" ITALIAN GREYHOUND DOGS ARE GREAT COMPANIONS"

The Italian Greyhound dogs look like a regular Greyhound just a miniature version and are in the toy group. They have an elegant and delicate appearance with their spindly legs but they are hardy and rarely ill. These dogs possess great speed and agility.

Their coats are short, fine, glossy and satin like. It comes in solid grey, slate grey, cream, red, fawn, black and often has white markings. They are odor free and are considered a hypollergenic breed so they are a good pet for people with allergies.

CHARACTERTICS AND TEMPERATMENT

• Intelligent
  
• Gentle
  
• Sweet
  
• Charming
  
• Clown like disposition
  
• Very affectionate
  
• High inquistive
  

These dogs love people and love to be held and petted. They are very loyal to their owners. They do well in the city, country or apartment because they adapt well. They don't require a lot of exercise just some brisk walks will do.

They make an excellent choice for a family pet with well behaved children. They are good with children but can be hurt easily by rough play. They are a good dog for the elderly because they are a compassionate and loyal dog plus they are easy to care for.

They generally get along well with other pets but especially with other Italian Greyhounds.

They are difficult to housebreak like all small dog breeds since they have small bladders. You will need patience to train them. They also can be trained to use a litter box.

These dogs are quick learners and willing to train when it is fun. They are good watchdogs since they have keen ears and will respond with a somewhat deep bark. He is a little dog that thinks he is a BIG dog!

GROOMING

They are easy to care for with some brushing, monthly bathing, cleaning of ears, clip nails every one or two months and brush their teeth regularly. They are sensitive to the cold so will need a coat in cold weather if outside.

HEALTH PROBLEMS

Italian Greyhound's have few health problems when taken care of properly. But like all dogs they are prone to certain things and those are:

• Cataracts
  
• Epilpsy
  
• Legg-Perthes disease (degeneration of hip)
  
• Patellar Luxation (slipped stifles)
  
• Von Willebrad disease (bleeding disorder)
  

HISTORY

The Italian Greyhound is believe to have originated more than 2000 years ago. They are one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world. They are believed to have roots in ancient Greece and Turkey. In the 16th Century they found their way to south Europe and were popular with royalty in the Middle Ages. They got their name not because they were popular in Italy but because of the breed's association with Italian art during the Renaissance. The first Greyhound registered in America was in 1886.

Their is an Italian Greyhound Club of America which is a member of the AKC. Their web site is www.italiangreyhound.org.

When purchasing a Italian Greyhound you need to find a reputable breeder To find one consult ads in dog magazines, ask veterinarian, America Kennel Club and dog shows.

Do your research to find the healthiest dog you can. Learn about different breeders and their dogs and check out their kennels. Ask the breeder about the sire and dam of the puppies. Ask all the questions you need to be sure about the breeder and his puppies. Also be prepared, if the breeder is reputable, to have him ask you questions because he wants his puppies to go to a good home.

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