Difference: Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound? - All About Dogs

Difference: Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound?

Difference: Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound?

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Know your dogs! Frequently confused breeds. Get the low down on the differences between these similar-looking dogs. 

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THE GREYHOUND

Tall and lean, the Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog. As a sight hound, the breed pursues game using its vision and speed. Today, however, the Greyhound primarily serves as a sweet and personable companion. The breed can be any colour, including black, fawn, and red, often combined with white or brindle markings.

• Hound Group; AKC recognized in 1885

• Ranging in size from 60
to 70 pounds

• Hare hunter

History

The breed’s origin has in popular literature often romantically been connected to Ancient Egypt, in which it is believed “that the breed dates back about 4,000 years a belief for which there is no scientific evidence. While similar in appearance to Saluki (Persian Greyhound) or Sloughi (tombs at Beni Hassan c. 2000 BCE), analyses of DNA reported in 2004 suggest that the Greyhound may not be closely related to these breeds, but is a close relative to herding dogs. Historical literature on the first sighthound in Europe (Arrian), the vertragus, the probable antecedent of the Greyhound, suggests that the origin is with the ancient Celts from Eastern Europe or Eurasia. Greyhound-type dogs of small, medium, and large size, would appear to have been bred across Europe since that time. All modern, pure-bred pedigree Greyhounds are derived from the Greyhound stock recorded and registered, firstly in the private 18th century, then public 19th century studbooks, which ultimately were registered with coursing, racing, and kennel club authorities of the United Kingdom.

All About GREYHOUND : Here

 

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THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND

The Italian Greyhound is extremely slender and barely over a foot tall, but has all the grace and sweetness of his taller Greyhound relatives. There is debate as to whether they were originally bred for hunting small game or meant to be simply a companion. In all likelihood, both are true, as they are adaptable to city and country life. Playful and intelligent, the Italian Greyhound is generally easy to train and prefers to spend most of his time with his owner. They like attention and affection, and are a peaceful, gentle friend to adults and children. Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that loves to run and play and requires daily walks. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment and his short, smooth as satin coat makes him one of the easiest breeds to groom.

• Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1886

• Ranging from 13 to 15 inches tall (typically 8 to 18 pounds)

• Companion, small game hunter

History

Catherine the Great with an Italian Greyhound named Zemire.

The name of the breed is a reference to the breed’s popularity in Renaissance Italy. Mummified dogs very similar to the Italian Greyhound (or small Greyhounds) have been found in Egypt, and pictorials of small Greyhounds have been found in Pompeii, and they were probably the only accepted companion-dog there. Dogs similar to Italian Greyhounds are recorded as having been seen around Emperor Nero’s court in Rome in the first century AD.

All About ITALIAN GREYHOUND: Here

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