Italian rocket!

The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed that has been discovered on 6000 year old Egyptian tomb stones. They are believed to have been found in an ancient  lava flow throughout the city of Pompeii, the ruined and partially buried Roman town. In the 16^th century, like the Greyhound, this breed was brought over to Europe by the Phoenicians civilization and became extremely popular. They were owned by many ‘important’ people including Anne of Denmark and Queen Victoria.

During the 1700’s, Frederick the Great of Prussia, took an Italian Greyhound to war with him. When it died at the Sans Souci Palace, he buried the dog himself and it was his own dyeing wish that he buried next to his dog when his time came. It wasn’t until the 205^th anniversary of his own death that his family moved his remains to Sans Souci so he could be with his dog. Later in the 19^th century, they still proved to be a very popular breed, with an African Chief so fond of the breed he offered 200 cattle in exchange for one single Italian Greyhound

Today they are a very playful, keen and intelligent dog who requires a pack leader owner. They are a generally submissive breed who wants nothing more than to please their owner, though if they know they have the upper hand can become destructive and naughty. They require a calm owner who is stern with their training but can remember that this breed is very sensitive to tone and not to over step the mark. Although they can be quite reserved with strangers they tend to socialize well. They’re slender, fine boned body gives off the impression they are a petite dog that requires gentle handling – not so much the case. They are not as fragile as they appear. They do best in a quieter household but generally get along well with children and other dogs and cats, as long as the humans always display leadership.

Their breed and body structure allows them to be extremely fast and mobile, being great climbers too. They do require decent daily walks and enjoy a good run and free roam. They are an ideal breed for apartments or small living compounds and can live comfortably without a yard – providing they are given daily walks. They are one of the easiest breeds when it comes to grooming, bathing should only be done if necessary and their coat only requires a toweling every now and then as they shed very little hair. The Italian Greyhound is prone to epilepsy and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, although have been none to live for long period of time, with one recorded to live over 19 years of age!

Gus, enjoying the afternoon sun.