Italian Greyhound

Small-sized sight hounds like us have been around the Mediterranean region for a couple thousand years, hunting small game like hare and rabbits and obligingly posing with noblemen for pictures -- where we don't take up much space (12-15 inches at the shoulder, 10-11 pounds). Paintings and tapestry during the Italian Renaissance really put us on the map. The AKC's Toy Group admitted the Italian Greyhound in 1886.

• Adaptable to apartment life
• Affectionate family friend
• Born to run, happy to walk
• Busy is better than bored
• Classy canine
• Energizer doggie

• Hardy hunter
• High strung
• Loves kids and vice versa
• Never aggressive
• Outdoors enthusiast
• Playful pal
• Caters to country, tolerates town
• Ready to romp
• Socialization and training should start early
• Spirited
• Takes to training
• Training must be firm, patient, consistent
• Wary of strangers

Attenzione! Attenzione! Some dogs -- like the regular-size Greyhound -- are too polite to be demanding. Not the Italian Greyhound. We insist on your attention to our needs, such as our requirement for daily exercise (walking is fine, canine sports would be better) and the company of our favorite humans (lest we suffer separation anxiety). Then there's the chance to make new friends (one reason we make such good therapy dogs). Continuing down the list, we demand proper clothing before taking one step out the door in cold, rainy weather. My jacket, booties, and leg warmers don't have to come from the fashion salons of Milan. But they should be smartly tailored. That's all for now, but I will get back to you -- count on that.

Possible progressive retinal atrophy, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, seizures, von Willebrand's disease, sensitivity to anesthesia, and dental problems.