Italian Greyhound Breed Information

Italian Greyhound Breed Information

Learn all about Italian Greyhound dogs, read about the Italian Greyhound breed information, find out about the Italian Greyhound Breed Standard, Italian Greyhound behavior and more.

Italian Greyhound Breed Introduction

The Italian Greyhound breed is an elegant and affectionate greyhound. Italian Greyhounds have an ancient and varied heritage. Their roots may go back directly to the earliest greyhounds of ancient Egypt.

The Italian Greyhound's Behavior

Source: Wikipedia.

Recommended for: pet for active people; hunting; not recommended for apartment settings

The Italian Greyhound dog breed is a relatively small Greyhound breed, but it's still a Greyhound. The dogs need plenty of physical activity. They are also considered very affectionate and seem to get along well with cats.

Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog's actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.

The Italian Greyhound's Physical Characteristics

Here are some of the characteristics of the Italian Greyhound breed as determined by the American Kennel Club's published breed standard.

• Size: 13-15 inches
• Coat: very short, close to the skin, fine, glossy, and soft
• Color: any
• Eyes: dark, medium-sized
• Ears: small
• Skull: "not too broad"
• Muzzle: long and
• Nose: dark
• Tail: slender, tapered, and curved at the end, low-set

The Italian Greyhound's Origins and History

Source: Wikipedia.

Country/Region of Origin: Ireland

Original purpose: hunting, racing, pets

Name: very popular in Italy during the Renaissance, though it is not clear if Italy is in fact the ultimate country of origin of the breed

Historical notes: A mummified small Greyhound dating to ancient Egypt closely resembles today's Italian Greyhound. Depictions of small Greyhounds resembling the Italian Greyhound have also been found in Pompeii. They became exceptionally popular in Italy during the Renaissance, which is how they have gotten their breed's name.

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