throat. Three categories of colors and their tones are permitted by the standard. Often seen in beiges are sable, deer, and Isabella. Italian Greyhounds in the colors gray, ash, or blue are also popular. Black should be a rich color because it is less common.

Photos add context to the appearance description:

Similar breeds

This dog is a member of the sighthound breed. Its appearance is comparable to that of the English Greyhound, Australian Greyhound, Whippet, Azawakh, and Spanish Galgo. The Italian Greyhound is most similar to the Greyhound and Whippet in terms of origin and body type. Their size is the only difference. The only differences between these three breeds are that the Italian greyhound is the smallest, the whippet is medium, and the greyhound is large.

The character of the Italian greyhound

The Italian greyhound makes a wonderful friend. She is loyal, outgoing, cordial, and loving. She has an emotional, choleric, and excitable temperament. These dogs are unique in that they cannot stand being alone and require attention and human contact all the time. As a result, this breed is inappropriate for those who value peace and will not put up with invasions of privacy.

As soon as you bring home an Italian greyhound, you must get ready for the fact that it will attempt to climb into your bed, lick your hands, and sit on your lap. It can even be bothersome because this dog is eager to spend hours by the owner’s side. Curiosity abounds in ivory greyhounds, who enjoy exploring everything with their noses, hiding in closets, and taking part in all of their owners’ activities. Weaning the dog off of this will not help.

Italian Greyhounds like to "talk," squealing, whining, and barking to convey their feelings. Due to their high impressionability, these dogs do not put up with harsh behavior, arguments, loud noises, or raised voices. Additionally, they enjoy softness and comfort, so it can be challenging to wean them from napping on the couch or hiding under the blanket.

Character traits of this breed’s representatives include the following:

• friendliness;
• emotionality;
• impressionability;
• loyalty;
• sociability;
• playfulness;
• sensitivity;
• curiosity;
• ingenuity;
• cunning;
• docility;
• touchiness.

These dogs take a while to mature. And from one to two years old, they act like puppies, playing tricks and chewing objects. They also have an incredible ability to jump and a strong desire to climb higher. Similar to cats, greyhounds enjoy lounging on windowsills, chairs, nightstands, and they don’t hesitate to climb up onto tables. They frequently fall and sustain injuries because they have no fear of heights.

Hunting dogs are greyhounds. They haven’t been utilized for hunting in a very long time, but this has had an impact on their behavior. These are greyhounds; they have a great deal of energy and can run quickly. They have poor senses of smell, but they have excellent vision. Greyhounds are amiable and hospitable toward other dogs and even cats, but they dislike rodents and birds. They attempt to capture them on the street because they see them as prey. These dogs frequently even run to chase after cars.

Greyhounds are calm and cautious around new people, but they never bite. They are watchful, alert their owner to any approaching strangers, and refuse to take offense. But they are not good guards because of their weak bodies.

Children and Italian greyhounds get along well and quickly pick up a common language. They enjoy playing together, don’t act aggressively, and are patient with practical jokes. However, this breed is better suited for kids older than 7 who know how to behave with a pet. Greyhounds have delicate bones and are highly impressionable and emotional. Children may inadvertently hurt or frighten the dog.

Education and training

Though intelligent and quick-witted, greyhounds are challenging to train. They are quite independent and lazy; even when given a treat, they don’t like to follow instructions the first time. Even so, they generally know what is expected of them. They lack zeal in their training, frequently trying to dominate their owner by pushing his patience. These canines are cunning, manipulators, and troublemakers.

It is therefore essential to establish your authority over the puppy from the moment he moves into the house. As soon as possible, you should set boundaries and rules of behavior that all family members will have to abide by. The greyhound will remember the occasion when they are allowed to break the rules and relax. Additionally, it’s critical to socialize the dog early to prevent fear and anxiety in the future.

However, you can still train an Italian Greyhound to be a submissive pet. He won’t follow instructions blindly like a service dog, but he also won’t cause issues. All you have to do is consider the unique qualities of the breed:

• these dogs react sensitively to any punishment or raising of the voice, but it is necessary to stop unwanted behavior immediately;
• you cannot scold or punish the dog in its place, it will not be able to sleep there;
• puppies choose one owner, who should be involved in training from the first days;
• you need to immediately accustom the pet to a nickname, to a place, a daily routine;
• it is better to accustom this dog to the toilet on a tray or a diaper, they do not know how to endure;
• training sessions should be short, varied;
• do not rush in training, put pressure on the pet;
• you need to train regularly, consistently, learn no more than one command at a time;
• you need to be persistent and patient.

It is advised to speak with a dog trainer and enroll in a general training program designed specifically for greyhounds. It’s worthwhile to take your Italian Greyhound to sporting events and dog parks on a regular basis. It requires physical activity; else, it will release its energy in tricks. These dogs enjoy frisbee, agility, and coursing.

The pictures depict these dogs’ behavioural traits:

Domestic dogs, Italian Greyhounds adore coziness and warmth. They can be housed in a small apartment or in a private home. Upon purchasing a puppy, you must set up a comfortable and safe haven for it, ideally in the shape of a roofed home. Despite their preference to climb higher and observe everyone, these dogs prefer to sleep on the bed.

Lots of toys are also required for the puppy. These dogs adore soft plush toys, balls, and rubber squeakers. Moreover, you must purchase a leash that allows the dog to run—ideally one that retracts. Select a plush collar based on your size. Additionally, it’s critical to buy clothing right away, including blouses and warm, waterproof overalls.

Walking

This dog is still a greyhound even though it is decorative. As a result, it requires regular exercise and two to three daily walks. Despite the fact that it can be trained to go outside once and use a toilet in a diaper. But on a walk, it ought to run around. It is preferable to bring your pet outside or to a dog park for this. Greyhounds have such strong hunting instincts that, even in the absence of training, they can catch and bring a hare or rodent.

However, you can’t let the greyhound run loose in the city. Even a docile dog has the ability to bolt, chasing a pigeon. Greyhounds become extremely agitated in these situations and stop listening to their owners’ instructions. Additionally, since members of this breed enjoy picking food off the ground, this behavior needs to be watched.

Greyhounds need clothing when going for walks during the colder months. They are not at all protected from bad weather by their short hair without undercoat. Dogs prefer to lie in the warmth of their homes rather than go for walks in the rain or on the frost.

Hygiene procedures

These dogs are simple to take care of; just remember the basic guidelines to keep your pet happy and healthy. The Italian Greyhound must be trained to follow hygienic practices from a young age.

• it is enough to comb the short hair once a week with a brush or silicone glove;
• during the shedding period, it is better to collect the hair with a brush every day, although these dogs lose very little;
• bathe 2-3 times a month, use shampoo for short-haired dogs;
• wash the paws after each walk and inspect the pads for cracks;
• wipe the eyes with warm boiled water as needed;
• check the ears and clean them once a week with veterinary lotion;
• it is also recommended to brush the pet"s teeth every week so that plaque does not accumulate;
• the claws of such dogs usually do not wear down on their own, they will have to be trimmed with a claw cutter and sharpened with a special file.

Nutrition

Love to eat, greyhounds frequently pick up food from the street or beg for it. However, they eat everything and have no taste preferences. As a result, you must keep an eye on the dog’s food intake to prevent weight gain. An adult Italian greyhound requires feeding one or two times per day. Select a feeding technique that works well for the owner. You simply cannot combine dry food or natural products with this.

Lean meat should make up the majority of the diet when feeding naturally. This can include sinewy bits, cartilage, beef tripe, veal, and turkey. Boneless sea fish can be used in place of meat a few times a week.

The dog’s diet also consists of kefir, cottage cheese, vegetable oil, raw and boiled veggies, and porridge. You can serve crackers, cheese, and apples as a treat. When feeding your pet this way, you must provide vitamin and mineral supplements.

When feeding dry food, it is simpler to make sure the diet is balanced and to calculate how much food is needed. Selecting premium or super-premium food is crucial because it provides all the nutrients an animal needs.

Health

Italian greyhounds have generally good health and very few inherited illnesses. They can live for up to 15–16 years while still being active if given the right care and living conditions. This requires routine veterinary visits, vaccinations, and deworming. Because of these dogs’ unique physical characteristics, including their delicate bones, fractures are common, particularly in puppies. Babies must be shielded from falling and jumping from heights.

Members of the breed are also susceptible to a number of other diseases:

• Perthes disease;
• retinal atrophy;
• glaucoma, cataracts;
• periodontitis, tartar;
• allergy;
• alopecia;
• dermatitis;
• epilepsy.

The Italian Greyhound is a small, graceful breed distinguished by its slender build, graceful movements, and loving disposition. It is frequently referred to as a "miniature Greyhound." They are surprisingly playful and energetic despite their delicate appearance, which makes them excellent companions for active owners. Their sleek coat, expressive eyes, and loving and obedient nature make them a popular option for anyone looking for a loyal, low-maintenance companion.

How to buy an Italian greyhound puppy

Italian greyhounds are now quite common in our nation, and it is simple to locate a reputable nursery. The dogs in these locations are registered and purebred. Conscientious breeders test their dogs for genetic illnesses. In Moscow, these puppies go for between thirty and forty thousand rubles. The descendants of the winners of the exhibition will set you back more than 50,000 rubles. A cheaply priced puppy might be a crossbreed or be undocumented. The cost of such an Italian greyhound is ten thousand rubles.

You should first research the conditions of animal care, the kennel environment, and the mother’s behavior before selecting a puppy. Getting to know the dogs is worthwhile because they shouldn’t be cowardly. The puppies should not have discharge from their eyes or noses, bald patches on their coats, or hernias. A healthy puppy is animated, inquisitive, and has self-assurance when standing.

The images depict the appearance of Italian greyhound puppies:

The description of this breed is enhanced by the following intriguing video:

Video: An overview of the Italian greyhound breed. Fascinating information

Video: Overview of the benefits and drawbacks of the Italian greyhound breed

Characteristic	Details
Breed Name	Italian Greyhound (Italian Greyhound)
Size	Small, slender build
Weight	Usually 6-10 pounds (2.7-4.5 kg)
Height	About 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Coat	Short, smooth, easy to groom
Temperament	Friendly, affectionate, loves companionship
Exercise Needs	Moderate, enjoys short runs and playtime
Lifespan	Typically 12-15 years
Good with Families	Yes, gentle and good with children
Common Health Issues	Prone to dental problems and bone fractures

A special breed that blends grace and tenderness is the Italian Greyhound. They are the ideal companions for people who value a peaceful and loving pet because of their gentle disposition and loyalty.

They may be little, but they have the spirit and vitality of a much bigger dog. Although they enjoy playing and running, they would just as soon cuddle up on the couch with you. They are ideal for apartment living due to their adaptability, provided they receive regular exercise.

If you"re looking for a loyal, graceful, and affectionate friend, the Italian Greyhound might be the perfect match for you. Their devotion and charm will quickly win your heart.

Video on the topic

Italian greyhound (Italian greyhound)

Italian greyhound (Italian greyhound)

Italian Greyhound

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