The Dwarf Greyhound is a small but elegant dog with a graceful figure. It has the usual appearance of greyhounds but in tiny dimensions. Being part of the greyhound family, it is a very agile dog and likes to run. It is a charming animal that likes to snuggle, either in search of affection or because of its need for warmth. Find out much more below.
The Dwarf Greyhound
The dwarf or Italian greyhound is the smallest breed within all the greyhound lineages. Its meager five kilos of weight do not detract from the rest of this breed, being able to reach, however, a great speed for such a tiny size.
This type or breed of dog is of Italian origin, and exhibits an elegant and, at the same time, fragile appearance, with long and thin legs and a very symmetrical body. It is recognized for its enormous agility and super cuddly, fearful and very affectionate temperament, which will be pleased to be a member of the family. If you like a cute and charming dog, this beautiful sighthound could be your ideal pet, since it is difficult to resist its attractions.
Physical characteristics
This breed of greyhound is very similar in physique to its greyhound relatives, but much smaller in size. The already mature specimens usually measure from 32 to 38 centimeters in length at the withers and their weight amounts to barely four or five kilograms. It should be noted that there are no significant inequalities in size or weight between males and females.
Its morphology is longilinear, that is, it has long limbs but a short trunk, still having good proportions in its figure. Its legs are long and thin, but the body is usually symmetrical, since it is as tall as it is long. That is, it has a square and harmonious appearance, which gives it an elegant, delicate and agile appearance.
Likewise, its head is elongated and thin, with a prominence that thins until it reaches a dark-colored nose that is larger than that of other small dogs. Their ears are triangular in shape, they are wide and large: they are carried high on the head, folded on themselves and extend towards the nape of the neck. Contrary to what happens with other greyhound breeds, the back of this Italian greyhound is straight and does not arch. Similarly, its tail is thin and elongated, wider at its base.
On the other hand, the hair of the dwarf greyhound is low and thin; It is also a single smooth tone, not looking for shades like the tiger. They are usually white, tan, gray, or yellow; and may have whitish patches on the chest and feet. Its snout is long and narrow and its eyes are dark, huge and highly expressive, while its nose is dark in color.
Character
The dwarf greyhound is a very affectionate dog that wants to always have its human family by its side, hoping that they will give it all the attention it deserves. They are extremely intelligent dogs, which is linked to their desire to satisfy and they are always ready to learn new things.
However, it is a very sensitive breed of dog that comes to stress very easily. They will love to live in a peaceful house, with humans who know how to treat them and who do not make them experience many emotions. They are, therefore, dogs whose existence will be happier living with elderly and calm people than in a home full of children.
On the other hand, this species is very shy but affectionate at the same time. They also have great agility is agile but do not have much energy. By providing them with three daily quality walks, all their exercise requirements can be covered, so they will not need to walk more than what is contemplated in these tours, or practice stressful activities. They can also be cautious or suspicious of strangers, this is because, being tiny dogs, they are fearful or show fear in situations they do not know.
Veterinary care
The Dwarf Greyhound is a very healthy breed, so they do not usually suffer from hereditary diseases. By virtue of this, they only require the evaluations and health care advised by their veterinarian, always being careful not to neglect the vaccination and deworming program.
Being a tiny dog, with thin and fragile bones, we have to be very careful around us since they are usually very close to their owner, and they can be stepped on or caused a lot of damage. They are dogs of great psychological and physical delicacy.
Being so skinny and sensitive, their adaptation to low temperatures is poor, so it is advisable to give them shelter on very cold days. Likewise, it is suggested to give them a warm and comfortable place in which to spend the winter days, and thus reduce the possibility of contracting illnesses due to the cold.
Finally, since it is a dog that in the wild was in charge of chasing small prey, those games that try to look for objects are not recommended, as they can cause stress. In contrast, he will quite welcome all the affection of his human family.
History of the Dwarf Greyhound
Like most of the greyhound and podenco breeds, the pygmy greyhound (also known as the 'little Italian greyhound') has a fairly remote origin. It is estimated that they come from those dogs that lived together in the ancient Egyptian civilization. Remains of their bones have been found in excavations in Greece that place them living with humans as early as 3.000 BC It is unknown how they arrived in the Italian peninsula, but it is considered that it was some time later, which positions it as one of the older breeds.
Throughout the Renaissance it was used to hunt rabbits and other small creatures. They were very well appreciated dogs, since numerous dogs of this breed can be seen in pictures and paintings of the aristocracy of that time. Today, the dwarf greyhound is used as a companion dog and is no longer used for hunting in contrast to many other greyhound breeds. His affectionate temperament and diminutive size have made him an appropriate house pet.
Other items we recommend are: