Italian Greyhound - description of the breed and character of the dog

This is a graceful 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 canine breed, which was generally bred in order to keep it at home. For a long time and for a long time, the Italian Greyhound was the favorite of high-ranking persons in the royal family. These dogs lived only in the palaces, where they peacefully rested on soft silk pillows. Frequently, the IGs were captured on canvas by artists who wrote aristocrats. Therefore, many Italian greyhounds managed to get on the generic images of various nobles. You can also find descriptions of these animals in Pushkin or Dostoevsky, as well as in other fiction.

Historical facts and legends

Italian Italian Greyhound enjoys unprecedented demand in the community of admirers 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. for the first time there are mentions 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 believed that ancient Rome is the real birthplace of these dogs. The involvement of the Italian greyhound in the common family of greyhound breed is indicated by the fact that this breed is called the small Italian greyhound. Despite the outwardly timid and modest appearance, the decorative Italian greyhound possesses perfectly developed muscles and strong bones. At the same time, there is no doubt that the dog was not used as an accompanying person during a hunt or for protection.

The breed of the Italian Greyhound began to enjoy a certain popularity relatively recently. It was only at the very end of the last century that the fashion of having miniature dogs as a pet began.At the same time, even in antiquity, many heads of countries adored having decorative yard dogs at the court. From the French, the 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 greatly transformed, perhaps, the neck has slightly lengthened, and the height of the dog has become higher.

Back in the old days, the pharaohs, emperors, adored to go hunting. But, apparently, the desire to have a dog with you, which could remind you of a hunted game and at the same time have the qualities of a court dog, was the main reason that the Italian Greyhound generally appeared as a separate breed of dogs. And she managed to get to the modern world from the rule of the Pharaohs in Egypt, having received at her disposal a unique legend that can perfectly describe this miniature proud dog.

According to this legend, one day the little son of Pharaoh was abducted by Persian invaders, who, unfortunately, did not notice that a little Italian greyhound followed at their heels. And when the merciless bandits left the boy in the middle of the desert alone,A devoted dog spent a lot of time next to him, protecting him 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 find the subjects of Pharaoh.

If you trust the later story, then it is about the King of Germany Frederick, who tried to hide from the enemies pursuing him under the bridge, and along with him there was an Italian greyhound. It would cost the king's personal dog at least once to yelp, and the murderers would certainly find the king. But the dog was devotedly silent, without uttering a sound. When several years passed after this incident, and the Italian Greyhound died, Frederick, testing her incredible gratitude, buried her near Berlin, where the members of the king’s name were buried.

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 are taken - lightness, vitality and playfulness. In this case, the dog, being externally small and brisk, received a moderate and balanced character in the entire history of its development.

For a long time, which representatives of the breed spent close to a person, they managed to turn into wonderful pets. At present, such a dog can live not only in aristocratic families, but can easily live in a family where there are children, or make a company to old people living alone. The IGs 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 became heavy. All this indicates that the Italian Greyhound is a wonderful pet that does not cause any special problems.

Breed description and character

The breed of Italian greyhound is the type of dog that is as close as possible to humans. In this dog, first of all, a tremendous mind, reliability and loyalty are valued.

The dog has a light, balanced, life-loving disposition. It is a tactful animal, distinguished by excessive benevolence, which allows it to become an excellent companion for any people.

Italian greyhound is very active and mobile. Sometimes, they can be kind of shy, but they have complete self-confidence, being close to the owner. Because of their tiny dimensions, they are unlikely to be able to guard housing or protect a person, but at the same time they will turn into a remarkable guard who will be able to fuss and alarm in time. However, there is also a certain nuance here, since the greyhounds sometimes begin to make noise, without any reason.

They experience complete peace of mind only when they are near the family in which they live. For her, it is ideal to be placed in the hands of the owner. Italian greyhound is affectionate attitude 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 will not bite for sure. 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 acquaint the puppy with 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 remove the bowl from the floor, then the Italian Greyhound will understand that it is necessary to eat right away, and not for a couple of hours, demonstrating slowness.

One should not expect that the dog will demonstrate outstanding success in training, but it will definitely be able to become obedient.
Italian greyhound possesses serious stamina, although outwardly it looks fragile and coddled. For many centuries it lived in pleasure and luxurious conditions, but the hunter's instinct did not knock it out of a doggie. In Italy, the Italian Greyhound is effectively used for hunting wild hares.

When purchasing an Italian greyhound as a pet, many owners are interested in how the dog gets along with animals of the same breed. There is no need to worry, as the Italian Greyhound can easily find a common language with other dogs, while she can become a leader without conflicts and be in the spotlight.It can wonderfully get along with other pets, but if it is not brought up, it may even be a little trying to hunt.

Content of Italian greyhound

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

1. It will be necessary to periodically clean the pet's coat with the help of a mitten designed for this purpose.
2. It is recommended to frequently clean the ears and eyes from dirt particles.
3. Expose IGF water procedures need only as needed, using dog shampoo.
4. If the Italian Greyhound sheds, you can use a hard towel to wipe it.

One of the advantages of a dog is that without the possibility of walking it, it will not have problems with going to a regular tray.

Italian greyhound just adore when they are combed out. And it is worth mentioning that dogs of this breed are distinguished by self-esteem, they always need to be in the center of attention, it is important for the Italian greyhound to receive feedback from the owner and see his feelings.

There are some nuances in the care of a dog:

1. They do not like water treatments, and shampoo can damage the coat if it is used excessively.It is required to wash the Italian greyhound only as needed, about 9-11 times a year. At the same time it is allowed to wash the paws after a walk.
2. After washing the dog must be carefully wiped so that it does not catch a cold.
3. Italian greyhound is not too hardy and may be subject to various diseases. To protect your pet from some serious diseases, you will need to vaccinate it.
4. Cutting the hair of a dog is not particularly necessary, and about once or twice a month you only need to trim the claws. This process makes the Italian greyhound nervous, but it will not bite the hands of the owner.

Puppies of Italian greyhound sometimes have longer hair than adult dogs. The dog rarely sheds, as the breed is smooth-haired.

How to choose a puppy correctly

The acquisition of an Italian greyhound puppy is always a wonderful event that will be remembered for a long time. It is necessary to seriously approach the selection of a puppy, so that this moment is really joyful.

Initially, you need to visit a number of exhibitions, where you can watch the best dogs of this breed. In the same place it will be possible to get acquainted with representatives of nurseries.Immediately, it is necessary to pay attention to the conditions of keeping of the IGs in the nursery, to check the health of the dog. You should make sure that the puppy has a clean fur, ears and skin. The nose should not be dry. In the nursery, you also need to get information about the vaccinations.

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

It should be a little 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, they often draw back, but when attention is shown, they jerk upwards.
3. The chest is high. The backbone is very strong, musculature developed. Usually the body does not exceed the length of the height at the withers.
4. Limbs are refined, may seem fragile. In the hind legs, the jogging force is usually very high.
5. Weight rarely exceeds 5 kilograms.
6. Height about 36 cm on average.
7. Italian greyhound lives about 10-13 years.

Worth sayingthat the adult individual often does not resemble outwardly and in character the puppy of the Italian Greyhound, therefore it is necessary to ask the breeder to look at the parents of the young dog in order to be sure that the puppy is really pedigreed.

Cons of this breed of dogs

The fragile limbs of Italian greyhound are prone to injury and fracture. 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 it is possible to meet epilepsy, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, periodontal disease.

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

Training levretok

This breed needs special attention: despite the apparent helplessness, the dog can turn into a true violator of a calm existence. Communicating with your pet, you need to show strong character, iron will and amazing perseverance. If the Italian Greyhound is not disciplined, then she will consider herself the master of the house,using this position to your advantage.

It is necessary to start raising from the very first minutes, as soon as the puppy has appeared in the apartment. Do not allow the puppy to do what is forbidden to adults. For each offense should be punished proportionately. Italian greyhound should understand the relationship between deed and punishment.

It is necessary to train dogs of this breed for a long time, and this is a difficult process. Intelligence in dogs is not the highest, but they are very proud. The Italian Greyhound will be able to master several banal teams, but the Italian Greyhound is unlikely to be able to obey the host on the training ground, trying to repeat complex commands.

The dog can be a great pet for keeping in the conditions of an apartment. Italian greyhound can easily coexist with cats and other animals, but will experience jealousy.

The Italian Greyhound with love and special adoration belongs to mobile 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 babies. It is also forbidden to walk the dogs of this breed in the city streets without a leash. And it's not about the aggressiveness of dogs, simply because of the natural hunting instinct, a raised Italian greyhound can break off in pursuit of any small moving object, be it small animals or even an ordinary plastic bag, and also a piece of paper.

Video: breed of dogs Italian Greyhound