ITALIAN GREYHOUND (PICCOLO)

Immortalized in Renaissance paintings, the Italian greyhound belongs to a breed that was already known, at least five centuries before our era. This dog comes from the ancient Egypt, from there it spread to Greece and later to Italy, presences proven by several period objects that represent it. But the Renaissance was without a question its golden era. Nowadays, it is a much procured animal as a company dog.

PHYSICAL TRAITS of the ITALIAN GREYHOUND (PICCOLO)
It is a small greyhound that is 32 to 38 cm high and weighs 5 kg, which some federations classify as midget, within the toys or the toy dogs. It has a graceful and distinguished stance, arched back, saggy hindquarters and deep chest, as other larger greyhounds. This greyhound is extremely fast and has an agile and powerful jump that can give it the impulse of escaping through considerably high fences. The fur is very short, tight and fine, the most common colors are yellow and gray, in several tonalities, pearl and black, uniform or spotted.

TEMPERAMENT AND ADAPTATION of the ITALIAN GREYHOUND (PICCOLO)
The Italian greyhound is docile and affectionate, qualities it saves for the family, since it doesn’t trust strangers, who it could bite if they startled it. A patient and kind education will prove excellent results, since loyalty and affection towards its own make it an excellent company dog, besides a good greyhound, instinct it never loses. It is dependable, intelligent and peaceful, adjusting to a small flat without problems.

The piccolo is the smallest of greyhounds, but its size doesn’t keep it from reaching 100 km per hour. It is, without a question, the fastest toy dog.

EXERCISE AND CARE required for a ITALIAN GREYHOUND (PICCOLO)
It is sensitive to temperature changes, for which it should be protected in the winter, dressing it in a coat to walk. Although it is a healthy dog, amongst the problems it can have we must mention fractures, especially in the kneecap as a result of an uncontrolled jump. Hygiene is very simple, barely brushing it every now and then, dental cleaning and a balanced diet. It doesn’t need much exercise, if it has a yard available it will be enough to allow it to trot freely. If it lives in a flat, two daily walks and, every now and then, allow it to run.