All about Italian greyhound

Italian greyhound is miniature greyhounds that have received from their ancestors exquisite refinement and good running speed. The modern description of this breed of dogs allows you to get an idea of ​​its exterior and character. But to appreciate the IGs can only their owners. These temperamental animals require a lot of attention and willingly give their love, becoming excellent walking companions and companions. Their exquisite appearance emphasizes the aristocratic origin, but what really lies behind the beauty and grace of a small dog?

Exquisite appearance and become Italian Greyhounds (or, as they prefer to be called in the international arena - piccolo livriero italiano) comes from the compact dogs of Ancient Egypt. It is to that era that the first known images of animals with a fragile physique and elegant head are attributed. The first owners of these dogs were the pharaohs - it is not surprising that the thirst for palace luxury in the IGs is in the blood.

One of the first admirers of IGs outside of ancient Egypt was the Greeks., and then representatives of the ancient Roman nobility took up their selection. In the figures found in Pompeii, the silhouette of the Italian greyhound is also quite recognizable. Although her ancestors of that time still had some differences with the modern standard of the breed.

The real peak of popularity of miniature greyhounds fell on the Renaissance. Among the European nobility went tacit competition for the possession of the most beautiful and sophisticated dogs. They were portrayed in portraits of kings, held whole packs, and even took to hunt small game, hares. Representatives of the Italian Medici dynasty did the IGs at all their constant companions. And the Prussian king Frederick the Great praised the loyalty of his pet, who did not cast a vote at the moment when his owner was in danger of exposure by enemies.

To depict the Italian Greyhound on their canvases such great painters as Durer, Titian, Van Dyck considered it an honor. But the fashion for the IGs, no matter how long it was, turned out to be a passing phenomenon. By the beginning of the 19th century, the demand for rock had sharply decreased. Breeders in attempts to regain their former popularity began to consciously reduce the proportions of an already medium-sized breed.

The disproportionate addition with a strongly arched back, apple-head, excessively dry and thin limbs, obtained as a result of this "selection" was accompanied in dogs with mental disorders. Animals were too nervously excitable, prone to hysterical behavior. Similar experiments with breeding continued until 1873, when the English dog club adopted an official standard. The miniature version of the IGs was recognized as old-type, the norm considered more robust animals with a proportional build.

The twentieth century did not bring the Greyhounds much popularity. But by the 30s, breeders seriously set about reviving the former glory of miniature Italian greyhounds. In modern IGs, one can find the blood of dwarf pinschers and Whippets.In Russia, the breed was known even in the time of Peter I. But in Soviet times, its demand, like other decorative breeds, was quite low.

Italian greyhound is a typical greyhound, but in miniature. These dogs throughout life retain playfulness, good disposition, are not prone to obesity. A distinctive feature of the mini-greyhounds is a shudder, manifested during hypothermia or extreme nervous excitement of the animal. The dwarf Italian greyhounds live up to 13-14 years old, they feel best of all in tandem with a companion of the same breed - this saves the owner from having to constantly be in close contact with the pet.

The breed standard implies quite strict restrictions on the shade of the animal's coat. Black, gray, izabellovy (beige-yellow) tone is allowed, white color can be present only on paws and a thorax. Variations on the theme of primary colors are also possible. Gray at puppyhood can perevezvat in blue (officially this name does not exist), black - in bronze, with chocolate tint on the sides.

FCI and RCF accept only canonical versions of colors. But national organizations from Canada, England, the United States and some Asian countries allow wider markings that divide all shades of wool into the following subspecies:

• solid (or monophonic), without white markers, only the tiger version is impossible;
• irish - pronounced white collar and colored case;
• wild irish - in addition to the classic Irish marking, there are white spots on the paws, body;
• pied - colored spots on a monochrome snow-white background, the head is often brightly colored;
• ticking - speckled line, its signs appear with age;
• split face - only half of the muzzle is painted in the main tone.

It is important to note that there are albino manifestations in the breed. In this case, the dog will be deprived of wool pigmentation. There is no other way to get a pure white color - there will always be spotting. The breed is prone to alopecia with a weakening of shades of wool. Initially, the guard hair is not coarse, very short, evenly spaced in thickness, without undercoat.

Breed standard officially adopted describes her representatives:

• body weight not more than 5 kg, height at withers from 32 to 38 cm;
• square-shaped case, dry, with a straight back, having a slight bend in the lumbar region, croup wide, chest narrow, deep, reaching the elbows of a dog;
• neck typical for greyhounds - muscular, cone-shaped, with a pronounced bend, the transition to the area of ​​the withers is sharply outlined, a slight bending of the neck is traced at the throat, without sagging skin, wrinkling, all lines are clearly expressed;
• head with a characteristic pointedness of the muzzle, narrow and flat, superciliary arches pronounced, stop and occipital part smoothed;
• maxillary apparatus has an elongated shape, strong teeth, white, closed in a scissor bite;
• the nose is well-contoured, with brightly colored dark lobe (the black color of pigmentation is welcomed, brown with isabella color);
• the eyes are dark brown with bright black eyelids, have a rounded shape, planting medium depth, without excessive bulge;
• the auricles are miniature, on thin cartilage, the tips are deflected back, in an excited state the dog puts the base vertically;
• extremities are dry, upright, with moderately developed muscles, no inversion is typical for elbows, hind legs are more graceful than front ones, hips are elongated, legs are oval, compact, with small pads;
• tail set low, long and thin, curved at the tip, coat uniform.

Such defects and developmental defects, such as depigmented lobe and eyelid, pronounced bridge of nose, and bite disturbances, are not allowed in levretok. Inadmissible is a high set of tail - above the back, as well as its insufficient length, shorter than the hock. Gigantism and dwarfism in the IGs are carefully rejected. Excluded the preservation of profitable fingers, the presence of an eyesore.

Like any other breed, it is possible to find its strengths and weaknesses in the IGs. Decorative mini-greyhound has a valuable set of positive qualities.

• Sociability. Even taking a teenager, you can get a loving pet. Dogs of the Italian greyhound breed get along well with other pets, but do not like dogs that are too large.
• Convenience in the content. Salon beauty, in which the love of luxury has been cultivated for centuries, will support the owner in wanting to lie on the sofa and will be glad to play active games for a walk.
• Good character. In the absence of malformations, the owner receives only a tender pet, who is always in a good mood.
• Willingness to follow the fashion. The short wool makes the IGs hostage to warm blankets and overalls in winter. But many owners have the opportunity to dress up a pet like. Yes, and properly equipped dog feels very comfortable walking.
• The presence of decorative and working lines. You can choose only a sofa dog, and a serious athlete, aimed at winning the race for short and long distances.
• The minimum difficulty with care. Shedding passes almost imperceptibly, dogs are neat, wool does not smell. Easily accustomed to the toilet.
• Compact size is convenient when staying in an apartment. The dog does not need country spaces or an aviary.
• Longevity. With good care and successful genre of the Italian greyhound, they easily celebrate the seventeenth birthday.

There are downsides. In very cold climates, an active and cheerful Italian Greyhound can turn into a completely domestic dog. There are a number of health problems - puppies have fragile bones, a bad jump can lead to a fracture. The grace of physique makes animals unsuitable for rough, unceremonious treatment. If there are small children in the house, they will have to be trained in interaction with the pet.

Among the shortcomings of Italian greyhound can be noted and the tendency to panic in a critical situation, characteristic of choleric people. It is necessary to lower the pet from the leash only after completing the course and with full confidence that he knows the way home. Italian greyhound is not suitable for people who minimize the manifestation of feelings - close communication with the dog, embracing and willingness to share a blanket at night become priority rules.

Describing the character of the Italian greyhounds, all dog handlers and breeders note their similarity with the larger members of this group of hunting dogs. Despite external fragility, animals are hyperactive, prefer to express their emotions as lucidly as possible, they can show fearlessness. The Italian Greyhound comes into a state of nervous excitement instantly at the sight of his favorite toy or master returning from work.

Do not give in to the charm of the aristocratic appearance of the pet. Italian greyhound, like any other greyhounds, born hunters, dogs that can cause chaos almost out of the blue. The attention of the owner, they also require action - not just hugs or strokes, but games. Such characteristics of the character of the breed retain old age.

Italian greyhounds, despite their diminutiveness, are quite capable of being compared with large dogs in the degree of destruction. Moreover, puppy pranks (due to late maturity) they continue up to 1.5-2 years. During this period of time you can expect such troubles as chewed furniture, bags, shoes and clothes, tattered wallpaper on the walls, eaten wires. Reducing the hyperactivity of the interior helps two dogs at once - busy playing with each other, they will not spoil the situation in the house. Another option is to provide the animal with a sufficient amount of physical activity.

In terms of sociability, the Italian Greyhound has almost no competitors. This miniature dog easily makes friends, gets along well with cats, as well as its fellow small and medium size. For a child of primary and secondary school age, the Italian Greyhound can become a devoted companion, companions in games and entertainment. The breed is not aggressive to children, gets along well with them, and its willingness to show love can warm the heart of an older person.

Despite the overall interpersonal skills, the instincts dormant in the Italian greyhound do not allow it to coexist quietly with feathered pets and rodents. Their dog will always try to catch up and bring the owner as a trophy. And the rule applies not only to rats and mice.

In their habits, the Greyhound are surprisingly similar to domestic cats. For recreation, they choose observation points on an elevation, trying to keep close to the sources of heat. Chairs, armchairs, bedside tables, window sills - this is where you have to place the bedding for the pet. In severe cold, the dog will prefer the owner’s company altogether, climbing under the covers.

During your stay on the street, you should carefully monitor your pet, if possible not to lower it from the leash. Hunter's good vision and instinct often play a cruel joke with these dogs, forcing them to chase the prey, despite the protests of the owner. It is necessary to prepare in advance for emotional communication with the pet. The sonorous bark, squealing is a natural manifestation of the feelings of a small dog.

Leadership is an unexpected trait of the character of the Italian Greyhound. But the Italian greyhounds really are excellent commanders. Suffice to say that if there are several dogs in the house, the leader of this pack over time will be a miniature Greyhound, and not at all larger and stronger members of the team. From the host, the Italian Greyhound also puts the rope, easily achieving what he wants.

What conditions of detention are required for the IG? In her behavior a lot of feline habits, respectively, preparing the house for the appearance of a puppy, it is necessary to take into account the needs of the breed in comfort. If you do not create the proper conditions, the animal will choose exclusively space next to the owner, under a blanket, and will not yield it to anyone in its place in the house.

For the rest, it is worth giving the Italian Greyhound its own apartment - a house with a soft pillow, a spacious basket with high sides. Dogs love to watch the street from the window. It is necessary to allocate a pet personal window sill or arrange a review from a sufficient height. In addition, you need to take care of the inaccessibility of an extremely curious puppy or adult dog of any dangerous items.

In fact, a lively and active Italian Greyhound is a small child in the house who will definitely try something on the tooth that it will not work to just scatter. And to treat this side of the life of the animal must be philosophical. It will not be possible to change the habits of the breed - it will be necessary to take security measures (many methods and devices can be taken from the experience of protecting property from children).

Games and toys are something without which the Italian Greyhound cannot exist. She must provide enough silicone balls, tweeters, plush animals. It should periodically update the stock of available dog entertainment.

Observance of hygiene rules is not a hobby at all. Levretki even in adulthood can leave puddles on the floor, forget about the need to visit the tray. The optimal solution for the miniature greyhound will be daily walks, during which the dog will be able to cope with natural needs.

The catering of the Italian greyhound involves the preparation of a balanced, complete diet with a predominance of animal protein. Its source can serve as a finished feed - dry or in canned form, and natural meat. The best choice would be beef. Moreover, the miniature greyhounds prefer to eat a little spoiled meat, with films and veins, raw.

The digestive characteristics of the Italian greyhound are such that it is best tolerated by meat. Digesting a rotten piece is easier than fresh. Fine cutting is also not needed. Broth feed the dog is also not worth it.

For a change in the diet add lean oceanic fish - filet without bones. Permissible use of fermented milk products - cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir in a fat free form. The proportion of cereals in the diet - no more than 30-40%, they are given separately from the meat, so as not to disturb the digestion process. Vegetables and fruits are given in the interval between main meals. Legumes are strictly prohibited.

When using a natural diet, it is necessary to give your pet vitamin and mineral supplements. A veterinarian will help you choose them. Prevention should be systematic, with the adjustment of the composition of vitamins, taking into account the season.

Italian greyhound is a breed that is not too demanding to care. The dog practically does not shed, the absence of undercoat eliminates the appearance of an unpleasant smell. It is periodically recommended to bathe the animal with special means for smooth-haired breeds or to remove contamination with hypoallergenic napkins. Paws are washed after each walk, it is necessary to teach your pet to this procedure as soon as possible.

Often it is not necessary to clean the ears of Italian greyhound. They should be regularly inspected, and when they accumulate dirt they should be freed from sulfur and plaque with the help of a soft napkin, a special lotion. Eyes also do not require intensive monitoring.

A regular procedure should be dental care. They are cleaned at least three times a week, with special veterinary pastes. Dental calculus is removed from the doctor. Trimming claws is necessary only in winter. In the summer, the dog grinds them off on its own

Italian greyhound is an active breed. She needs walking 2-3 times a day, with a mandatory length of one of the exercises for at least 2 hours. In wet, windy weather, the pet will prefer the tray, it is necessary to install it, train the dog to use it.

Breeders usually give tips on choosing clothes for owners of puppies of Italian greyhounds. What is better to consider before you send your baby outside in the cold? The recommendations of experienced dog breeders are:

• You can switch to a winter wardrobe by reaching the average daily temperature of +5 degrees;
• any clothes for active mini-greyhound should be comfortable, not constraining the movement, it is better to choose hypoallergenic materials;
• the first "autumn" clothes - knitted sweater-blanket, covering the neck, chest and back of the pet, it can also be worn at home or under a winter overalls;
• For males, wardrobe items should have a special cut on the belly.It is worth choosing things that are well washable, have a replaceable set in case one gets dirty;
• hooded cloak is another indispensable accessory, they are easier to put on than full overalls, dogs paws remain open, but this creates a good barrier to protect against cold weather;
• caps are an important component of the Italian greyhound's wardrobe, delicate ears need warming, protection from frostbite.
• jumpsuit can be knitted (under the blanket) or full, very warm, with tight fitting cuffs.

Parenting plays a very important role in taming the despotic character of the pet. Lack of zeal in learning Italian greyhound easily compensates for the tenacity of mind, easily guided in the mood of the owner. To train her in the classic sense of the word is unlikely to succeed.

Start learning is from the first days of the puppy in the house. He must learn the location of the couch, toilet, bowls. In no case should the IGF be allowed food from the master's table. No matter how plaintive the puppy takes on, it is better for people to send it to the place when people eat.

No need to hope for quick success in training. Natural obstinacy leads to the fact that the Italian Greyhound, even understanding the command, is not in a hurry to carry it out. Even a delicacy will not help - it is necessary to negotiate with the pet on all points, from visiting the tray to mastering the orders of the owner. But if mutual understanding is achieved, the Italian Greyhound may well be an ideal pet and a true friend.

It is important to take into account that, like other greyhounds, with due perseverance the Italian Greyhound quite successfully masters the general course of training and can even be used in sports disciplines. They are successfully used in the course - the pursuit of a mechanical hare, agility, and other types of vigorous activity.

What commands must a dog learn? They are seven, and each aims to save the animal from possible danger.

• To me. Knowledge of this command must be absolute. Otherwise, to catch up with the dog for a walk, having let it off the leash, will take a long time.
• Fu / not. Command-prohibitions allow you to protect your pet from poisoning, falling, contact with other sources of danger.
• Sit. This skill will help to quickly calm down an overly excitable pet.
• Stand. Another useful command option is to prevent potentially undesirable animal actions.
• Forward. For sports dogs, this team is a “trigger” to start running.
• Beside. If you want to walk with your pet without a leash, knowledge of this team will be a prerequisite for obedience.
• Walk around This team will be appreciated by such freedom-loving dogs, like Italian greyhound. The main thing is that then the pet does not ignore the other requirements of the owner.

In the process of training, methods of encouragement and restrictions are mainly used. With the Italian greyhound you should not use a compulsion - force the dog to act in the way the owner needs. It is better to act thinner and train differently. This breed has a strong desire to participate in the life of the host. Ignoring the animal as a punishment is quite capable of becoming a good incentive for raising the necessary skills of the dog.

All about this breed of dogs in the next video.