Italian Greyhound : Information and Community for the Italian Greyhound and its owner

italian greyhound

The name of the breed is a reference to the breed's popularity in Renaissance Italy. Mummified dogs very similar to the Italian Greyhound (or small Greyhounds) have been found in Egypt, and pictorials of small Greyhounds have been found in Pompeii, and they were probably the only accepted companion-dog there. As an amusing aside the expression 'Cave Canem' (Beware of the dog) was a warning to visitors, not that the dogs would attack but to beware of damaging the small dogs. Although the small dogs are mainly companionship dogs they have in fact been used for hunting purposes, often in combination with hunting falcons. The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the family of gazehounds (dogs that hunt by sight). The breed is an old one and is believed to have originated more than 2,000 years ago in the countries now known as Greece and Turkey. This belief is based on the depiction of miniature greyhounds in the early decorative arts of these countries and on the archaeological discovery of small greyhound skeletons. By the Middle Ages, the breed had become distributed throughout Southern Europe and was later a favorite of the Italians of the sixteenth century, among whom miniature dogs were in great demand. It is, in fact, due to its popularity in Italy at this time that the breed became known as the "Italian Greyhound." From this period onward the history of the breed can be fairly well traced as it spread through Europe, arriving in England in the seventeenth century.

The Italian Greyhound is a small breed of dog, specifically a member of the sight hound family and member of the toy group. They are sometimes called an "I.G." or "Iggy" for short.[

pets

If you're a fan of the italian greyhound then check out the italian greyhounds below. view all pets >>>

Terry
Age: 12Y Sex: M

United States
Bango
Age: 7Y Sex: M

United States
Gracie
Age: 13Y Sex: F

United States
Riley
Age: 9Y Sex: M

United States
Tessa
Age: 1Y Sex: F

United States

Alexis
Age: 5Y Sex: F

United States
Alfie
Age: 4Y Sex: M

United States
gracie
Age: 2Y Sex: F

United States
Maserati
Age: 9Y Sex: M

United States
dasher
Age: 1Y Sex: F

United States

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pictures

View the many italian greyhound pictures our community has added and feel free to leave a personal comment on photos within our italian greyhound gallery letting the owner know you stopped by. view all pictures >>>

videos

Watching the italian greyhound in action can be an interesting experience. The italian greyhound videos below will be sure to tickle your funny bone and leave you wanting more. view all videos >>>

Bixie singing...

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01:15

Views :

193

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Mitzi and her...

Length :

00:36

Views :

185

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NUGGLES

Length :

00:39

Views :

201

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owners

Below is a list of a couple of italian greyhound owners. Our community of owners has pictures, videos, blogs and more and we invite you to explore them all. view all owners >>>

azgkrudi
Age: 42 Sex: F

Davenport, FL
matt42
Age: 31 Sex: M

Butler, PA
rj911
Age: 15 Sex: M

Somerville, NJ
mrsprig
Age: 60 Sex: M

Garland, TX
TrixieBlue
Age: 40 Sex: F

Charlotte, NC

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blogs

What does a italian greyhound think about on a daily basis? Well, check out the italian greyhound blogs below and find out. view all blogs >>>

My day was lazy!
All I did was sleep with my mom! ... read more

Posted by : Alexis
Chicos my name and play'in is my game
How many fellow pups have this problem: I got a new toy, its an awesome blu... read more

Posted by : chico
Loud Noises
Today was full of loud noises that I couldn't find. I'm not sure where they... read more

Posted by : Santino

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Italian Greyhound".