Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!dreaderd!not-for-mail
Message-ID: <dogs-faq/breeds/
[email protected]>
Supersedes: <dogs-faq/breeds/
[email protected]>
Expires: 4 Jul 2006 04:21:50 GMT
X-Last-Updated: 1998/03/03
Approved:
[email protected]
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs.info,rec.answers,news.answers
Sender: tittle
Organization: RPD FAQ auto-posting
Followup-To: poster
X-No-Archive: Yes
From:
[email protected]
Subject: rec.pets.dogs: Italian Greyhound Breed-FAQ
Originator:
[email protected]
Date: 21 May 2006 04:23:21 GMT
Lines: 305
NNTP-Posting-Host: penguin-lust.mit.edu
X-Trace: 1148185401 senator-bedfellow.mit.edu 560 18.181.0.29
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.pets.dogs.info:17777 rec.answers:100153 news.answers:308434
Archive-name: dogs-faq/breeds/italgreys
Posting-frequency: 30 days
URL:
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/italgreys.html
Last-modified: 03 Mar 1998
=======
There are many FAQ's available for this group. For a complete
listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs". This article
is posted bimonthly in rec.pets.dogs, and is available via anonymous ftp
to rtfm.mit.edu under pub/usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list, via
the Web at
http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/lists/faq-list.html, or
via email by sending your message to
[email protected] with
send usenet/news.answers/dogs-faq/faq-list
in the body of the message.
This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below.
It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without
alteration provided that this copyright notice is not removed.
It may NOT reside at another website (use links, please) other
than the URL listed above without the permission of the Author(s).
This article may not be sold for profit nor incorporated in other
documents without he Author(s)'s permission and is provided "as is"
without express or implied warranty.
==========
Italian Greyhounds
Author
[email protected]
_________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
* What's so special about Italian Greyhounds?
* How big do they get?
* How long do they live?
* Are there medical problems common in the breed?
* What is their energy level and attention span?
* What about dominance and submissiveness?
* Tractability and trainability?
* Are they hard to housetrain?
* Are they protective?
* Can they live outdoors?
* What about grooming?
* Do they shed?
* Are they low maintenance pets?
* Are they good with children and other pets?
* Do they need any special care?
* Who should not own an Italian Greyhound?
* Are there any bad things about Italian Greyhounds?
* Should they be crate trained?
_________________________________________________________________
What's so special about Italian Greyhounds?
Everything. Okay, so I'm passionately devoted to this fabulous breed,
maybe even obsessed. They're beautiful and clean without expensive or
time-consuming grooming. They're small enough to fit into any living
situation yet large enough to be real dogs. Although small in size,
they bark rather than yap. Most of all, they have an extremely loving,
devoted nature and a scintillating, sometimes unpredictable charm that
never allows for a dull moment. They are sweet, gentle, affectionate,
sprightly, and imaginative. Most Italian Greyhounds are one person or
one family dogs that want to be physically close to their humans. The
Italian Greyhound is a unique breed that has the ability to completely
entrance its devotees, although a few of its more whimsical attributes
might charm some and be a turnoff for others.
_________________________________________________________________
Where did the Italian Greyhound come from?
There is some question whether the Italian Greyhound was originally
intended to hunt small game or vermin or mainly to be a beloved
companion. Most likely both of these theories are true. Many Italian
Greyhounds have a strong instinct to hunt and chase. Others have none,
since, at least during the past century or so, they have not been bred
for this characteristic. It is also likely that they became a popular
household pet during the days before central heating, because their
warm little bodies can be very comforting in an otherwise cold bed.
The Italian Greyhound goes back a long way in history as does the
large Greyhound, probably originating as long as 2,000 years ago in
the areas that are now the countries of Greece and Turkey. A small
sighthound is depicted in the early art works of these nations, and
bones indicating a dog of this type have been found in archeological
sites. The breed became popular in Southern Europe during the Middle
Ages and by the 16th Century many were depicted in Italian paintings
and sculpture. It is for this reason, not because of its origin, that
the little hound became known as the Italian Greyhound. Its larger
cousin, the Whippet, originating in England in the 19th Century, is a
relatively new breed that started as a mixture of large Greyhound and
terrier and later incorporated some Italian Greyhound blood to add
refinement. The Italian Greyhound has always been a favorite of
royalty and aristocracy, and many paintings show historical figures
such as Princess Anne of Denmark, Queen Victoria and Catherine the
Great of Russia with their beloved Italian Greyhounds. It is a well
known fact that Frederick the Great was a great fan of this breed and
was almost always seen with one or more of them.
The first Italian Greyhound was registered by the American Kennel Club
in 1886, but the breed remained quite rare in the United States until
fairly recently. The first Italian Greyhound ever to attain the honor
of being Best in Show at an all-breed show was Ch. Flaminia of Alpine
in 1963. The number of BIS Italian Greyhounds has gown steadily since
then. The record holder for the most BIS wins is Ch. Donmar's Scarlet
Ribbons, with 22. The breed's top producing sire was Ch. Dasa's King
of The Mountain, with 78 title holding offspring. Top producing dam
was Ch. Dasa's Ebony Queen, with 30. Since Italian Greyhounds have
small litters --usually 2 to 4 puppies --these records are quite
likely to stand for some time.
_________________________________________________________________
How big do they get?
13" to 15" at the shoulders is ideal for the show ring. The average
weight is eight to 12 pounds. Larger ones (17" or 18") are fairly
common and make great pets.
_________________________________________________________________
How long do they live?
13 to 14 or 15 years is normal. 16 to 18 is not unusual.
_________________________________________________________________
Are there medical problems common in the breed?
Hypothyroidism and other autoimmune diseases, PRA, seizure disorders,
luxating patellas, Legg-Perthes. None of them is rampant but all of
these as well as some other genetic maladies have been diagnosed in
some. A few bloodlines have a predisposition for leg fractures because
of lack of bone density.
At this time the Italian GreyhoundCA is working with Dr. Acland of
Cornell University to try to develop a blood test that would show up
carriers of PRA. In the meantime, although no screening is required
for any of the conditions named, the Italian GreyhoundCA and other
responsible breeders strongly recommend testing for PRA. Responsible
breeders also have their dogs checked for Legg-Perthes, luxated
patellas, heart irregularities and, if suspected, hypo-thyroidism.
Some veterinary orthopedic specialists claim that bone density can be
checked by x-rays, but there is some doubt as to the effectiveness of
doing this. The Italian GreyhoundCA's health committee has been
working on a study of patterns of heredity in excessive leg breaks but
thus far there is no positive method of identifying the problem.
Prospective owners of Italian Greyhounds should inquire of the breeder
whether the sire and/or dam or any of their offspring have experienced
fractures.
_________________________________________________________________
What is their energy level and attention span?
The energy level is quite high in healthy puppies and young dogs.
Mature Italian Greyhounds are quite adaptive and responsive to the
energy level of their owners. They are true sighthounds in miniature,
and the attention span can be short if they're bored.
Although Italian Greyhounds reach physical maturity between eight
months and a year and a half, depending on their bloodline and their
size (larger ones tend to keep growing for a longer period) most of
them retain their puppy energy and playfulness well beyond that age.
Some do not attain mental maturity until they are three or four years
old --another characteristic which many fanciers consider to be part
of the charm of this breed. Some other owners might be impatiently
waiting for their dog to "grow up."
_________________________________________________________________
What about dominance and submissiveness?
A single Italian Greyhound is usually submissive in nature; but in a
situation that involves several Italian Greyhounds or other breeds of
similar or smaller size there can be fights for dominance in the pack.
A caveat here is that many fanciers new to this lovable and
affectionate breed refuse to believe that these normally sweet dogs
may be small, but they are true hounds and they have a strong tendency
toward pack behavior. More owners than I care to mention have come
home to find that an ill, old or otherwise weak "pack member" has been
severely attacked by the stronger dogs.
_________________________________________________________________
Tractability and trainability?
Again, these are sighthounds and individuals vary greatly in these
characteristics. If they were human they would do better in a liberal
arts school than at a military academy. Some do superbly in obedience
competition, and others don't do well at all. Much depends on the
trainer's ability to keep the Italian Greyhound interested. Agility is
a sport that could have been invented for the Italian Greyhound, and
they make excellent therapy dogs. Some are even adept at lure
coursing, although the latter should be undertaken with a degree of
caution.
_________________________________________________________________
Are they hard to housetrain?
Some owners say they are, and some Italian Greyhounds can be stubborn
about it. It's especially hard to persuade an Italian Greyhound to ask
to go out in extreme weather. Owners who install doggy doors and those
who paper train have the best results. [How about a litter box?]
_________________________________________________________________
Are they protective?
Most Italian Greyhounds will bark an alert warning when someone or
something strange approaches. They aren't likely to do more than bark
and behave in an agitated manner in the face of danger to their owner
or property, although there are exceptions to this too.
_________________________________________________________________
Can they live outdoors?
The Italian Greyhound is definitely an "inside dog." Outdoor play and
walks on warm days are enjoyed, but this isn't a dog that can be left
alone to fend for itself in the back yard.
_________________________________________________________________
What about grooming?
This is minimal, but teeth and toenails need regular attention. The
coat is so short and fine that a bath is rarely necessary.
_________________________________________________________________
Do they shed?
Yes, but the hair is so short and fine that it can hardly be seen.
_________________________________________________________________
Are they low maintenance pets?
The amount of time not used for bathing and grooming is required
tenfold for attention and love. Italian Greyhounds can be almost needy
in their desire for affection.
_________________________________________________________________
Are they good with children and other pets?
Italian Greyhounds have great rapport with gentle children who
understand that this is a living creature and not a toy that can be
manhandled. An Italian Greyhound could be injured by a thoughtless
child. The same is true of interaction with other animals. They get
along well with cats and other dogs of similar size but must be
protected from rambunctious larger pets.
_________________________________________________________________
Do they need any special care?
A sweater or jacket is in order in cold weather. Although the Italian
Greyhound is not as delicate as he looks, care must be taken to avoid
"booby traps" that might result in a broken leg. Not likely to run
away simply to explore, many Italian Greyhounds would run into the
street or even take an incredible leap from a balcony or open window
in playful pursuit of a cat or other animal ---or to follow their
masters. This breed should NEVER be walked off lead, since another dog
or something unusual might spook them, causing them to bolt.
_________________________________________________________________
Who should not own an Italian Greyhound?
People who have too little time to devote to their dogs, who have
unruly children, who expect instant and unerring obedience, who expect
their dog to stay in the back yard, or who are embarrassed to share
love with an animal should not own this breed.
_________________________________________________________________
Are there any bad things about Italian Greyhounds?
They require and demand lots of love and attention. Denied this, they
can become shy or hyper or both. They must be properly socialized as
puppies. Those that are kennel raised under impersonal conditions can
have difficulty adjusting. If expected to spend much time outdoors
they are not suitable for cold climates. Italian Greyhounds are very
athletic, and their jumping and climbing abilities can get them into
trouble. They also have no traffic sense, and an Italian Greyhound
that gets into the street is almost destined to be hit. Since they are
hounds, they can be quite stubborn.
_________________________________________________________________
Should they be crate trained?
Certainly, but please don't confuse crate training with house
training. All dogs should learn to stay in a crate quietly for short
periods of time, up to three or four hours; but a crate should not be
used to confine an Italian Greyhound all day long every day while its
owner is at work or play. Dogs are not intended to be caged animals
like laboratory rats.
Unfortunately many breeders find it easier to tell their puppy buyers
to keep the dog crated when no one is at home than to explain the
process of house training. Italian Greyhounds are lovers of warmth and
can be stubborn about going outside when the weather is cold, wet or
windy, and there is a tendency for owners to just keep them crated
instead of addressing this issue. The most successfully house trained
Italian Greyhounds are the ones that have free access to a dog door
rather than having to learn to ask to go out.
_________________________________________________________________
Italian Greyhound FAQ
[email protected]
Hosted by
K9 WEB
