IGGY Essentials
Italian Greyhound
Handbook
Written/Compiled by K.S. Thompson
Author of the Min Pin Handbook
Thank you for your interest in these fantastic little dogs!
I would love to hear your feedback on this booklet and will try to answer
any questions you may have.
The information is copyright protected and applies to what I wrote and what was provided to me from various sources. I obtained permission from the authors of all info I did not personally write. By accepting a copy for your personal use, you agree not to duplicate the information or alter it in any way. The information in the Handbook is based on my personal experiences and any statements made are my own opinion which is, again, based on over a decade of careful research. This Handbook is provided – free of charge – to anyone interested in learning more about Italian Greyhounds as a courtesy to the breed and to those who came before me, that I might have the privilege of being a part of it all.
DO YOU REALLY WANT AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND ?
( adapted from the German Pinscher Club of
If you lack patience and calm temperament....are unable to say "NO" and mean it....have no interest in even the most basic training....
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If your lifestyle is such that you have little time to do more than feed and let the dog out, if you only go home to sleep, if your social life is more important than socializing your dog...
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you feel that a dog should be able to tolerate much physical and emotional abuse, or if you feel that a dog does not need supervision and "should just know better"......
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If the only way you know how to communicate is by screaming,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you think that taking your dog to the bar is appropriate,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you want an Italian Greyhound because you saw one in a movie but haven’t done any research about the breed and aren’t really interested in doing so,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you feel you can pick up a puppy and bring it home fully trained and are not willing to work with your puppy to teach it manners or housetraining,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND DEFINITELY ISN’T FOR YOU!
If the occasional mess in the house is something you cannot live with,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If affection from your dog would embarrass you and if displaying affection for your dog isn’t something you are willing to do,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If putting a coat or sweater on your dog would embarrass you, if you wouldn’t be caught shopping for doggie outfits or if you feel that a dog doesn’t need clothes,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you have an aversion to a dog sticking his face up to yours to smell your eyes or stick his nose in your ear to warm it up a bit or crawl under the covers with you,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you want your dog to amuse itself, have no intention of getting a few toys or taking the odd trip to the park or the backyard with your new companion,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you don’t want your dog on the furniture,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If having the dog follow you everywhere, including into the bathroom would annoy you to no end,
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you do not believe in crates, ex-pens, leashes or a fenced yard, don’t even think about an Italian Greyhound because
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS NOT FOR YOU!
If you feel that backyard breeding is your key to financial freedom and security - or if you just want to breed to keep a puppy....
AN ITALIAN GREYHOUND IS DEFINITELY NOT FOR YOU!
Any reputable breeder will tell you that money is the LAST reason to buy a puppy. The unfortunate truth is that countless puppies are the casualties of greed, ignorance and exploitation. In 2004 alone, the IGCA Rescue Team was able to help 600 dogs find the homes they deserve.
Having read all that, if you’re still interested in learning more about IGs, please read on. If not, then it’s just as well you learned that an IG was not for you BEFORE you brought one home.
Let’s Play 20 Questions!
Where do they come from?
Italian Greyhounds are thought to have originated over two centuries ago in the areas that are now known as
The first IG registered with the AKC ( American Kennel Club ) was in 1886. The IGCA ( Italian Greyhound Club of America ) was not founded until almost 100 years later, in 1954. The first Best In Show awarded to an IG was in 1963 and many others have followed since.
Your dog is really skinny! Don’t you ever feed him?
This is a comment often heard by those accompanied by a Sighthound. The Sighthound family includes : Afghan Hound, Basenji, Borzoi ( or Russian Wolfhound ), Greyhound, Ibizan Hound, Irish Wolfhound, Pharoh Hound, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound and Whippet. The best way to describe an IG with regard to physical characteristics is that they look like a Greyhound or Whippet in miniature. The Greyhound is the largest, Whippet is medium-sized and the IG is the smallest of the three and also the smallest of the Sighthounds.
The Hound Group is split into two sub-groups. Sighthounds and Scent Hounds. Sighthounds are also known as Gazehounds because they hunt by sight ( or gaze ) rather than by scent. Beagles and Bloodhounds are among members of the Scent Hounds.
Their lean, muscular body is the most dramatic of their physical characteristics and the most often commented on by the general public. Because they hunt by sight and at high speeds, they have very little body fat. This lends itself to the “skinny dog” look that people either seem to find very appealing or very alarming. This is also why it is SO IMPORTANT to take great care with your IG. Extreme heat or cold can harm any dog but it will happen more quickly to a dog with such low body fat.
Yes, we feed our IGs. No, they are not starving for food or affection, although their behavior would often lead one to assume otherwise. They are very food motivated, which again leads back to their hunting instinct. One cannot breed out what Mother Nature put in. This trait is not something most Sighthound owners want to eliminate, as it makes them very good at Agility, Flyball, Scent Hurdle, Lure Coursing and Straight Racing.
Is there an Italian Greyhound Club?
There is an IG club in almost every state in the
What do Italian Greyhounds look like?
As stated earlier, the IG is very similar in appearance to both the Greyhound and the
Whippet but much smaller. The IG should have a balanced look with adequate muscle
tone. The average weight is 10 pounds but can range anywhere from 7 to 15 pounds.
What colors are there?
According to the IGCA, “The coat may be all shades of fawn, cream, red, blue, or sometimes black, and it may be either solid or with various degrees of white markings. The coat is fine, smooth and glossy.” With regard to the names of the various colors and markings, it proved to be a challenge to get the same answer two different people. The interpretation of various colors and markings will vary from breeder to breeder based on both their experience and also what is allowed to be registered. For example, the color “seal” is allowed in the
Should I get a male or a female?
This is one question that many people often ask. Perhaps you knew exactly what you were looking for long before you received this booklet. I always tell those looking for a puppy -- especially if they have a particular color in mind -- to “build your house before you paint it”. Find a reputable breeder that you are comfortable talking to...arrange to meet their IGs...ask about their sales contract, health guarantee, puppy take-back clause and pedigrees -- if you put everything together and like what you come up with, you’re set.
Breeders cannot predict what will appear in future litters, so no one can give you a definite answer about whether or not they will have something for you. With regard to getting a female, those who are trying to continue a strong breeding program may not have any bitches available to pet homes. Other breeders are usually at the top of their waiting list for puppies, as well.
All puppies that are sold as pets/companions( ie : not going to be shown ) should be spayed/neutered prior to placement or sold on strict non-breeding agreements. This decision is entirely up to the breeder and practices vary among individuals. If you are looking for a pet, I can say for certain that once your IG is “fixed” -- sex will not matter whatsoever. All behaviors associated with sexual drive will be non-existent. There are many differences in personalities from IG to IG and none of those differences are related to their sex. I have also found that if the parents have solid temperaments, the puppies will also -- again the sex being of no consequence. Temperament also differs from line to line. Another reason to visit the breeder, get to know their dogs, ask what THEY look for with regard to temperament and learn what it is that you are looking for before you make any decision about where you would, ideally, like to get your IG.
When I bred Min Pins, I carefully screened prospective homes and evaluated each puppy with aptitude testing, matching each family to a puppy that would best fit into their lifestyle. A responsible, reputable breeder will not sell you a puppy that would not fit in with your family or your activity level. If you are an active person who wants to take your IG with you everywhere, a puppy that is happier sleeping on the couch is NOT the one for you. Here’s another example. If you are a home-body who just wants someone to cuddle and watch movies with, I would not recommend a high-energy puppy that enjoys a 2 hour walk every day. Hence, sex is not the issue here, but individual temperament and activity level.
How do they act?
IGs are affectionate and loyal companions. They like to be WITH you. If you are sitting on the floor, they will sit with you. If you are wandering around the house, they will follow. If you need to visit the restroom, they usually want to go with you ( unless there’s something else more exciting going on ). They like to play with you, they like to see what you’re up to, they like to be a part of your life and what you’re doing.
IGs like to cuddle, they like to play, they like to be spoken to and included in your day-to-day activities. They like to look you in the eye, sniff you in the eye and then clean your eye. They have a pretty good sense of humor and are happy to be the center of attention.
IGs are active but not normally hyper. IG puppies are little daredevils who enjoy launching themselves off the floor, furniture and your lap. They are determined to shatter your nerves on a daily basis by performing feats of insanity with little or no concern for their own safety. My best advice is to keep access to the stairs restricted or they will decide it would be faster ( and much more exciting ) to leap to the next floor rather than traverse these silly little levels one by one. This can lead to injuries, fractures and death.
Are they good with kids?
Yes and No. If the IG is raised around children who treat them in a gentle way, they will adore children. If children are not taught responsible dog ownership...if they are allowed to grab, hit, scream at or treat them roughly in any way, an IG will learn to fear children. It is important to realize that even as a full grown adult, the IG is a small dog. The wrong type of play and handling can easily result in broken bones -- possibly worse. Always let the IG approach the child, NOT the other way around and you'll have a wonderful companion. Patience, love and common sense make a great recipe for raising an IG with children...or adults.
They get along well with children, provided that they are treated with care and respect. Children prone to screaming or who cannot follow rules such as not picking the puppy up should not be paired with any toy breed, in my opinion. A small dog such as an IG can safely navigate from couch to chair to table to floor but can be seriously injured when dropped from as little as 2 feet.
Personally, I do not recommend toy breeds for anyone whose children are under the age of 12. I have encountered many breeders, clubs and rescue groups who agree with this and others who do not. This is based on my experience and the amount of research I have done. I would never say “never” because each potential home deserves to be evaluated on an individual basis.
IGs are not “nippy” little dogs, which does bode well in their favor when it comes to mixing them with children.
Are they good obedience dogs?
Heavens YES! With a knowledgeable and persistent trainer, IGs can excel in obedience, flyball, agility, scent hurdle racing, lure coursing and straight racing. I encourage all owners to try at least one sport that is of interest to you with the dog. It not only helps you bond but provides socialization for both of you, in addition to quality time spent together that is worth more than any amount of money or ribbons.
What are they like to live with?
They are sweet, affectionate and ever-present. They enjoy interaction with people and like to cuddle. They are not a “yappy” dog – Ari was with me for over a week before I heard him bark for the first time. Much like my Whippet, he only barks when he wants something in particular or when he’s playing. He’s not prone to barking in the yard or barking at people passing by the house.
What sort of stuff should I buy if I decide to get one?
Crate
The very best crate on the market is the Deluxe VariKennel. I recommend the medium 300. Ari matured out at 15.5 inches tall, so he needs the extra space. Speak to whomever you’re getting your IG from and ask what size kennel their dogs use. The Deluxe VariKennel is the most durable......and the most fashionable! It also has the bonus of an excellent door latch and no screws to fall out. The only drawback is the price. Everyone I talk to about crates -- especially those with larger breeds -- would love nothing more than a Deluxe VariKennel for each of their dogs, but simply cannot afford it.
Here's a less expensive alternative : Kennel Cab ( Medium or Large, depending on the size of your IG ). With a price tag of about 50 dollars a Medium Kennel Cab is a good investment.
Bedding
You will need something for your puppy to lie on and something to snuggle up in while he's in his crate. If you're handy with a sewing machine -- it's less expensive and more fun to make your own. Just measure the floor of the crate and make a "mattress" thick enough so he's comfortable. This is especially important for IGs because they have very little body fat and can bruise easily if they are lying on something hard. I crochet blankies for all my kids -- a 2.5 x 2.5 foot granny square does the trick. I use these with caution as their little legs can get caught. No matter what you decide to use, I recommend at least 2 sets of bedding in case of accidents and on laundry day.
If you'd rather not make it yourself, crate pads are available at dog shows and pet supply stores ( shop around for the best price ). Receiving blankets are a good investment, too. Cool in the summer, warm in the winter.
COST? Depends on what you want to spend. The puppy won't care if everything matches or if you bought the very best yarn or if it's the latest design. He just wants a warm, soft bed.
Flexi Lead
Some people warn against using Flexi with Sighthounds because they can reach high speeds in a very short period of time. Running at that speed and then suddenly being yanked off your feet when you reach the end of the leash can prove deadly. I don’t think this is as much of an issue with an IG but it’s worth consideration. I don’t find I need a longer leash because Ari sticks quite close to me and will come back immediately if the leash tightens up. I use a 4 foot leash with him and it works fine.
There are a lot of imitation extended leads on the market, but the ONLY one I recommend is the Flexi Brand. The cheaper versions are just that -- CHEAP. They have a tendency to jam or break and the locks are far from reliable. These malfunctions never occur when the lead is hanging by the door, but rather when your dog is trying to run after a squirrel !!
The Flexi 2-5 is the size I recommend for small breeds like the IG. They come in a variety of colors and cost around 30 dollars. Once again, the extra money spent is worth the peace of mind -- you will know that the lead will not tangle, jam or break with
Collar
I don't recommend the use of a buckle collar, as they are difficult to put on in a hurry and damage easily. You also need to ensure that you use a collar recommended for Sighthounds. Their necks and the back of their skull is usually about the same size, which means that a regular collar will simply slip off if they back out of it.
I discovered the Mes Amis collars at a dog show. They cost under 15 dollars and the reason I like them so much is they are guaranteed not to break hair or cause a “rub line” around the neck. They come in almost every color of the rainbow. Size? Extra Small, 1/2 inch wide, adjusts from 8-14 inches around the neck. You can get them from Needs N Desires – www.needsndesires.com You’ll want the “martingale” style collar, not the buckle one. They also make leashes out of the same material which is like silk in your hands. Very nice.
I also like the one-piece martingale lead from Northwind Design. www.northwindcatalog.com The Martingale collar/leash combo is highly recommended for IGs because they cannot back out of it.
I also recommend Suni Petware. They specialize in items made for Sighthounds and can be found here http://www.sunipetware.com/ Sue and Nina are a HUGE supporter of Sighthound Rescue and I believe in supporting those who support Rescue.
You can also find IG gear at IGCA website, many of the vendors listed also support rescue.
Dishes
Your puppy needs something to eat and drink out of. Stainless steel dishes are the only kind I use. Plastic dishes can trap bacteria and germs -- they also dull the skin and coat color, so that can't be good for puppy. You need a larger bowl for water -- this must be kept out at all times, get one that won't tip over easily. Stainless steel water buckets can be found at most dog shows and some pet supply stores. I have also found really nice glass bowls at various stores that are quite fashionable and easy to clean. Get a food bowl large enough to hold 2 cups of food, even though your puppy may not eat that much at one time. They seem to like a larger bowl than is needed.
Find a spot ( preferably in the kitchen ) for the water dish. Choose a corner where the puppy will have easy access without the fear of being tripped over or stepped on. You may even want to purchase a placemat to keep it on.
Food IS NOT kept out all day. Obesity will KILL your IG. They are not picky eaters by nature, but can easily be taught this annoying habit by a parent unwilling to set some simple rules. IGs DO NOT need to have an endless supply of food. You need to monitor how much they are eating -- this way you can prevent future health problems and possibly spot a problem much earlier. If your IG doesn't want to eat, he has either already had his fill for the day, which you should know about and is probably more than enough. OR he is sick and should be examined by a vet. If your dog refuses to eat something that they are normally eating without issue, the FOOD itself may have gone bad – something else to consider. NEVER FORCE A DOG TO EAT. If they are having issues, speak to a vet. If the food is bad, they will accept something else.
Baby Gate
This comes in very handy when dealing with IGs. You have to have some sort of physical barrier in order to set boundaries in your home. You must also have some way to prevent your IG from running out the front door. I have two "Elfe" brand baby gates, available at most department stores for about 30 dollars. Scout the garage sales, you may be able to pick up a good quality gate for a lot less! The wooden expandable ones DO NOT WORK !! The holes are too big and the IG will crawl through or worse, get their legs caught injure themselves. Remember, if you can fit your hand through, your IG won't have trouble getting through.
Grooming Supplies
An IGs grooming needs are minimal, but not non-existent. You will need a pair of nail clippers and a small bottle of "Quick Stop". No matter how careful you are or how often you trim the nails, each dog usually has at least one that ALWAYS bleeds. The Quick Stop will do just that. Stop it quickly. If you trim the nails faithfully, the bleeding will be minimal or non-existent. Trimming nails should not be a big production number or a dreaded chore.
A small toothbrush and canine toothpaste. Any small breed needs to accept dental care to be a normal, everyday event. You will have to take puppy in to have his teeth checked by the vet a couple times a year and possibly cleaned by the vet at least once a year -- if the job is minimal, your bill should only be 80 to 100 dollars. If you don't look after their teeth, you will look after a vet bill in excess of a few hundred dollars!!! ( I am speaking from personal experience ) Finances aside, a dirty mouth is unpleasant, uncomfortable and unhealthy. My dogs eat raw chicken necks, feet and wings on a regular basis – nature’s toothbrush!
These are the basic supplies. The cost is such that you shouldn't expect the breeder or rescue group to provide all of them for you. Don't worry about buying food until you talk to the breeder or rescue group about what the IG is already eating. Of course, there are endless supplies of toys and the like -- shop around and before you know it, puppy will have many wonderful things to play with and enjoy.
What should I feed my IG?
This topic is the center of debate on many an IG list. Some people strongly recommend this brand or that brand. Some are very passionate about feeding a holistic diet, others rail against it. The following is what I feed and recommend, based on many years of researching canine health and nutrition, along with the many options now available.
I shop at Tail Blazers in
At the time of this writing, I feed a combination of Innova Evo and Tripette canned tripe. The tripe is stinky and gross but the dogs LOVE it. There are many reasons why I feed a more natural, holistic diet to my dogs – the main reason is that I have seen the results. I recently added Timberwolf Organics “Ocean Blue” formula, mixing it with the Innova Evo. If the dogs continue to do well, I will switch over to it because not only does it seem to be of slightly higher quality, it smells better and is designed to be mixed with raw.
My dogs usually get a raw chicken neck, back, wing or feet in the morning as a snack. Sometimes TailBlazers is out of raw chicken and so they have to wait a few days until I can get more. Raw meat needs to be handled with care to avoid spreading things like salmonella to other members of the household. The chicken bones, when served raw, are very soft and spongy. This leads to a lot of good chewing and scraping of buildup off the teeth. They enjoy it tremendously.
DO NOT FEED COOKED CHICKEN BONES TO YOUR DOG!
When you cook chicken, the moisture is drawn out of the bones, making them brittle. They no longer hold any nutritional value at all and are very, very, very dangerous.
I recommend the book “Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats” by Kymythy Schultz. It can be purchased at Tail Blazers stores and also ordered at most bookstores. It goes into detail about feeding raw and I learned a great deal from it. While I don’t follow it to the letter, I do feel it’s one of the best books available on the topic.
Please visit this website www.onlynatural.info This site is maintained by an IG breeder who believes in natural rearing of her Sighthounds and a holistic diet for herself. She has a ton of GREYT info and some excellent resources for you.
Please also visit http://www.holistic-hounds.com/ and
http://www.lepus-sighthounds.com/natural-rearing.htm both of these sites are maintained by IG-savvy people who have extensive experience with this method of feeding.
There are links from each of the sites to other sites of interest on the topic of natural rearing. I urge you to take in as much of the information as possible.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO DO AS MUCH RESEARCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT DIET TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE FEEDING A BALANCED, NUTRITIONAL MEAL TO YOUR DOGS.
Please do not embark on your own “version” of a natural diet without help from an expert or six who have been doing it for a while and understand all aspects of this option.
With regard to how much you need to feed them, again the person you aquire your IG from is the best person to ask. Ari eats a cup of kibble with a tablespoon of tripe once per day in the evening. I soak the food in hot water for 3-5 minutes to prevent the dogs from aspirating the dry kibble. When they’re available, he also gets one piece of raw chicken in the morning ( usually neck or feet ).
How much they eat also depends upon WHAT they are eating. If I was using a kibble full of corn, grains and other fillers Ari would need to eat as much as DOUBLE what I am currently feeding. He would also have more waste because fillers are not useful to the body.
WALK YOUR IG !
If you think that your IG will get sufficient exercise while "running around the backyard" you'll be disappointed. I am not saying that they won't run around at all or that playing in the fresh air is not beneficial. I think EVERY puppy deserves a big back yard of their very own. Unfortunately, your IG will eventually pick a sunny spot and lay down. So, an hour in the backyard does not equal an hour of good exercise.
You have a very fashionable collar and leash -- PUT IT ON YOUR IG and head out for adventure! It gets you out of the house, helps you bond and you'll be amazed at how many people stop to admire your beautiful puppy.
NEVER, EVER -- UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOW YOUR IG TO ROAM OFF LEASH!
I don’t care how well-trained you THINK your IG is. Eventually, your puppy will encounter a larger, aggressive animal or a moving vehicle.
The key is to start slow and gradually work your way into a routine you both enjoy. I also recommend walking around your area alone first. Then you can choose a route where it will be SAFE. If someone in your neighborhood insists on letting their 'Gigantasoar' run loose and jump on everyone, take your puppy to a park or on a hiking trail. Keep your eyes and ears peeled -- not only for other dogs and cats, but skunks, badgers, coyotes, moose and the like! I know you're laughing now, but it's been known to happen -- especially in
What about an off leash park ?
ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! The fastest of Sighthounds can reach speeds of over 40 miles an hour ( 60 km/hr ) and this is the main reason that they cannot be trusted off-leash. Many people use off leash parks and only a small percentage of their dogs are actually trained. Not only are a great number of dogs who visit these parks ill-mannered, but most have poor temperaments and cannot be trusted around strangers or other dogs. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, VISIT AN OFF
Having said that, there are many IG-related events that take place in secure, fenced areas where other dogs are not in attendance.
What about breeding IGs?
THE ONLY VALID REASON FOR BREEDING IS TO IMPROVE THE BREED!!!
For this to be accomplished, it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the Breed and the Approved Breed Standard. This must be followed by careful research and study of the ancestry of the bitch and the stud dog. Personal knowledge of both animals is preferred, as BREEDING ANY ANIMAL WITH POOR TEMPERAMENT -- regardless of the number of ribbons and titles -- IS ABSOLUTELY IRRESPONSIBLE!!
NEVER BREED WITH THE INTENTION
OF EARNING MONEY!!
Breeding quality IGs ( or any other breed, for that matter ) is a labor of love and an expensive one. Ask any REPUTABLE breeder and they will verify that. Are you devoted to the IG as a breed and desire to spend the amount of time and money required in order to breed for quality only? Then start your research by talking to other established IG breeders for more detailed information and advice on choosing the right stud dog for your bitch or vice-versa. Many people have asked me if I intend to breed IGs. I cannot answer that because I do not know if I will acquire an IG that will pass all health screening and have what I feel it takes to contribute to the breed. At the time of this writing, my focus is Rescue and doing activities with Ari, who is going to be neutered shortly and will not be part of any breeding program.
BREEDING IS SOMETHING TO BE TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY!!
Please do what you can to read everything available to you ( getting this booklet has already put you on the right track! ) and talk to as many REPUTABLE breeders as possible ( IG or otherwise ) before you even think of breeding.
NO PET, regardless of pedigree, should be bred for any reason. In 2004, OVER 600 IGS NEEDED HELP VIA IGCA RESCUE!! IGs are not an endangered species. IG Rescue has reached EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS and we need to work together to STOP the excessive number of dogs needing our help each and every month, year after agonizing year.
Responsible Breeders are doing all they can to keep IGs healthy and sound. Those who do not understand what they are doing when they breed their pet quality IG with the neighbor’s pet store IG and have done no health testing, have no understanding of pedigrees ( no pedigree to refer to ), no registration, no working knowledge of the breed standard, no knowledge of how to properly screen homes, no sales contract, no puppy take-back clause or spay/neuter agreement and no care for the consequences are only contributing to a problem we are trying so desperately to solve. Those who work in Rescue will continue to care for the offspring of Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders because those people obviously do not.
Those who breed MUST do so responsibly. If you Breed, help with Rescue Efforts. If you don’t help those already here, regardless of quality or pedigree, you have NO BUSINESS contributing to the population. If you do not take the time and effort to educate those who purchase puppies from you and do not enforce strict spay/neuter agreements, YOU are part of the problem. I did not pull my ethics out of the air. I did not obtain my knowledge from one seminar, one book, one person. I was taught how to become a Responsible Breeder and a Responsible Owner with the guidance of many Responsible Breeders, Rescue Volunteers and Owners. I went to many seminars, read many books, spoke to many, many, many people BEFORE I brought my first IG home. I spent over 15 years learning everything I could so that I could be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Within 10 months of bringing Ari home, I Fostered two IGs and helped them find the homes they deserved. One of them was purchased in a pet store, the other came from a BYB. That is why I feel justified in my opinions, my ethics, my policies and my screening process.
Where can I get an IG?
There are many options. Here is what I recommend. Visit the IGCA website and the IG Club of
How do I know if I really want one?
Research, research, research, research, research, research – get the picture? Read as much as you can about them. Visit as many websites as you can find. Talk to as many IG folks as you can. Ask questions. Compare notes. If you do all that and still want more, you’re probably hooked. My best advice is “When in doubt, DON’T”. Just wait and do more research. If you discover that you still want a dog but perhaps not an IG, make a list of the things you liked about IGs and the things you didn’t like. This will help you find a dog that is more suited to your lifestyle and your personality.
Attend as many CKC and / or AKC dog shows as possible and after the judging is over, spend time talking with the Breeders and Exhibitors. If they seem busy, most will have a business card handy and you can contact them at a time when it's convenient for both of you. IG Rescue usually has Meet N Greet events scheduled throughout the year at pet expos, dog shows, pet supply stores and the like. You are always welcome to attend and encouraged to ask many questions. You would then have the opportunity to meet some IGs, get some cuddles and see for yourself if this is the breed for you.
The purchase of a life-long companion is a major expense, not only financially but also emotionally. Spend a few dollars to buy some, if not all of the books listed as recommended reading at the end of this section. Above all else, talk this over seriously with anyone and everyone else involved with your new dog.
Are there any websites I can visit?
Italian Greyhound Club of America ( IGCA ) can be found here
http://www.italiangreyhound.org/
Italian Greyhound Club of Canada can be found here
http://www.geocities.com/itgrcc/index.html
IG Times Magazine http://www.igtimes.com/
IG Video, courtesy of the American Kennel Club
http://www.akc.org/videos/breeds/italian_greyhound.swf
Iggy Planet – a totally Iggy place to be!
Diavolino IGs –
http://www.geocities.com/diavig/
Pasta Greyhound – an awesome IG site with a lot of pics and info
Everafter IG's - www.everafterkennels.com
http://www.italiangreyhound.org/aboutigs/igfaqs.html This is a link to the IG FAQ section that's on the IGCA website. This section was written by Lillian Barber, who wrote "The New and Complete IG". This is Lillian Barber's website http://www.geocities.com/heartland/prairie/7051/
Patricia Kelly wrote the "Italian Greyhound Nuts N Bolts Book" and it comes highly recommended. You can get to the book from this link http://tigresq.tripod.com/id6.html which also provides links to other IG info. It's part of the Triangle IG Rescue site.
NATURAL NUTRITION
I have been researching alternatives to the “grocery store” kibble for years. I believed that there had to be a better alternative to all the chemicals, dyes, fillers and junk that made up some of the foods that are marketed to pets. After doing a tremendous amount of research over a decade, I have found what works for me. Over the years, there have been many changes and improvements with regard to what is available and I’m sure that, too will change over time.
I shop at Tailblazers, which is a holistic food store for pets. They may not have a location in your area but they do have links on their site to all the foods they sell, which will help you understand your options with regard to feeding a holistic diet. http://www.tailblazerspets.com/ There are many opinions about feeding "raw" and not everyone agrees with it. My advice is to research and decide for yourself what is best for both you and your pets.
Mary Marlow is an IG breeder and who raises her dogs on a natural diet. There's a TON of info on her site about Natural Feeding and Mary's always happy to answer your questions. Pick up a copy of "Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats" by Kymythy Schultz, it's one of the best books on raw feeding I've found thus far. I do not follow the info to the letter, it's not practical for my own situation to feed the way some do, but that does not negate the value of the information or the amount of help it was to me personally. http://www.onlynatural.info/feeding_pets_naturally.htm
Lepus Whippets and IG's - http://www.lepus.reach.net/ This is another breeder who feeds raw to her Sighthounds with success.
How do I know if a breeder is “RESPONSIBLE”?
There have been a great many stereotypes created about breeders. Many people approached me over the years wanting a purebred puppy, but were unwilling to pay "an outrageous price". BEWARE! Pet shops and Backyard breeders know little or NOTHING about bloodlines, faults, health issues, temperament and the importance of screening prospective owners. NOR DO THEY CARE! In their eyes, the bottom line is the all mighty dollar.
A reputable breeder takes the time to find the right owners and would rather give a puppy to a good home than accept an "outrageous sum" from a prospective puppy mill. A puppy that has been the recipient of good care, lots of love and proper socialization will be worth its weight in gold to a truly loving owner - the initial cost seeming trivial in comparison.
Responsible breeders spay/neuter puppies prior to placement whenever possible, which prevents more dogs from being disposed of at shelters, with rescue groups or abandoned. They do not place intact dogs with people and allow them to do as they wish. They follow up with the owners to ensure the puppy has been altered if they didn’t do so prior to placement.
Responsible breeders take the time to research the breed, research the pedigrees, do the appropriate health testing and recognize that the hard work to do what is right can be easily destroyed in just one generation – in one breeding - by a backyard breeder, kennel or puppy mill who just wants to breed for profit without any education about the breed, temperament, health issues or the like.
Responsible breeders support rescue. They understand the tremendous amount of dogs/puppies not only of their own breed but of every breed that are currently homeless and in need of help. Responsible breeders understand that in order to contribute to the breed, they must support the rescue and rehoming of that breed, regardless of the dog’s history or pedigree ( or lack thereof ).
Responsible breeders are educated about the breed they are working with. They take the time to educate prospective owners. They do home checks, reference checks and stay in contact with the owners once they take the puppy home. They offer a money-back guarantee against hereditary issues and also agree to take the puppy back at any point in its lifetime should the owner be unable/unwilling to keep the puppy. This rarely happens to a Responsible breeder because the prospective owner has been educated, screened and supported. The Responsible breeder took enough time to know if this home will be “in it for the long haul”. Even when it does not work out, the dog always has a home because the Responsible breeder is just that… RESPONSIBLE.
Responsible breeders will not sell more than one puppy to a home at once. They want each puppy to have the love, attention and care they deserve. They recognize that many first-time owners will have their hands full with one puppy and that even experienced owners may find it difficult to train and offer attention to two puppies at one time. Responsible breeders also know that when you place two puppies in one home, you run the risk of the puppies becoming bonded to each other and not to the people. If you get an IG and decide to get another, you shouldn’t have any trouble doing so but it’s best to wait at least a few months.
Responsible breeders understand the importance of allowing puppies to remain with their mother and siblings until 10-12 weeks of age. This is especially important for toy breeds due to their small size and the fact they do a lot of growing ( physically and mentally ) during the 10-12 week mark. Responsible breeders will not allow a puppy to go to its new home until they are physically, emotionally and mentally ready to do so. If it means keeping a puppy until the age of 16 weeks, taking that puppy to some socialization classes before placing them in a new home, then that is what they will do. The main reason over 75 percent of dogs turned-in to shelters and rescue groups is because of behavioral issues stemming from being taken from their mother too soon. Over 90 percent of dogs being turned-in to shelters and rescue groups originally come from backyard breeders and pet stores.
Responsible breeders research pedigrees and plan carefully for each litter. They screen homes, usually before the puppies are even born and sometimes before the bitch is even bred. This is to ensure that they have enough homes waiting for the puppies they produce and if they don’t have enough homes, they sometimes reconsider the breeding because a Responsible breeder cannot keep everything they produce. I know a breeder of Afghan Hounds who will not breed a litter without a solid commitment from at least 5 people because Afghans are harder to place and homes are hard to come by.
Responsible breeders can provide you with a 4 generation pedigree for each of their dogs, each of their dog’s parents and so on. Responsible breeders can also provide you with details on various dogs contained within that pedigree – their good points, their faults, their personalities. They have met many of the dogs related to those in the pedigrees, they have formed friendships with many of the Responsible breeders whose names are on those pedigrees.
Responsible breeders have a working knowledge of the breed. They’ve read anything and everything they can get their hands on. They’ve gone to shows, spoken to breeders, joined e-mail lists and groups. Responsible breeders foster dogs in need of Rescue, support fundraising efforts for Rescue, take part in Health Studies, keep up to date on the latest health testing available and do thousands of hours of research. Responsible breeders are knowledgeable and educated. Many Responsible breeders research several breeds before deciding on the one that is right for them.
Responsible breeders know that “the only valid reason for breeding is to improve the breed.” Responsible breeders grade their litters not only on conformation but on temperament, intellect, play-drive vs prey-drive and various characteristics sought after in the breed they are working with. Temperament testing, puppy aptitude testing and evaluation is part of the breeding process and done prior to making a final decision about which home would be best suited for each puppy. Responsible breeders look to their peers for feedback on their litters and the individual dogs they’re working with.
Responsible breeders spay/neuter dogs that are affected with health concerns so that they do not pass those issues on to future generations. They can make this sort of judgment because all dogs to be incorporated into the breeding program are tested for health issues BEFORE being used to produce more puppies. None of their bitches are bred before 2-3 years of age ( which is when they can test for certain health concerns ), dogs are not used before they have been cleared of health issues and many breeders go so far as to test their males to ensure they are capable of producing offspring so that if the bitch doesn’t take, they can determine why.
Responsible breeders take the time to educate the general public about their breed, whether they intend to buy a puppy or not. The motivation behind education is the betterment of the breed, not the lining of their pocketbook. Money is never a motivating factor to the Responsible breeder because no amount of money can compare to the love that they feel for the breed or for the individual dogs they choose to share their lives with.
Responsible breeders live FOR their dogs, not OFF their dogs!
What should I ask a breeder? What will they expect of me?
A responsible breeder will have a list of questions for you, which will determine not only if you are a suitable home for one of their puppies, but also if an IG is the breed for you. It can sometimes be intimidating but just answer as honestly as you can and don’t be afraid to ask some questions yourself.
Why did you choose IGs?
What do you like best about your dogs?
What sort of health testing do you do?
What do you feed your dogs?
Do you own the mother and the father? Is it possible for me to meet both of them?
What can you tell me about the dogs on the pedigree ( family tree )?
Do you have a website?
** not everyone has a website, just because they don’t doesn’t mean they’re not a Responsible Breeder **
Can I come visit your dogs?
Do you have a spay/neuter agreement or do you prefer to spay/neuter prior to placement ?
Do you have a sales contract?
Do you support Rescue?
Do you show your dogs?
Do both parents have their Championship?
Do you do any activities like Agility with your dogs?