The ITALIAN SIGHTHOUND: Information and Curiosities
Welcome to our blog: a professional guide and conversation venue dedicated exclusively to the Little Italian Sighthound.
This blog was created with the aim of offering professional, up-to-date and comprehensive information on everything related to this breed: selection, ‘education, health, nutrition and temperament.
I am a small Italian sighthound : I introduce myself …
My name is Italian Sighthound or Greyhound, but among friends you can call me “couch missile.” I am elegant, slender and very affectionate … but only with those who deserve it! With strangers ? I prefer to maintain a certain reserve. Let’s just say that my trust is not won with just any cookie, I’m a bit difficult, and as you get to know me you’ll understand.
Inside the house I am a silent shadow that follows you everywhere : including the bathroom, sorry. My ideal place ? Glued to your side on the couch, with the blanket up to my nose. I love comfort, cuddling and domesticity… but watch out: if I see something moving outside (a cat, a leaf, a fly, or an abstract thought), then I go into “human arrow” mode. Running is my religion.
I’m a little restless, yes, but it’s only because I have a big heart and so many emotions to manage all at once. I want to live with you, you know? Not near you. With you. In bed, on your pillow, in your thoughts.
In summary: a sensitive soul with a Ferrari engine. If you understand me, I will love you like no other. If you don’t understand me–well, I’ll run away very elegantly.
A little history…
The ancient, fascinating and also somewhat snobbish history of the small Italian Sighthound.
Elegant, slender, and with an aristocratic look, the small Italian Sighthound is not just a pet dog: he is a piece of history with a paw that is always well groomed.
His origins go back to ancient Egypt, where greyhounds similar to him were buried alongside pharaohs – ante litteram VIP stuff. But it was in the Renaissance that our protagonist really took center stage: nobles, queens and even popes adored him. Catherine de’ Medici always had one beside her, and King Frederick II of Prussia is said to have loved his greyhounds more than his ministers (and perhaps even more than his family…).
Small yes, but with a giant’s ego. This dog was so beloved that it was portrayed in the paintings of the greatest masters: Botticelli, Giotto, Titian-all immortalized our greyhound as a symbol of grace and purity.
But don’t be fooled by the delicate air: beneath that slender body beats a lively heart full of energy. The small Italian Sighthound loves to run, loves to jump, and loves to explore so much … only to return to the couch, snuggle up in the blanket and look at you as if you were his personal servant. And you, of course, are.
Over the centuries, the breed has risked extinction several times, especially during wars, but thanks to the tenacity of a few passionate Italian breeders it was saved. Today the small Italian Sighthound is a show dog, a companion dog and-let’s face it-a born influencer. With that Greek profile and supple gait, he wins likes with every step.
In short, the small Italian Sighthound is not just a dog : it is a concentrate of history, nobility and lots of charm. And those who have him by their side do not own an animal, but a noble ancestor with shiny fur and velvet feet.
Final curiosity? Napoleon did not have one. Perhaps that is why he lost at Waterloo.
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PET THERAPY
The Italian Greyhound: a Giant at Heart in Pet Therapy When we think of pet therapy, we often picture large, even-tempered breeds like the Labrador or Golden Retriever. However, there’s a small, elegant, and sometimes unexpected hero gaining traction in this field: the Italian Greyhound (IG). Known for its regal grace and light, floating gait, this companion dog—one of the oldest and most refined—hides a heart of gold and an extraordinary sensitivity that make it an excellent candidate for animal-assisted activities (AAA), more commonly known as pet therapy. In this article, we’ll
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THE HEALTH OF THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND
Is the Italian Greyhound a Delicate Dog? Complete Guide to Italian Greyhound Health and its Needs The Italian Greyhound (IG) is an elegant, refined and sensitive breed, highly appreciated by those who want an affectionate dog that bonds closely with its owner. However, those considering adopting or purchasing one often ask: "Is it a delicate breed health-wise?" The answer is that, like all sighthounds, the Italian Greyhound is generally robust but has some physical and genetic characteristics that make it more predisposed to certain issues. Understanding these aspects is essential to ensure the
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FEEDING THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND
Feeding the Italian Greyhound : Complete Guide The Italian Greyhound is an elegant and sensitive breed, known for its slender physique, lean musculature, and affectionate character. To maintain its health and vitality, a balanced and tailored diet is essential. In any case, before setting up any diet, it is always necessary to consult a veterinarian to assess the specific nutritional needs of the individual dog. Nutritional Requirements of the Breed The Italian Greyhound has a fast metabolism and a body structure that requires high-quality proteins, good fats, and a balanced intake of carbohydrates.
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THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND IN AN APARTMENT
The Italian Greyhound in an Apartment: an Ideal Companion for Urban Living The Italian Greyhound, also known as I.G., is an elegant, affectionate breed surprisingly well-suited to apartment living. With its slender appearance and gentle character character, this small dog is winning a special place in the hearts of city dwellers. But is it really the ideal companion for those living in an apartment? Let's explore together if the Italian Greyhound is suitable for apartment living, what its physical exercise needs are, how often it should go to go out, and
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THE IDEAL FAMILY FOR THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND
Who is the Ideal Family for the Italian Greyhound?
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The Italian Greyhound at the Beach
7 Useful Tips for Taking your Italian Greyhound at the Beach Stress-Free The Italian Greyhound is an elegant, sensitive, and delicate breed. Although it loves the company of its human, the beach can be challenging. To have a positive experience, it's important to know useful tips for taking your Italian Greyhound at the beach safely and comfortably. 1. Assess your Italian Greyhound's Temperament Not all dogs react the same way, you need to get to know your Italian Greyhound's temperament well. Some are shy, others more curious. Observe if your four-legged friend is
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WALKING THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND
How is walking an Italian Greyhound (without being flown like a kite) Walking the Italian Greyhound seems like a “simple operation: leash, harness, let's go out and off we go. Yeah, right. Then he sees a leaf moving
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The Italian Greyhound with kids
How the Italian Greyhound behaves with kids: a tender love
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Temperament of the Italian greyhound
The Temperament of the Italian Greyhound : a tender heart
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The colors of the Italian greyhound
Want to find out more about the colors of the Italian greyhound? The Italian Greyhound, known for its elegance and agility, is a dog breed that is fascinating for its beauty and lively character. One of the most interesting aspects of this breed is its variety of coat colors of the Italian Greyhound, which has been clearly defined by the official standard: the permissible colors are black, gray, and isabella. Each of these colors has its own history and significance, and together they help make this breed truly unique. A brief background
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