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 ◊ Sighthounds ◊
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.
-
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.
If you would like to share a story about your Italian Greyhound/s, or anything IG related contact us and if we decide it is relevant to our site we will publish for you.
- Contact us for more info
Queen Poppet
Here’s a couple of photo’s when Tara was a puppy
Tara as the cute new Puppy - she quickly found the heater
Tara when she was a puppy - outside looking in - hey how come I am out here and you are inside?