Besides our horses, our Yancey Ranch is graced with elegant Italian Greyhounds.
The Italian Greyhound is currently classified by AKC as a "Toy" breed. They are typically 14-16" tall and weigh 8-15 pounds (all legs!) They are the smallest of the "gazehounds" which means they hunt by sight - as are Whippets, Greyhounds, Saluki, Borzoi and Deerhounds. When they bark it is a low "roo" - not at all "yappy". Mine ofter sing in chorus. Its really quite beautiful!
Italian Greyhounds are truly "hounds". The instinct to hunt is still in the genes. I witnessed sweet little Lola snatch a low flying bird out of the air. Fast as lightning, they *must* have fenced yards to play in as they are completely clueless about traffic safety and directions.
We have been proud to present our IGs in AKC show rings across the country. Our first IG was a wonderful companion. Our second was CH Dierkings Red Hot Garland. Thank you Deb for giving me such a beautiful, HEALTHY dog when no one else would! He was so easy to show and WIN!! How could he not after learning about his bloodlines. His sire was CH Evergreens Cayenne Hot. His mother's sire was CH Anthony's Rich And Famous. Little did I know then how lucky I was to find such healthy dog with such well respected bloodlines behind him.
Our third IG was Champion Bo-Betts Belly Button. Many of my horse friends know Bo-Bett Farms and Carol Harris from the AQHA SuperHorse Rugged Lark. Thank you Ms. Carol for allowing me to base my IG program on such a nice healthy bitch. Belly came to us with 5 AKC points. She finished her championship in 2005.
We are also proud to have a Tekoneva connection in that one Fall day as I was searching for Warmblood horses, and ran across the website of a respected dressage trainer, Michael Cabell And there was a Gran Prix horse with an Italian Greyhound sitting on the hip of the horse! I cross referenced and found this dog came from Tekoneva and was indeed an AKC Champion. Michael at that time was in Palm Springs, Florida. Belly Button had a wonderful Palm Springs vacation and came home pregnant!
Which leads me to our third show dog. MCCD Oceanna. Oceanna is the dam of my current show dog, MCCD Clara Clairvoyant. Many from the dog show world will remember Oceanna and her sister when they won"Best Brace" at the IGCA National Specialty in Hutto.
I have found that Italian Greyhounds are most happy with another of its kind. Before I began raising IGs, I often heard that they are like potato chips.... But to me that indicates the owners wishes - really, I believe it to be the IGs wish. They are bred to be companions and if you are not available, then they will hopefully have a friend (cat, other dog, preferably an IG) - It is incredible to see how they recognize each other - even in the mist of 3000 other dogs at a big dog show, my IGs can spot another IG from a convention center away!
Our most recent to hit the show ring, MCCD Clara Clairvoyant, went Best of Breed over 2 Specials at the Lafayette shows in May 2008.
These beautiful, sleek dogs were developed to be companions. They adore their families, love to snuggle and can't stand to be alone. They stay very playful throughout their lives and although their coats are basically maintenance free, they must have weekly teeth and nail care. I have encountered many people who have dog allergies that enjoy this clean coated breed with no problems.
If you are interested in more information, I can refer you to many informative websites and people who have spent decades making contributions to this delightful breed. Like all breeds, Italian Greyhounds have their share of genetic health issues. It is worth your time and money to find a breeder that tests their dogs for these issues. IGs are definately a breed that requires research and thorough contemplation before purchase. A healthy, happy dog will be worth your effort.
Italian Greyhound Links:
Italian Greyhound Rescue - Texas
Italian Greyhound Club of America
Neat IG Stuff for sale - benefits IG Rescue
My first IG, Dancing Prancing Lolita -Pure love, snuggle and personality galore.
To the right: Our Dobermann MCCD Charasmatic Troy is now an International Champion
Below: Bellybutton saying Hello!
