Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhound Breed Standard

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A Breed Standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function. Absolute soundness is essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be careful to avoid obvious conditions or exaggerations which would be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed. From time to time certain conditions or exaggerations may be considered to have the potential to affect dogs in some breeds adversely, and judges and breeders are requested to refer to the Kennel Club website for details of any such current issues. If a feature or quality is desirable it should only be present in the right measure.

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General Appearance
A greyhound in miniature, more slender in all proportions.

Characteristics
Elegant, graceful and quick moving.

Temperament
Intelligent, affectionate and vivacious; may appear aloof.

Head and Skull
Skull long, flat and narrow, slight stop. Muzzle fine and long. Nose dark in colour.

Eyes
Rather large, bright; full of expression.

Ears
Rose-shaped, placed well back, soft and fine, not pricked.

Mouth
Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. Teeth even.

Neck
Long, gracefully arched.

Forequarters
Shoulders long and sloping. Legs straight; well set under shoulders; fine, strong bone and pasterns.

Body
Chest deep and narrow. Good length of rib and brisket. Back slightly arched over loin.

Hindquarters
Long, well muscled thigh: hind legs parallel when viewed from behind; well bent stifle, hocks well let down.

Feet

Hare feet.

Tail
Low-set, long, fine, carried low.

Gait/Movement
High-stepping and free action. Front and hindlegs to move forward in a straight line with propulsion from behind.

Coat
Skin fine and supple. Hair, short, fine and glossy.

Colour
Black, blue, cream, fawn, red, white, or any of these colours broken with white. White dogs may be broken with one of these colours. Black or blue with tan markings, or brindle not acceptable.

Size
Ideal Height: 32-38cms (12½-15 ins) at withers. Ideal Weight 3.6-4.5 kgs (8-10 lbs). Overall type and elegance essential.

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

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

Last Updated - September 2000