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Italian Greyhounds have been around for centuries.
Currently, most believe the IG to be a few thousand years old.
Because they're called "Italian" greyhounds, many assume they're from Italy. There is a lot of controversy over this issue, but really- we don't know exactly.
They have been found to be from Turkish decent, but there is also evidence that they lived in ancient Pompeii since there are many art creations from that time that depict the breed. But it is widely thought that the "Italian" part comes from the Middle Ages, when Italy popularized the Italian Greyhound spreading it's fame into western Europe.
Either way, the breed has found it's place several times amongst nobility and royalty, and has been favored for it's personality and character over the centuries.
The IGs exact origins is unknown, and the purpose for which the tiny versions of greyhounds were bred is also puzzling.
Some insist the dog was bred to hunt small game.
I have also heard speculation that they were bred to be "bed warmers". This I could find possible, although it sounds odd, because I have never met an IG owner (yet!) who hasn't told me his IG sleeps under the covers with him. It would seemingly be a weird thing to breed into a dog, but it's not impossible. IGs are so skinny and tiny- they cannot hold body heat in well, and they often feel warm.
They are the smallest breed in the family of sighthounds- a group that includes Salukis, Afghan Hounds, Borzios, and of course the Greyhound and Whippet.
* They are typically 12-15 inches tall, but can be larger at 19 inches.
* They are the smallest sighthounds/ gazehounds.
* All owners will agree, they are the most cat-like dogs there are.
* The breed is believe to be about 2000 years old, among the oldest dog breeds. And thought to be the original lap dog by some.
* IGs became increasingly popular in western Europe in the 1800s, but were around since late-medieval times.
* IGs nearly became extinct twice during WWI and WWII due to the absnce of dog shows, and the Italian Greyhound Club was damaged by war.
* The first IG registered with the AKC was Lilly in 1886.
References:
The Complete Book of the Toy Dog- Wimhurst C. E. G 1969
The Complete Dog Book, 19th Edition- American Kennel Club
The IG, during the Renaissance in Europe, became a favorite lap dog and companion to many royals. In fact, famous IG owners include: Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, Queen Anne, Princess Anne of Denmark Queen Victoria, Frederik the Great, and Norweigan Queen Maud.
When IGs were first shown in Europe, it was considered undesirable to have an IG over 12 lbs. This was considered a flaw.
Today, the dog is more known in warmer climates- for obvious reasons. Here in Colorado, we are constantly asked what breed our dogs are.
Be careful not to let people mistake them for being "Miniature Greyhounds". That breed doesn't exist. They aren't just miniatures, but a whole separate breed in themselves.
The elegance of the Italian Greyhound also inpired a great many paintings.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) first registered the Italian Greyhound in 1886.
Iggies have a distinct personality, they are often labled dainty, but stubborn, aloof at first and then brave and daring.
They are good with children, and relatively gentle. However, children are not always good with them. Iggies are very fragile and can be broken easily.
Their bodies often feel warm, they give off a great amount of heat because of their lack of insulation. Naturally, they do best in warmer or more mild climates. However, they can do well in climates with cold winters under the right care and concern. But they are not recommended for climates that are commonly cold throughout the year.
They do their best in the company of other Italian Greyhounds. Most owners find having two is easier that just one as far as keeping them company goes. The Italian Greyhound desperately needs companionship. They are social creatures, and have a lot of love to give.
They enjoy cuddling, and sleeping under the covers.
Their coat requires very little care. Their grooming includes nail clipping, frequent baths, and sometimes the use of sunscreen since thier coats are so thin.
As a breed, Italian Greyhounds are more difficult to train. You have to find creative ways to keep their attention and reward them well. They are very smart, however, and can pick up commands well with the right trainer.
Housetraining is probably the biggest struggle with Italian Greyhounds. Sometimes they do best with litter boxes and/or puppy potty pads. This task requires patience and commitment to the animal. Yelling, hitting, and holding the dog's nose in messes never works. In fact, these behaviors only make the dog's behaviors worse. If one cannot contain himself and be mature with a dog, he should not own one. An Italian Greyhound can certainly press ones buttons in this area. However, housetraining is not at all impossible, and once it is out of the way, the wonderful realationship with an IG is very rewarding.
As with any dog, research the breed extensively before adopting it. Not all dogs are the same, a dog is NEVER just a dog. The Italian Greyhound is completely different from a Lab or a Chihuahua or a Border Collie. Special consideration to all aspects needs to be taken before making a choice!
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