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Italiaanse Windhondje

Piccolo Levriero Italiano

History

Italian Greyhound-size dogs are thought to have existed since early Egyptian times, but the Romans perfected the breed, which they valued as companions. It is thought that this breed may have been the very first to have been used exclusively as a pet. Throughout history, the Italian Grey-hound has been valued by royalty and nobility.

General Appearance As suggested by its name, the Italian Greyhound is very similar to the much larger Greyhound. They are much smaller and more slender in all proportions to the latter. The Italian Greyhound is a breed of supreme elegance and grace. They are agile, intelligent and vivacious. Although very affectionate, they are sensitive and may be reserved with strangers.

Head and Skull The narrow, long head tapers to the nose. There is a slight suggestion of a stop. The rather long skull is almost flat. The muzzle is long and fine.

TEETH *A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite.

Faults* Badly undershot. Badly overshot.

EYES * The bright, intelligent eyes are dark in color and medium in size.

Fault * Very light eyes.

NOSE * The dark nose may be black, brown, or in harmony with the color of the dog.

Faults * Light-colored nose. Butterfly nose.

EARS The small, delicate, rose ears are fine in texture. They are thrown back and folded, except when the dog is at alert, when they are carried at right angles to the head.

Serious faults * Erect ears. Button ears.

Neck * The long, slender neck is gracefully arched.

ForeQuarters The shoulders are long and sloping.

FORELEGS * The long, fine-boned, straight forelegs are set well under the shoulder. The pasterns are strong. Dewclaw removal is optional.

Body The medium length body is short coupled. The withers are high. The backline curves, drooping at the hindquarters. The highest part of the curve is at the start of the loin, creating a definite tuck-up at the flanks. The chest is deep and narrow.

HindQuarters * The hind legs are long; and parallel when viewed from behind. The thighs are well muscled. The stifle is well bent. The hocks are well let down. Dewclaw removal is optional.

Feet The feet are hare foot in shape. The toes are well arched.

Tail * The slender tail tapers to a curved end; it is long enough to reach the hock. It is set and carried low.

Serious fault * Ring tail.

Fault * Gay tail.

Coat and Skin The short, glossy, satin-like hair is fine in texture and soft to the touch.The skin is fine and supple.

Colour * All colors and markings are acceptable except for the following (which are disqualifications): brindle markings; tan markings, such as those usually found on black and tan dogs of other breeds.

Disqualification* Albinism. Brindle markings. Tan marking, such as those found on black and tan dogs of other breeds.

Height Height is measured at the withers. The ideal height range is from 13 to 15 inches.

Serious Fault * Any deviation above or below the height range.

Gait * Characteristic action is free and high stepping. The front and hind legs move forward in a straight line.]

Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Brindle markings. Tan marking, such as those found on black and tan dogs of other breeds.

Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness should with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

Note * Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.