This very old breed is Italian in name only, since there is evidence that it existed in Egypt some 2000 years ago. It was for several centuries the favourite of Italian nobility and this is no doubt the origin of its present-day name. Very much a true miniature version of the Greyhound, this tiny toy breed still carries the instincts of the hunting sighthound, although its size restricts its possibilities somewhat! A very slender, graceful dog with fine bones, the Italian Greyhound is not as delicate as it looks, at least physically. It should not, however, be allowed to run with bigger dogs and children need to be conscious of its size when playing. The Iggy, or IG, as its breeders call it, has a quiet, reserved, gentle, affectionate nature and may have a tendency to timidity.
Archive for the Category ◊ Greyhounds ◊
Lickers, Lovers and pursuers of warmth, Italian Greyhounds have a well-deserved reputation for sticking quite literally to their owners sides and lavishing them with all the affection a Toy breed can muster.
The Italian Greyhounds beautiful soft eyes, pleading expression and sensitive nature suit them to companionship. Not exactly a lap dog – those long legs just don’t fit – Iggies instead seek constant physical contact with their folk..
Notorious for wheedling their way under the covers and draping themselves over their owners, the Iggies physicality is part of the breed’s charm.
Poppet and Tara always find the warmest spot….. maneuvering themselves so as much of their bodies as possible touching mine at all times.
A fellow Iggie owner asked me recently ‘does yours do that thing too, wedging themselves between you and then furniture ‘- we had a good giggle.
Even though Italian Greyhounds are members of the Toy Group, they are ALL HOUND!!
They are true little sighthounds – they can just fly!
Many participate in agility and the racing sport of lure coursing. Quick, athletic and with a true hound instinct Italian Greyhounds will chase.
This means IGs require leashes and high, sturdy fences to prevent the, from darting across the road after a rabbit or dashing off to say hello to a friend.
Great Greyhound Print
- A dog similar to today’s Italian Greyhound was found in a 6000 year old Egyptian tomb.
- Like the standard Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound was taken to Europe by the Phoenicians. The breed was later developed by the Romans. This is how this breed got its name.
- A small Greyhound was found in an ancient lava flow in Pompeii.
- During the sixteenth century, the Italian Greyhound became popular with European nobility, and is portrayed in many paintings of that time.
- The breed was loved by Catherine the Great of Russia, James I of England, Anne of Denmark and Queen Victoria, among others.
- Frederick the Great of Prussia liked his little Italian Greyhound so much, he even took one to war with him. When his Italian Greyhound died, he buried him with his own hands on the grounds of his Sands Souci Palace. In 1991, Frederick’s family granted his dying wishes and transferred his remains to Sans Souci, and placed them beside his little Italian Greyhound.
- A nineteenth century African chieftain was so taken with these delightful dogs that he offered 200 cattle in exchange for a single dog.
The Greyhound (Italian or mini or Iggie and the standard larger Greyhound) is a strong, muscular dog, built for sprinting over short distances. The Italian Greyhound is the true miniature Greyhound.
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Did you know? With the exception of the cheetah, the Greyhound is the fastest creature on earth.
The Italian Greyhound belongs to the sighthound (or gazehound) group which includes Afghans, Borzoi, Salukis, Deerhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, and Whippets. These are breeds which hunt their quarry primarily by sight rather than scent.
Queen Poppet
Italian Greyhounds Down Under – Community Service Announcement!!!
It’s the second half of the year already and that means RSPCA ACT is ready to kick into event season!
Stay tuned for more details on each event as they arise:
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Monday 17 August Cupcake Day
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Tuesday 29 September RSPCA ACT Annual General Meeting
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1 - 8 October RSPCA Awareness Week
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Thursday 1 October Awareness Week breakfast launch
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Wednesday 7 October Members shop night
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Thursday 8 October Wildlife lecture * TBC
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Friday 9 October Happy Tails Day
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Saturday 31 October Bark in the Park
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Middle November Santa Paws
For more information about the RSPCA please visit their website http://www.rspca-act.org.au/pages/index.asp
Italian Greyhounds are masters at twisting their owners around their little paws. As a result they can become spoiled-rotten rapidly and can turn into Rulers of the House!. Don’t forget to teach them what ‘no’ means. However, they do prefer to be companion and friend and not master and hound.
If you are looking for a breed that will obey your every command then Italian Greyhounds are NOT for you!
Well-fenced gardens are essential as there is a high risk of injury if allowed to roam free!
Being sight-hounds they will take off a hundred miles an hour and when they finally stop have no idea where they are or where they have come from.
Ideally, the Italian Greyhound is a house dog that should have access to the garden via a doggie door.
- Please DO NOT purchase an Italian Greyhound if it is going to live alone in the backyard without access to inside of the house or at the very least have appropriate warm cover!
Poppet under the blankets with her special Teddy
They need a warm bed or basket, away from draughts, and containing a soft blanket or rug, as most Italian Greyhounds love to wrap themselves up in their blanket, even in the hottest weather.
Regardless of the weather conditions outside I often find Poppet and Tara have disappeared up to the bedroom and have created a nest with the doona and blankets for themselves to curl up under and very often you can hear them snoring their little heads of. 
- Please DO NOT purchase an Italian Greyhound if you do not like the idea of your dog making itself very comfortable on and under the blankets of your bed.
The thin, glossy coat is easy to keep clean, sheds very little hair and is virtually odourless.
After bathing, (which should not be that often) care should be taken to make sure it is thoroughly dried.
Italian Greyhounds are very much companion dogs so when they are not curled up under your quilt in your bed they will seek you out and demand your companionship. They are not the type of dog you can leave on their own for hours and hours every day. If you are away for long periods of time maybe consider having two so they can keep themselves company in your absence.