History of Italian Greyhounds

The beginnings of the Italian Greyhound is shrouded in mystery.  They are believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, I’ve heard 200 b.c to be more exact.  We can’t really know, considering that they are, for sure, part of ancient history.  Mummified remains of tiny, greyhound-like dogs have been found in the tombs of Egypt, and other remains all across the Mediterranean.  How would you like to mention that when your friends boast of pedigrees?

“Yeah, that’s cool.  But my dog’s forebears graced the laps of Pharaohs, were mummified like kings, and were so prized, it is said that a certain Chief Lobengula, the king of the Matabele, a warrior tribe of South Africa paid 200 head of cattle for one!”

Oh, and no.  I did not make up the story about Chief Lobengula.  As far as I can tell, most people accept it as fact.  I obviously can’t say for sure, but it’s interesting anyway!

Italian Greyhounds were quite popular during the Renaissance, and were often included in human portraits, and landscapes, hunting scenes, religious art, and many porcelain statues.  The paintings of Gerard David, Vittore Carpaccio, Van der Weyden, Hans Memling, Filippo or Filippino Lippi, Paolo Veronese and several others depicted Italian Greyhounds in their work.

And, chew on this as brag rights: IGs were also great favorites among royalty and the upper class.  Among their admirers and owners are listed Frederick the Great of Prussia, Queen Victoria, King Charles the 8th, Anne of Denmark, Emperor Maximillian of Austria, and Cathrine the Great of Russia.  In fact, it is said that Frederick the Great was so fond of them, that he had perhaps close to 40 st one time, and also took them into battle with him!

At the end of the 18th century, Italian Greyhounds were in fashion big time.  They and Pugs fought as to who was more popular.  For you Jane Austen fans, they were popular there and then too.  The 1995 Sense & Sensibilityfilm actually has an Iggy in it, which I thought was pretty neat!

So! Isn’t that cool?  Now you know why I call Italian Greyhounds “The Dog of Queens”, although “Dog of Kings” would be just as accurate!