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IGs are greyhounds in miniature – more slender, but equivalent to greyhounds in grace and elegance. Ideally spaced 13 to 15 at the shoulder, they present sleek, curved lines that are common to all clasp. Typical features are long, fine-tied legs. Learn more about Italian Greyhound breed at Harvoola.com
IGs combine the vigilance of lapdogs with the complexity of ancient, aristocratic wounds. The companions and jesters that have been bound for centuries refuse to ignore these highly placed Charmers. “”On the whole,”” one IG expert writes, “”the breed will be more in your lap or bed than on the floor.”” They are, however, true sIIIounds and will bolt after quick-growing prey at the drop of a cat. A short-coat, low-fat breed, IG requires extra care in cold weather
Despite a fragile appearance, the Italian greyhounds are sharp, hardy hounds that have survived the turmoil of two millennia. Archaeological evidence suggests that IG was banned as a great companion in the region of Greece and Turkey some 2,000 years ago, when the powerful Roman Empire dominated the Mediterranean Sea.
The miniature greyhound was a popular companion, and perhaps a small hunter in southern Europe during the days of the Empire, but the breed came into its own in Renaissance Italy, where it was a status symbol among the aristocracy owning miniature versions of popular breeds. And wealthy driver. IG can be seen in paintings of various Renaissance masters, who consider grace and balance to be important to the aesthetics of the era. The IG found its way into the lap of many nobles in Europe. James I, Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, Anne of Denmark, and Queen Victoria were among those royalty who enhanced their glory with an IG or two. An African king named Lobengula once beheaded 200 cattle for an Italian greyhound.
AKC registered its first IG in 1886. Deeds of two world wars wiped out many breeds of Europe, including the IG. After both conflicts, American breeders, who were far from the ravages of war, kept the breed alive and helped to increase its numbers again in Europe. IGs in modern times work to win their share in the show ring, and greed allows them to modify their small but powerful engines.
The Italian greyhound is very similar to the greyhound, but is much smaller and more slender in all proportions and with ideal elegance and grace.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
The most important grooming tip for the Italian greyhound is that the teeth should be brushed regularly, preferably daily. Dental cleaning should be done annually or as needed by a veterinarian. Until the dog realizes something, it cannot be removed from the brush with a very short, smooth coat. Nails need regular attention, preferably with a grinding tool. They should not be truncated all the way to hurry. This breed has one leg, and the two middle nails may be left slightly longer than the other two.
This breed best responds to award-based training methods rather than punishment. The instructor must be firm with commands and be grand with praise. Practices used as a reward should be short and immediate when the order is learned and followed. Professional dog trainers should be carefully selected. Harsh methods do not work with these intelligent, sensitive small dogs, even though they may be stubborn.
This breed responds best to reward-based training methods rather than punishment. The trainer should be firm with commands and lavish with praise. Treats used as a reward should be small but immediate when the command is learned and followed. Professional dog trainers should be chosen carefully. Harsh methods just don’t work with these intelligent, sensitive little dogs, even though they can be stubborn.
Italian greyhounds should perform well on high quality dog food, whether it is commercially manufactured or prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. Any diet should be appropriate for the age of the dog (puppy, adult or senior). It is easy to allow these dogs to be overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. At an IG in proper weight, the hip bones should be seen simply. The ribs should not be visible, but should be able to feel under the thin covering of the flesh. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times.
Italian greyhounds generally live longer, with a typical age of 13 to 15 years. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions such as PRA, autoimmune problems, leg-Calve-Partes disease, and hypothyroidism. Although IG is not as fragile as it looks, care must be taken to avoid dangerous situations, which can result in broken legs. Comprehensive information about the health of the breed can be found on the website of the Italian Greyhound Club of America.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: