Is that a Greyhound Puppy?

I can't tell you how many times I have been asked that question when we have our two boys, Berkeley and Alec, with us as we go for a walk or just travel about with the Iggies in tow. I can see how people not familiar with the breed could think an Italian Greyhound is actually a Greyhound puppy. The boys certainly look like puppies and act like puppies at times.

Yet when I tell people our dogs are Italian Greyhounds and fully grown no one believes me. Until I tell them the boys ages. Berkeley is 6 and Alec is going on 12, we think.

Alec warming himself by the fireplace

The mistake is certainly understandable as the big racing Grey's are indeed related to Italian Greyhounds. The Big Grey's are the fastest breed of dog in the world and the Italians are not far behind. Both are site hounds, dogs whose primary hunting tool is sight, not smell. Both breeds will pursue any object that catches their sight and moves.

Italian Greyhounds, as a breed, are believed to be just over 4,000 years old and to have originated in North Africa. Mummified dogs resembling Italian Greyhounds have been found in Egypt. Italian Greyhound remains have been found in the ruins of Pompeii where it is believed Iggies were the only domesticated companion dog in that society.

The breed earned its current name due to the popularity of the breed in Italy during the Renaissance. The breed was popular with Roman Emperors and has lived on the Italian Peninsula ever since the time of the Roman Empire.

With their excellent agility, site hound characteristics and small size, Italian Greyhounds made excellent vermin hunters in addition to being great companion dogs. Hunters often used them to clear farming areas of vermin in conjunction with a trained hunting Falcon.

Perhaps not as well known as their big cousins, Italian Greyhounds have been small in stature for thousands of years. What they lack in size, Iggies more than make for in heart!