 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 It is believed that the Italian Greyhound originated in Egypt; in fact mummified dogs very similar to today's breed have been found in the tombs of the Pharoahs.
The dog was brought by the Romans to the Mediterrean area in the 6th century B.C. where it became a favourite of Greek and Roman nobility.
The dog reached the height of its popularity in the 16th and 17th century where it adorned many courts. Among the famous owners you can find Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, Frederick the Great and Queen Victoria.
Great painters also found time for these little dogs as it was painted by Blake, Carpacio and Van Dyck.
The Italian Greyhound may have been used to hunt rabbits but it is also the first dog bred primarily for companionship.
This is an intelligent breed but these dogs do tend to use their brains to please themselves.
They can be difficult to housetrain and, due to their hound instincts, can be difficult to train to recall. Early socialisation is essential to overcome potential shyness and the problems that can thus develop.
Acclimatising the puppy to frequent handling is a must as this breed needs its teeth cleaned on a daily basis. |
|
Find Breeders