Levriero Italiano: Descrizione Completa Della Razza

The Levriero Italiano is a majestic breed that's steeped in history and tradition. This ancient dog has been a part of Italian culture for centuries.

Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when it was bred as a hunting companion for the nobility. The breed's name, "Levriero", is derived from the Arabic word "al-wardi", meaning "scorpion", which was a common name for a type of swift dog used for hunting.

The Levriero Italiano is a sight hound, bred to chase and catch small game such as rabbits and hares. Its incredible speed and agility make it a formidable hunter.

With its slender build and long legs, the Levriero Italiano can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.

Related reading: Piccolo Levriero Italiano

The origins of the Piccolo Levriero Italiano (PLI) are truly ancient, dating back to around 5000 years ago in Egypt, where fossils of dogs similar to the current breed have been found.

This breed likely originated in Egypt and was later introduced to Italy through the Greeks, where it was depicted in various forms of art and literature, including the Latin name Vertragus.

We can see the PLI crossing the Middle Ages, even being painted by famous artists like Giotto, and then reaching its golden age during the Renaissance, when it was portrayed by artists such as Michelangelo.

The PLI was not only kept as a hunting companion but also as a beloved pet by many notable figures, including Federico the Great and Catherine II of Russia.

Its specialty was hunting small game like pheasants and hares, with the former being flushed out of the underbrush and the latter being chased down.

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The Levriero Italiano is a small but elegant dog breed. Its length at the withers varies from 32 to 38 centimeters, with a weight of just four or five kilograms.

One of the breed's notable characteristics is its uniformity in size and weight between males and females. This reflects the breed's balanced genetic makeup.

The Levriero Italiano's morphology is a perfect blend of length and proportions. Its elongated body is made up of long limbs attached to a compact torso, creating a symmetrical figure that is both elegant and delicate.

Its head is a distinctive feature, with a long, thin shape that tapers to a dark-colored nose. The breed's ears are triangular and wide, set against a background of short, fine hair.

The Levriero Italiano's back is straight, a contrast to the curved backs of other Greyhound breeds. Its tail is long and thin, adding to the breed's overall impression.

The breed's coat comes in a variety of colors, including white, cinnamon, grey, and yellow. Macules of white on the chest and legs add a distinctive touch.

The Levriero Italiano's eyes are dark, large, and expressive, complemented by a long, narrow muzzle. Its nose is dark, completing the breed's harmonious appearance.

In comparison to the Whippet, the Levriero Italiano is smaller and lighter, with a more square-shaped body. The breed's legs and head are more angular, with a more pronounced stop.

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The Levriero Italiano has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Its ancestors, the Piccoli Levrieri Egiziani, originated in Egypt and made their way to Greece, Rome, and eventually Europe during the Middle Ages.

These early dogs were prized for their speed, agility, and efficiency in hunting, with low maintenance costs and feeding requirements. They became a staple in royal courts, where they would hunt small game for the nobility.

The Levriero Italiano was officially recognized as a breed in 1962 by the FCI and is classified as a member of the Group X - levrieri.

The Whippet breed played a significant role in the revival of the Italian Greyhound in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to the efforts of English, German, and French breeders who crossed it with the Italian Greyhound.

The breed was reintroduced to Italy in the early 20th century through the work of Emilio and Adelaide Cavallini's Solcio and Giulia Ajó Montecuccoli degli Enri's Peltrengo.

In the aftermath of World War II, Italian breeders, particularly Marchesa Maria Luisa Incontri Lotteringhi della Stufa, shifted the focus of the breed's development, aiming to restore its original characteristics as a elegant and functional hunting dog.

The breed's standard was revised in 1984 to reflect this new focus, replacing the previous description of the Italian Greyhound's gait as "elegant, saltellating" with a more functional and harmonious one.

The history of the Italian Greyhound is a fascinating one. The breed has its roots in the ancient civilization of Egypt, where the first Greyhounds were used for hunting.

These early Greyhounds were known as Piccoli Levrieri Egiziani, and they were highly valued for their speed, agility, and efficiency in the hunt. They were also low-maintenance, requiring minimal food and care.

As civilizations rose and fell, the Greyhound spread throughout the Mediterranean, becoming a popular companion among the royal courts of Greece and Rome. They were prized for their ability to catch small game, and were often used in dog racing, where they would chase after hares and other small prey.

The Italian Greyhound was officially recognized as a breed in 1962 by the FCI, and was placed in the Group X - Sighthounds category. This recognition marked the beginning of a new era for the breed, as it became more widely accepted and bred.

Today, the Italian Greyhound is a beloved companion animal, cherished for its gentle nature and affectionate personality. Despite its long history, the breed remains relatively rare, making it all the more special for those who are lucky enough to own one.

The Levriero Italiano needs special care to stay warm and healthy. Their thin coat and lack of undercoat make them prone to cold temperatures and easily catch a cold.

You should choose the right clothes for your Levriero Italiano, especially in autumn and winter. I've seen some owners dress their dogs inappropriately, which can cause more harm than good.

A wide, well-fitting collar is essential for your Levriero Italiano, especially during training walks. If your dog is pulling hard on the leash, consider investing in a harness to distribute the pressure evenly.

Feeding your Italian Greyhound is a crucial part of their care, and it's essential to choose high-quality food that's easy to digest.

A balanced diet is vital for your Italian Greyhound's overall health, and you should consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food for your dog.

Italian Greyhounds have a sensitive digestive system, so it's best to opt for food that's gentle on their stomachs.

Their diet should also provide essential fatty acids like Omega 3, which can be added through supplements like salmon oil.

This can help boost their immune system, circulatory system, and nervous system.

Italian Greyhounds are prone to certain health issues, such as luxating patellas, epilepsy, and digestive problems, so a nutritious diet can help prevent or manage these conditions.

Their thin coat doesn't provide much insulation, making them susceptible to cold temperatures and moisture, so be sure to dress them warmly in autumn and winter.

Italian Greyhounds are also prone to pulling on the leash, so consider investing in a harness or a pettorina to distribute the pressure evenly.

A levriero italiano with a pedigree can cost around 1,000 euros. The price can vary depending on the reputation of the breeder and the color of the puppy.

Cani destinati alla riproduzione, or dogs intended for breeding, can be worth 2,500 euros or more. This is a significant investment, but it's essential to consider the long-term benefits of responsible breeding.

A pseudo-allevamento, or a fake breeder, can charge lower prices, but this often comes with a risk of health problems for the dog. It's crucial to research the breeder's reputation and visit the breeding facility to ensure the dogs are well-cared for.

The most popular colors, such as the Levriero Italiano blu or nero, can be more expensive than the Isabella color. This is because they are in high demand, and the breeder may charge a premium price for them.