IGCA : About Italian Greyhounds

Intro to IGs (taken from the IGCA breed brochure)

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the family of gazehounds (dogs that hunt by sight). The breed is an old one and is believed to have originated more than 2,000 years ago in the countries now known as Greece and Turkey. This belief is based on the depiction of miniature greyhounds in the early decorative arts of these countries and on the archaeological discovery of small greyhound skeletons. By the Middle Ages, the breed had become distributed throughout Southern Europe and was later a favorite of the Italians of the sixteenth century, among whom miniature dogs were in great demand. It is, in fact, due to its popularity in Italy at this time that the breed became known as the "Italian Greyhound." From this period onward the history of the breed can be fairly well traced as it spread through Europe, arriving in England in the seventeenth century.

An Italian Greyhound was registered for the first time with the American Kennel Club in 1886. Records show that during the same years a few were being entered in shows. After World War I when the breed was in danger of extinction in Great Britain, fresh stock was imported from the United States, giving evidence of the high quality to be found in America by then.

The Italian Greyhound Club of American was founded in 1954. In 1963, an Italian Greyhound was named Best in Show for the first time, and since then, many others have followed suit.

The Italian Greyhound is a true greyhound, his small size the result of selective breeding. There is some difference of opinion as to whether he was originally bred for hunting small game or was meant to be simply a pet and companion. It seems most likely that he filled both roles, and for this reason he is very adaptable to both city and country living. He is rather luxury loving and enjoys the comfort of an apartment; at the same time being a true hound, he likes exercise and outdoor activities, weather permitting.

The Italian Greyhound can weigh as little as 7 lbs. or as much as 14 or 15 lbs., but the average weight is about 10 lbs. His coat is short and smooth and requires little grooming. He is odorless, sheds little, and is not yappy. When he does bark, his voice is rather deep for his size. Although giving the impression of fragility, the breed is hardy, seldom ill, and thrives in such northern countries as Sweden and Finland, housed indoors.

Perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of the Italian Greyhound is his affectionate disposition. He thrives best when this affection is returned and is happiest with his owner and immediate family. For this reason, he may sometimes seem a trifle aloof with strangers. He is sensitive, alert, and intelligent and remains playful until long past puppyhood. He adapts to most households and gets along well with other pets and children. He is eager to please and learns quickly. Many have done well in obedience trials.

In appearance, the Italian Greyhound is very similar to the Greyhound, but is considerably smaller and more slender in all proportions. He differs also from his larger relative in his characteristic and elegant gait, high stepping and free. The coat may be all shades of fawn, cream, red, blue, or sometimes black, and it may be either solid or with various degrees of white markings. The coat is fine, smooth and glossy.

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Official AKC Standard

Purebred dogs are judged against individual breed standards, which have been established for the AKC-recognized breeds by their national breed clubs. These written standards describe the ideal size, color, and temperament of each breed, as well as correct proportion, structure, and movement.

Conformation dog shows help to preserve these characteristics by providing a forum for evaluating breeding stock.

Click here to read the Italian Greyhound breed standard

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Illustrated Standard
The IGCA's visual guide to understanding our breed standard
(please be patient, PDFs take awhile to load)

NOTE: Adobe Reader is needed to view and print PDF files.
Click here for the FREE Adobe Reader download

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Is an IG the Right Breed for You?

Before acquiring a new dog, stop and consider your lifestyle. Are you aware of the specific health needs of Italian greyhounds? Are you aware that optimum oral heath for Italian greyhounds requires daily teeth brushing? Are you aware that their nails are best maintained by grinding with an electric nail grinder 2--3 times a week? Are you aware that most IGs will not potty train themselves and need consistent scheduling of exercise, food, water, confinement and free periods? The majority of IGs in Rescue are there because the owners didn't understand or didn't have the time and patience necessary to house train a dog. Are you willing to learn? Do you have the even greater time needed to raise a puppy or would an adult be more suitable?

Due to their fine bone structure and sometimes timid or sensitive personality, they do not make good pets for households with very young or rambunctious children or large, active dogs.

The Italian Greyhound coat is short, sleek and carries no odor. Because of their short hair, they do like to stay warm by lying in the sun, sleeping in your bed – under the covers! – and wearing coats or sweaters when temperatures dip. Italian Greyhounds are not outdoor dogs. They cannot tolerate cold weather and would prefer to be close to their owner even on the warmest of days. They also do not like getting wet, and many owners have built shelter areas to protect their dog from the elements when going outside for potty on cold or wet days, or instead use indoor potty pads on bad-weather days. As creatures of comfort, IGs do not like to put their feet on wet grass and will often utilize the sidewalk instead.

Their greatest joy is to be with you. Once you aquire an Italian Greyhound you will never be alone again. If you like your privacy, the Italian Greyhound may not be the breed for you. This breed is not content to lie at your feet – they demand your attention!

To be a responsible IG owner we advise reading everything in this section thoroughly before you start your inquires with responsible breeders and/or rescue.

     IGs: The Good, The Bad and the Downright Ugly
     © copyright Debbie Wolfenbarger

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Care & Training

     Basic Supplies
     Crate & House Training
     Teeth
     Nails
     Canine Good Citizens
     Travel
     Breeding your IG

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Health Concerns
by Teri Dickinson, DVM
Chair, Health and Welfare Committee, Italian Greyhound Club of America

Despite their fragile appearance, Italian greyhounds (IG's) are both sturdier and healthier than they appear to the casual observer. Obviously, due to short hair and little body fat, they are not suited to prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures, but many do live happily in northern climates. Fortunately for their owners, IG's, on the whole, are not often plagued by some of the more common canine diseases. Allergies, digestive problems, heart problems, arthritis and back injuries can be found in IG's, but certainly not to the extent that they are represented in some breeds.

Despite their overall good health, there are a few problems that are very common in IG's and there are some inherited problems that all IG owners should be aware of, and for which the dogs should be monitored.

Without question, the biggest health problems involving Italian greyhounds involve the teeth and gums. Most IG's will develop severe periodontal (gum) disease at a relatively early age, if their teeth do not receive proper care. Theories abound about why this occurs and the answer probably lies in a combination of factors. Like most toy dogs, IG's have relatively large teeth for the size of their heads, and this can result in crowding of the teeth in the mouth. IG's have tight lips which can trap food against the gums, and a relatively dry mouth which causes a reduction of the cleansing effects of saliva washing food from the gums.

Regardless of the cause, the fact remains that it is not uncommon for IG's to begin losing incisor (front) teeth to periodontal disease at 1-3 years of age. All IG's owners should begin a preventive dentistry program as soon as the permanent teeth erupt, and should plan on brushing the teeth as often as possible, preferably daily. Brushes and canine tooth paste are available from the veterinarian. In addition, the veterinarian should be recruited to help monitor the condition of the gums, and the dog should have professional cleanings as often as is necessary to keep the gums in good condition. This may require annual dentals, or in come cases, semiannual visits, just like your dentist insists on for your teeth. Teeth cleanings should include polishing the teeth as the final step, as smooth teeth will trap less calculus on the enamel.

Selecting dogs as breeding stock that have healthy teeth and gums seems to lessen the incidence of gum disease in the puppies. In addition, teeth should be strong, smooth and shiny white, indicating healthy enamel. There is a condition in IG's where the teeth are small and pointy, and the enamel is rough and yellow. These rough teeth trap a lot of calculus, and special attention must be paid to brushing these teeth if one is to keep them healthy. In addition, these teeth are very soft compared to normal teeth, and will wear down much faster, just in the normal chewing activities of the dog. It appears that the presence of the rough, yellow teeth is hereditary in nature, and most breeders recommend against using an affected animal in a breeding program.

Retained deciduous (baby) teeth are also fairly common. The IG should be monitored as the adult teeth erupt (4-7 months), and if a permanent tooth erupts and the corresponding deciduous tooth remains, the deciduous tooth should be extracted by a veterinarian. The upper canine teeth (fangs) are most commonly affected.

Drug sensitivities are a known issue in IG's. Anesthetics of the barbiturate class, and organophosphate insecticides should be avoided, just as they are in the larger sighthounds. IG's can be successfully and safely anesthetized with gas anesthetics, particularly isoflurane. It is recommended that the veterinarian administer the gas through a special set of hoses known as a "non-rebreathing" apparatus to insure that the IG gets adequate amounts of oxygen through its relatively small airways.

IG owners should find a veterinarian who is interested in dentistry, and who uses the described anesthetic techniques, and should not let fear of anesthesia prevent them from getting proper dental care for the dog.

Fractures of the radius and ulna (forearm) are a common problem in IG's, particularly between the ages of four and 12 months. New IG owners should be aware that IG puppies are fearless, and believe they can fly. The puppy should be safely confined when unsupervised, and the house should be puppy-proofed as much as possible by removing potential "launching pads." The puppy should be closely supervised when loose in the house, and where possible, kept off of hard, slippery floors.

Some broken legs are inevitable in a breed with the long, slender legs of an IG. However, dogs that have a lot of relatives with broken legs seem to be at increased risk, and again, many breeders recommend against breeding dogs from families with a high percentage of leg breaks.

Idiopathic epilepsy is another condition which affects IG's. Otherwise healthy dogs begin having seizures at 2-5 years, and no cause for the seizures can be identified. In many cases, the seizures are mild and infrequent, and no treatment is necessary. If the seizures become violent, more frequent, or occur in "clusters" the veterinarian will recommend the dog be placed on anticonvulsants. Phenobarbital is currently considered the drug of choice, and is widely used in IG's. Phenobarb (as it is known) is a member of the barbiturate class of drugs, but given orally is as safe in IG's as in any other breed.

In every breed in which research has been undertaken, idiopathic epilepsy has been determined to be an inherited disease. It is not recommended to breed an animal that has seizures.

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) is diagnosed regularly in the breed. Symptoms can be variable, ranging from weight loss to weight gain to hair loss. The veterinarian now has a wide range of blood tests available to help ascertain the level of thyroid function, and if necessary, supplemental thyroid hormone can be given in tablet form. Once again, breeding of affected dogs is not recommended.

Color dilute alopecia (CDA) is also known as color mutant alopecia, blue Doberman syndrome or blue balding. Alopecia (hair loss) affects the colored areas of hair on dogs that have dilute coats. Dilute colors can include blue, blue-fawn, fawn, etc. The hair loss usually starts in the dorsal stripe (middle of the back) and spreads to include most of the body. White-haired areas are not affected. There is no pruritus (itching) associated with this disease, and there is no treatment for the hair loss. In some breeds (Dobermans) the majority of dilute (blue and fawn) dogs are affected, but in IG's, only a small percentage of dilute dogs seem to be affected. Many dilute IG's retain a full hair coat all their lives. CDA affected dogs should not be bred.

Retained testicles (cryptorchidism or sometimes called monorchidism) are frequent findings in male IG's. Dogs with undescended testicles are at greater risk of developing testicular cancer, and should be neutered at an early age.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an eye disease wherein the cells in the retina (back of the eye) which register the visual image, begin to die. Dogs are born with normal vision but at three to four years of age develop lack of night vision (night blindness). Vision loss is normally progressive, and eventually results in total blindness. A veterinary ophthalmologist who examines the eye may be able to detect changes in an affected IG at two to three years of age. There is no treatment for PRA.

PRA is known to be hereditary nature in nature. It is inherited as a simple recessive which means that two normal dogs may be carriers of the gene, and when bred together can produce an affected dog. Any dog which produces an affected dog is a carrier and should no longer be bred. In addition, affected dogs and their littermates should not be used as breeding stock. IG's used for breeding should have annual eye exams performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Juvenile cataracts (which are also heritable) are occasionally diagnosed in IG's as well.

Luxating patellas (slipped stifles) are a common problem in toy breeds and the IG is no exception. The patella (knee cap) does not remain in the groove on the femur (thigh bone) and thus becomes luxated (dislocated). The affected dog will often hold up the affected hind leg, and may exhibit a hopping gate in the rear, as the patella moves in and out of the groove. Once again, affected animals should not be bred, but surgery can be used to stabilize the patella and make the dog more comfortable.

Legg-Perthe's disease (LPD) is another orthopedic problem found in IG's. LPD affects the hip joint, and the primary sign is lameness in one or both hind legs at 5-12 months of age. In LPD, part of the hip joint loses its blood supply, and the surrounding bone dies and collapses. There is a surgical treatment for this disease. LPD is known to be hereditary.

IG's can be affected by a number of autoimmune or immune mediated diseases. In these conditions, the dog's immune system becomes confused, and fails to differentiate the cells that belong to the dog from those of invading bacteria, viruses, etc. As a result, the immune system begins attacking the dog's own cells. A wide variety of diseases can occur including pemphigus (all forms) and lupus (local or systemic). The symptoms can usually be controlled by treating the dog with a variety of drugs to suppress the immune system (immunosuppresants), and these dogs too should be removed from the breeding pool.

Portal systemic shunts (liver shunts) may occur in IG's. An abnormal pattern of blood vessels allows blood to be routed around the dog's liver, instead of through the liver. As a result, the toxins in the blood cannot be removed by the liver, and affected dogs may suffer seizures (hepatic encephalopathy). In some cases, it is possible to surgically repair the blood vessels, and allow the dog to live a more normal life, but affected dogs should not be bred.

Inherited deafness has been reported in IG's particularly in individuals which are solid white or have only small patches of color on their heads or ears. Von Willebrand's disease (VWD), an inherited blood clotting disease, has also been detected in IG's.

Considering buying an IG? Ask the breeder if their breeding stock is free of the above conditions, and has had appropriate health screening tests performed. Already have an IG? Be on the lookout for the symptoms described above, and share the information in this article with your veterinarian. Have an IG affected with one of these problems? Please contact the breeder and give them as much information as possible. Conscientious breeders need and want to know about any health problems which crop up in their lines. Above all, remember to brush those IG teeth!

© copyright Teri Dickinson, DVM, 1997
Reprinted with permission from Top Notch Toys

     Further Health Study & Medical Research on our Links & Resources page

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Where to Get an IG (and where not to get an IG) and why.

The best places to get IGs are from responsible breeders or rescue service.

A responsible breeder's primary concern is the health and well-being of dogs they produce. They will be doing careful genetic research and heath testing before breeding a litter. IGs have a very limited gene pool so this is very important. Many genetic issues won't show up for 2-6 years so heath testing and knowledge are require to minimize the chances of your dog developing PRA, idiopathic epilepsy, slipped patellas, etc. Responsible breeders care about dogs of their breeding and want buyers to keep in touch with them, especially if a health issue arises.

Responsible breeders will be actively showing their dogs to be certain of breeding to the breed standard.

A responsible breeder would never advertise: WILL SHIP ANYWHERE. They know that a good measure of the success of a dog's placement depends on hands-on follow-up counseling. Responsible breeders are loathe to send a dog out of their area unless they have someone they personally know and trust in the buyer's area to provide hands-on counseling. References only from a vet or friends and bank statements would NOT be enough.

You should meet the breeder in person to verify that their dogs are properly cared for. Check with heath testing registries (CERF, OFA) to see if their dogs really are health tested. They should be able to show you how to brush teeth and groom nails with a grinder and to help you teach your dog to accept this type handling.

Responsible rescue reps are also primarily concerned with the dogs well-being and will not be sending dogs out of their immediate areas for the same reasons stated above. They will do follow-up visits to be sure that you are comfortable with doing teeth and nails and to help you with any training issues that might arise. The original source of rescue dogs is usually commercial breeders who sell direct via the internet or through pet stores and inexperienced backyard breeders. By purchasing dogs directly from pet shop, commercial breeders or backyard breeders you are contributing to the problem of dogs being bred without heath testing or concern for their well-being.

Rescue reps take on the responsibility of re-homing dogs bred by irresponsible breeders.

The internet has been a boon to irresponsible breeders as a profitable outlet for puppy sales. They can be very deceptive in their advertising, presenting themselves as caring breeders, lying about heath testing, saying they take dogs back or will help you re-home them. Offers of a year long health guarantee are meaningless when it comes to genetic issues that don't show up for 2-6 years. Even when they know their dogs produce genetic problems, they can get away with continuing to breed because the puppies won't show the problem until the guarantee is expired. Many now are active in showing their dogs to give the inexperienced buyer the impression of responsibility. You must do your research!

Buying or Selling an IG (Buyer Beware, Seller Beware)

IGCA Member Referrals

While all IGCA members are required to sign the Code of Ethics, it serves primarily as a guideline for breeders, with No Warranty Expressed or Implied by IGCA. When researching breeders it is the consumer’s responsibility to personally verify information received on health testing, condition dogs are maintained in, references, etc.

Please note that this list consists of those members who have chosen to have their information on the web and is not a complete listing. Please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope for a list of breeders in your geographic area and a copy of the IGCA breed brochure, which should answer many of your questions about the breed.

IGCA - Referrals
c/o Lilian Barber
35648 Menifee Rd
Murrieta, CA 92563

(If you are an IGCA member and wish to added to this list you will find instructions on the About IGCA page.)

Shortcuts to States:
A C F G H I L M N O P R T V W
Shortcut to Canada

Laguna - Yvonne Morgan
LagunaIG@aol.com

Littleluv - Kathryn & Norm Holmes
11301 W. Olympic BL #584
West Los Angeles, CA 90064 (310) 479-7605
LittleluvIGs@aol.com
www.LittleluvIGs.com

mi Chiamo - Tia Resleure
San Francisco, CA
tia@CIGRescue.org
www.CIGRescue.org

Peachwood - Virginia Gould
Fresno, CA (559) 291-8802 (fax & phone)
igpchwood@juno.com

Sierravue - Kim Brinker
Fresno, CA 93727 (559) 294-1530
sierravue@aol.com

Snogold - Pat Daniels
Auburn, CA hm: 530-637-4084 wk: (530) 885-0349

Windshift - Sally Poole
4705 Winding Way
Auburn, CA 95602 (530) 878-8290
Sally@windshift.org

Colorado

Carousel - Dottie Teeple
MI (517) 655-4168
Dottie483@att.net

Deerfield - Darlene Wallace
8113 Timpson
Alta, MI 49302 (616) 865-0907
Drflddogs@aol.com

Pineridge - Dick and Marilyn Heliker
1328 Catholic Church Road
Leslie, MI 49251 (517) 589-0875
dickheliker@yahoo.com

Missouri

Bellagio - Kristi Crouch
5671 Shortline Dr.
Lake Ozark, MO 65203
Bellagioig@aol.com

Elegante - M. "Sue" Hewitt
Eureka, MO 63025 (636) 938-4512
mhew111831@aol.com

Piason - Sharon L. McKay
St. Louis, MO (314) 719-7661
sharonpiason@yahoo.com

Evelyn Lutz
617 Fillmore
St. Louis, MO 63111-2345 (314) 353-3092
e.lutz@ix.netcom.com

Nevada

Leisi - Amanda Watson
Sun Valley, NV (775) 674-6721
Leisis_igs@yahoo.com

New Jersey

Marlord - Fran Marron
Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034 (973) 335-4514
Marlord9@netzero.net

Retaggio - Pat Klinger
Great Meadows, NJ (908) 637-8124
ricklinger@worldnet.att.net