BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Am.Can. Champion Integra's Quote Unquote "Keagan"
Photo courtesy of Cantex Registered Kennels |
Breed Registries:
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Notes: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The FCI is the World Canine Organization, which includes 84 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 339 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The "owner" countries of the breeds write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Italy
Height:
13 to 15 inches (33-38 cm)
Weight:
6 to 10 lbs (3-4.5 kg)
Breed Profile:
The Italian Greyhound originated in the Far East and it is believed that the breed was brought into Italy by Roman soldiers where he became the favourite pet of nobility. Today, he is one of the more popular Toy breeds in Britain. He is the smallest in the family of Sighthounds and is recognized as a Toy breed by the Canadian Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club, and the Kennel Club (U.K.).
Though IGs have a gentle nature, they are very active and can be very demanding in their need for attention. They may appear fragile but they are very hardy little dogs and one of the most active of the Toy breeds. It should be noted that the Italian Greyhound's temperament can be very different and more demanding than either of his larger relatives (the Whippet and Greyhound). Although physically, the IG resembles the Greyhound in miniature, the IG is not a miniature version of a Greyhound or a Whippet.
The Italian Greyhound's coat comes in all shades of black, grey, fawn, cream, blue, red, chocolate, bronze, blue-fawn, red-fawn and white. Because of his short coat, small size and weight, the IG does not like bad weather including the cold, wind or rain. Protective clothing, such as sweaters or rain jackets, and boots are recommended when going out in any type of bad weather.
The Italian Greyhound is seen participating in many sports and activities, including: Conformation, Agility, and Obedience Competitions. Because the Italian Greyhound is not part of the Sighthound group, the breed is not eligible to compete in official CKC Lure Coursing events in Canada but they are seen participating in practice/fun runs and unofficial straight racing. The breed is also commonly seen working as a Therapy Dog.
Health Issues
If you are considering the adoption of a Italian Greyhound puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Some potential health concerns found in the Italian Greyhound breed include:
- Teeth & Gum Disease — Many Italian Greyhounds develop severe gum disease if their teeth are not well taken care of. It is recommended that all IGs have their teeth brushed regularly (preferably daily) and professional cleaning is also highly recommended as often as necessary to keep the gums and teeth in good condition.
- Anesthetics — Like all members of the Sighthound family, the Italian Greyhound may be sensitive to a number of anesthetics. It is very important to discuss this with your Veterinarian in advance of any required surgery. For additional information, see: Anesthesia And Your Saluki from the Saluki Club of America, as well as Anasthesia in Sighthounds from the Irish Wolfhound Society of Ireland.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation (slipping knee caps)
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- Seizures
- von Willebrand's Disease
- Legg-Perthes
Additional Health Resources:
- IG Health Information from the Italian Greyhound Club of America.
- Italian Greyhound Club of Canada Health
- Collapsed Trachea: The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand
- Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
- Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
- AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
- Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
- Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
- University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
- HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
Breed Standards
- CKC Breed Standard
- AKC Breed Standard
- UKC Breed Standard
- The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
- FCI Breed Standard No. 200 — Italian Greyhound (Piccolo Levriero Italiano)
AKC Italian Greyhound DVD
15 min. Video Edition, Published by the American Kennel Club
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com.
Grooming Information
The Italian Greyhound's short, fine and silky coat requires minimal grooming. However, the breed is known to be prone to gum disease and should have their teeth brushed DAILY to avoid tartar build up and gum disease. In addition, the Italian Greyhound's nails must be kept short and normally require filing or grinding once or twice a week.
- Dental & Gum Care — From California Italian Greyhound Rescue — This article includes step by step procedures with photographs to help you learn how to maintain your IG's teeth.
- Nail Care— Another excellent article from California Italian Greyhound Rescue with instructions and photographs.
- Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.
Training Resources
- Housetraining your Italian Greyhound
- How To Litter Box Train Your Dog — Is it Really Possible to Litter Box Train a Dog? Absolutely! Small dogs can be trained to use a litter box. (From myItalianGreyhounds.com)
- Toy Breeds—Housebreaking
- Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Additional Information
- Whippets and Other Sighthounds — A very informative website dedicated to Sighthounds explaining why a Sighthound thinks and acts differently from other breeds of dogs.
- 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
- Toy Breeds—Selecting the Perfect Pooch
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Select from the following links to view Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and other Merchandise specific to the breed: |
