Italian Greyhound

Researchers of the breed claim that the approximate age of graceful greyhounds is at least 6000 years. Proof of this is the discovery during excavations by archaeologists of ancient Egyptian structures, tombs of pharaohs and temples, where numerous images were found. dogsresembling Italian greyhounds - small, with long and narrow heads, slender greyhounds. In addition, in the middle of the 20th century, scientists found skeletons of dogs in the tombs of the pharaohs and priests of Ancient Egypt, which are absolutely identical in appearance to modern greyhounds. According to legend, in the territory of modern Italy, miniature greyhounds appeared in one of the most famous Roman leaders. - Gaius Julius Caesar. And according to the same legend, a no less odious figure acted as a donor of dogs - Queen of Egypt Cleopatra (big fan of the breed). Naturally, it is not known for certain how exactly small greyhounds spread around the world at that distant time. But many centuries later, around the 16th-18th century AD, small greyhounds became extremely popular among the nobility of many European countries, and emperors (Peter I, Catherine II, etc.) and their entourage also had these dogs in Rus'. The name of the breed appeared around the Middle Ages, it was based on the French "li? vre" - "hare", that is, a dog for hunting a hare. The breed was officially recognized only at the beginning of the 20th century, when more and more often Italian greyhounds began to be started not for the sake of hunting, but for the entertainment of rich people. At the same time, the breeders decided to inject whippet blood into the greyhounds and miniature pinscher to preserve the greyhound type and small stature.

Both World Wars threatened the existence of these dogs. In our country, however, a decline in interest in Italian greyhounds occurred after the October Revolution, when these small dogs began to be considered toys of the bourgeois and noble societies so hated by the working people. However, Italian greyhounds have survived all the difficulties and have become popular all over the world again. These dogs were loved by ancient rulers, medieval nobility, as well as famous personalities of modern times. Today, a fragile Italian greyhound can easily be seen on the street, faithfully mincing on a leash behind her master. - a simple resident of a modern city.

Greyhound - dog, which can only be kept indoors, since it does not tolerate frost, dampness and drafts well. In addition, in cold weather, the owner will have to put warm clothes and shoes on the dog so that the short-haired dog does not get cold and sick during the walk. Such dogs often freeze even in an apartment, but you should not constantly wrap the animal. It is enough on the most frosty days, when it is cool in the house or apartment, to warm the dog by putting on a knitted or fleece jumpsuit (or jacket). The rest of the time, the dog at home should be “hardened”, otherwise any breeze on the street will be fraught with a cold. By the way, for a freezing greyhound, you can install a toilet tray where the dog can relieve himself without going out into the cold.

As mentioned earlier, these dogs can adapt to short walks, but it is better if the owner can find the opportunity to travel with the dog out of town and active walks. And so that the Italian greyhound is not overly impressionable, it is worth accustoming it to new places, people, and dogs from a young age.

Italian greyhound hair care is not difficult - Combing several times a week with a brush or rubberized mitt. Bathing is carried out as needed (preferably no more than 2 times a year), just wash your paws after a walk. A necessary condition for keeping an Italian greyhound is the control of the teeth of such a dog (brushing teeth, removing tartar by a veterinarian, purchasing treats for cleaning teeth), since Italian Greyhounds often suffer from dental problems. It is also obligatory to clean the ears, wipe the eyes with a damp cotton swab, and trim the nails. Owners of Italian greyhounds note that their pets are very clean and do not have a “smell”.