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The Italian Greyhound Nuts and Bolts Book For All IG Lovers Patricia Kelly Edited by Cassi Friedman Copyright © 2002 by Kelly BriarPatch Publishing, LLC First Edition August 2002 All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission from the author. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. ISBN 1-59196-102-5 Manufactured in the United States of America This book is dedicated in loving memory to my first best friend, Snooky. Acknowledgements It has been said that 'it takes a village to raise a child' and I now understand that concept because I have learned that it takes a universe of good dog friends and generous IG loving strangers to write an IG book. Many thanks to the following people for providing support, enthusiasm and information for this endeavor: Shannon McClure Myra Wood Cassi Friedman Robin Stone Fran Adams Louisa Beal DVM Patti Campbell Loni Corner Esther Findling Catherine Fitch Kim & Fuji Peny Lang Anu Lummevaara Marsha Pugh Christina Santos Cruse Julie Snape Carol Sumbry Karen Thayne Christina Tincup-Carter Leslie Whalen Table of Contents Chapter One: The Importance of Bonding 1 Chapter Two: The Eccentric IG 4 Chapter Three: The Elusive IG: Hard to Find – Worth The Wait? Maybe Not … 12 Chapter Four: The Pet Shop – Puppy Mill Connection 17 Chapter Five: Rescue 25 Chapter Six: Senior IGs 35 Chapter Seven: Responsible IG Ownership 41 Chapter Eight: Health 52 Chapter Nine: Housetraining 56 Chapter Ten: IG Dangers 65 Chapter Eleven: The Epicurean IG (Food & Feeding) 93 Chapter Twelve: Grooming 95 Chapter Thirteen: Working Through Problems 99 Chapter Fourteen: Lost Dogs 105 Chapter Fifteen: Pack Dynamics 118 Chapter Sixteen: The IG Athlete 123 Chapter Seventeen: Dog Shows 145 Chapter Eighteen: More Things To Do With Your IG 152 Chapter Nineteen: The Educated IG 158 Chapter Twenty: The Social Side Of IG Ownership 163 Chapter Twenty-One: Iglets aka IG Puppies 169 Chapter Twenty-Two: The Accessorized IG 180 Chapter Twenty-Three: Odds & Ends 189 Chapter Twenty-Four: Collectibles 193 Chapter Twenty-Five: Renting With IGs 196 Chapter Twenty-Six: Pet Loss 198 Photo/Artwork Index Cover Photos Echo – CH Infiniti Stonessa Echo Beach – Breeder Kim Bott – courtesy of owner Robin Stone Page 1 Page 2 Phoebe courtesy of Addie’s Gallery © 2002 Silverbluff Lick ‘N A Promise TD – Elektra-Fide Suede Silhouette TD – Silverbluff Wing ‘N A Prayer TD courtesy of owner Christina Tincup-Carter Geisha © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Ozio Vito Genevese courtesy of owner Ann Blizzard Gidget courtesy of Addie's Safehouse IG rescue Flemish Iggy © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Rizzo – Amaretto – Campari © Patricia Kelly 2000 Andie Ears courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 “We Are Not Livestock” artwork © Addie's Gallery 2000 Alien Pea courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 Peanut and Gidget courtesy of Denise Ellington “Mother Goose” artwork © Addie's Gallery 2002 Sophie & Godiva courtesy of Loni Corner and the Corner Zoo Phil courtesy of Christina Santos-Cruse “Grow Old Along With Me” artwork © Addie's Gallery 2002 Gate © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Sleepy © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Multi BIS AUST CH Berizza In Your Dreams courtesy of Anu Lummevaara – Berizza IGs Friends © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood CH Izat Good Will Hunting courtesy of breeder/owner Karen Thayne Pooty © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood I Can’t Pee In Snow courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 Anything For Me? © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Emily and Pups courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 (Left) Jordan and Azzi © Patricia Kelly 2002 (Right) Plays Well With Others courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 Kind Thoughts For Christmas © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood UAGI Fantasia Spritely Ramoscella CGC courtesy of owner Peny Lang – Phil Lang photographer UAGI Fantasia Spritely Ramoscella CGC courtesy of owner Peny Lang – Phil Lang photographer Berizza IGs courtesy of Anu Lummevaara – Berizza IGs CH Fox Hedge Forever Tango, AX, AXJ, EJC, OAC, NGC, CGC, TDInc courtesy of Patricia H. Campbell Nonesuch IGs Stonessa’s Tag You’re It owner Lynne Ezzell, courtesy of breeder/photographer Robin Stone Genica Catalina Sunrise courtesy of Marsha Pugh Five Footed Dog courtesy of Loni Corner and the Corner Zoo I Didn’t Do It courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 Moon Me courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 Motorcycle Poco courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 The Shy Iggy courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 Mort © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Happy Puppy © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Gypsy Rose Iggy © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood "Burger Nuns" - courtesy of Addie's Gallery © 2002 The Bride © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Iggyfest © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Train photo courtesy of Addie's Safehouse IG Rescue Marchwind Explorer Scout, CH Genica Kiss The Girls, CH Ozio Carlo Gambino, Genica Moonglow Kiss courtesy of owner Marsha Pugh Nap courtesy of Addie's Safehouse IG Rescue Page 4 Page 5 Page 9 Page 12 Page 15 Page 17 Page 18 Page 24 Page 25 Page 29 Page 34 Page 35 Page 38 Page 41 Page 43 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 54 Page 56 Page 65 Page 68 Page 70 Page 76 Page 82 Page 83 Page 93 Page 94 Page 95 Page 98 Page 99 Page 100 Page 101 Page 102 Page 103 Page 104 Page 105 Page 111 Page 116 Page 117 Page 118 Page 119 Page 121 Page 122 Photo/Artwork Index Continued Page 123 Page 125 Page 135 Page 136 Page 137 Page 139 Page 144 Page 145 Page 149 Page 150 Page 151 Page 152 Page 154 Page 155 Page 157 Page 158 Page 159 Page 160 Page 161 Page 163 Page 166 Page 167 Page 168 Page 169 Page 170 Page 176 Page 180 Page 188 Page 189 Page 191 Page 192 Page 193 Page 194 Page 195 Page 196 Page 197 Page 198 Page 202 Page 203 UAGI Marchwind Spritely Lucia CGC CD NA courtesy of owner Peny Lang – Phil Lang photographer (left) CH Fox Hedge Forever Tango, AX, AXJ, EJC, OAC, NGC, CGC, TDInc courtesy of Patricia H. Campbell Nonesuch IGs – Joe Canova photographer (right) CH Fox Hedge Flamboyant II, MX, MXJ, EAC, OGC, OJC, CGC, Tdinc, TP courtesy of Patricia H. Campbell Nonesuch IGs – Pet Photographers by Pam and Sherry IG Lure Coursing in Australia courtesy of Anu Lummevaara – Berizza IGs Unknown IG Waiting to Course © Patricia Kelly 2000 UAGI Marchwind Spritely Lucia CGC CD NA courtesy of owner Peny Lang – Phil Lang photographer Rizzo Tracking Bunnies © Patricia Kelly 2002 CH Fox Hedge Flamboyant II, MX, MXJ, EAC, OGC, OJC, CGC, Tdinc, TP - CH Tekoneva’s Figaro courtesy of Patricia H. Campbell Nonesuch IGs SBIS CH Berizza Blaze O Power, SING/AUST CH Berizza Goget Them Tiger, SBIS CH Berizza Phantom Kisses courtesy of Anu Lummevaara – Berizza IGs Multi BISS Multi BIS Aust Grand CH Berizza Hugo Boss courtesy of Anu Lummevaara – Berizza IGs Ozio Frangelico D’Skyline © Patricia Kelly 2001 courtesy of Robin Stone photographer Author’s First Dog Show © Patricia Kelly 2002 Ozio Donnie Brasco aka Joe Pistone © Patricia Kelly 1998 Rizzo Feather Boa © Patricia Kelly 1999 Azzi Bow Tie © Patricia Kelly 1999 AUST CH Berizza Dark Design courtesy of Anu Lummevaara – Berizza IGs "The Graduate" – Jackson photo courtesy of Laura Moss Paige and Azzi © Patricia Kelly 2002 Paige and Azzi © Patricia Kelly 2002 Jordan and Azzi © Patricia Kelly 2002 Getting To Know You courtesy of Addie's Safehouse IG Rescue UAGI Fantasia Spritely Ramoscella CGC, UAGI Marchwind Spritely Lucia CGC CD NA, Spritely Brezza d’Estate GCG, UAGI Infiniti Fantasia Spritely Lili CGC NA courtesy of owner Peny Lang – Phil Lang photographer Puppies (CH Grazia’s Bistro Di Stonessa x Silver Bluff Ice Goddess) courtesy of owner/breeder Robin Stone Rizzo and Azzi © Patricia Kelly 1999 Stonessa Uwharrie Hide And Seek courtesy of Robin Stone owner/photographer Baby Azzi © Patricia Kelly 1994 Ecco, Zest and Coco courtesy of Anu Lummevaara – Berizza IGs Iggy Coat © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood CH Infiniti Stonessa Echo Beach courtesy of owner/photographer Robin Stone "Amity and Peabody" - artwork courtesy Addie's Gallery © 1999 Azzi © Patricia Kelly 1998 Peppino © Woodworks/Valley Crew courtesy of Myra Wood Ebony in White © Patricia Kelly 2002 IG Table © Patricia Kelly 2002 IG Planter © Patricia Kelly 2002 Ozio Vito Genevese courtesy of owner Ann Blizzard Azzi © Patricia Kelly 1998 Beth, Azzi and Venus © Patricia Kelly 1996 Genica Moonglow Kiss courtesy of owner Marsha Pugh The End courtesy of Loni Corner and the Corner Zoo Foreword I mentioned to a friend that my Italian Greyhound book was nearly finished. She said, "What is the title?" I said, "The Nuts & Bolts Book". She returned a blank stare. "The what?" "THE NUTS & BOLTS BOOK!" (thoughtful pause) "Well… they ARE nuts and they DO bolt. Gonna be a short book, huh?" Despite such dubious encouragement and blank stares, welcome to the "Nuts & Bolts Book", because that is exactly what it is, a basic IG101 reference tool packed full of facts, directories, stories, and basic information that every IG lover needs. CHAPTER ONE THE IMPORTANCE OF BONDING " The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be." Konrad Lorenz 1 This Lil Iggy Written by Christina Tincup-Carter – Silhouette IGs This Lil Iggy went to Conformation This Lil Iggy to Agility This Lil Iggy went to Obedience This Lil Iggy into Therapy And........ This Lil Iggy sang "Roo Roo Roo" all the way home! ++ 2 The Importance Of Bonding With Your IG This book was born from my experience working with and supporting IG rescue groups. It has always bothered me that people can discard their dogs so easily and never look back. The most common ‘reason’ given for abandoning IGs is the difficulty involved with housetraining. Most people think this is the reason IGs come into rescue situations but that is not correct. Housetraining problems are the excuse people use to justify getting rid of their dogs. The real reason people abandon their dogs is because they have not bonded with them enough to be willing to work through problems. The easiest way to bond with your dog is to become involved in activities where you and your dog work together as a team. I have included in this book many examples of, and information about, activities you can do with an IG. I know from personal experience that working as a team with my dogs makes our bond even stronger and provides hours of enjoyment from the time spent together. It is not necessary to compete in dog sports or visit nursing homes with your dogs to form a bond. Any activity that involves you and your IG, even sitting together on the sofa all weekend or taking daily walks, will increase the strength of your bond. A few of the benefits of bonding activities include: As a team you will develop a spirit of love, trust and cooperation You and your dog will learn how to communicate with each other You will be willing to work through problems with your dog You will enjoy your IG more You will form a strong human/IG team relationship Your dog will have a ‘job’ and all dogs need one Your dog will not be starved for attention Your IG is more apt to stay with you for its entire life Your IG will be a better companion To build a working relationship with your dog you should do things with and for him such as: Check to see what is bothering him if your dog appears concerned about something If you take naps, let them nap with you because IGs love to sleep with their people Show your interest in your dog by talking to him Spend quality time with your IG The picture on the previous page is an example of doing things with your dogs. Christina Tincup-Carter dressed up her IGs and took them to the annual ‘Mystic Krewe of Barkus’ dog parade in New Orleans. This parade is held every year during Mardi Gras as a fundraiser for Louisiana’s ASPCA. She had this picture taken of her IGs standing in the throne chair from one of the floats. Years ago I only showed my dogs in conformation. As anyone who shows in conformation knows, there is a limited amount of time that you can compete with one dog no matter how successful you are with that dog. Conformation-only people need a constant supply of show potential dogs to stay in the game, I know this because I used to be one who had too many IGs and not enough time to give them all individual attention. Branching out to other dog activities has provided me with 12+ years of teamwork with each of my three dogs. My dogs are much happier now and so am I as these dogs are pets that live in the house, not in crates in an extra room. 3 CHAPTER TWO THE ECCENTRIC IG " My little dog --- a heartbeat at my feet." Edith Wharton 4 "What Am I?" Written by Christina Tincup-Carter - Silhouette IGs I'm soft and I'm loveable with roses for ears I'm a person with fur and I ain’t got no fears I dance & I sing, I do the "Tigger Wiggle" too I can bounce just as high as a kangaroo I make humans smile at the drop of a hat And if you’re sad or upset, I'll lay in your lap I can lick your brain thru your "nosterill" I can play all day & not need a chill pill Like a lizard I love to bask in the sun (I've been called a Baskin Robin, how fun) In the bed I schmooze over & steal daddy's heat As I snuggle & cuddle by his human feet I'll do anything for a fuzzy tennis ball You can dress me up like a china doll I come in a small package & in many colors But not pink polka dots or greenish-yellers I can see really well and can run like the wind If you blink your eyes, I'll be around the bend I can be so quiet ~ not even make a sound I'm the smallest of sighthounds....an Italian Greyhound!! ++ 5 The Italian Greyhound Personality Written by Carol Sumbry – Midwest IG Rescue Italian Greyhounds are active, inquisitive little animals who enjoy giving and receiving love immensely. Being people oriented, they require the stimulation of quality human companionship. They are not just miniature Greyhounds or couch potatoes. Being a “toy” breed, IGs are much more active and demanding than a full size Greyhound. Due to their fine bone structure and sometimes timid or sensitive personality, they do not make good pets for households with very young or rambunctious children or VERY large, active dogs. The IG coat is short, sleek and carries no odor. Because of their short hair, they do like to stay warm by lying in the sun, sleeping in your bed UNDER the covers, and wearing coats or sweaters when temperatures dip. Italian Greyhounds are NOT outdoor dogs. They can not tolerate cold weather and would prefer to be with their owner even on the warmest of days. They also do not like getting wet and many owners have built shelter areas to protect their dog from the elements for cold or wet days when going outside for potty or instead use indoor potty pads. As creatures of comfort they also do not like to put their feet on wet grass and will often utilize the sidewalk instead. Italian Greyhounds love other dogs and usually cats too. However, care must be taken when introducing the dog to a larger breed. The activity level of an Italian Greyhound varies but most are pretty active until about 2 years old, often having only 2 speeds - either high or low. Italian Greyhounds are very people oriented and enjoy your company more than anything else. If you like your privacy, the Italian Greyhound may not be the breed for you. This breed is not content to lie at your feet; they DEMAND your attention! Please make sure you are willing to give it before you consider adoption! They have been bred just to be companions to people for over 2000 years and they take their job of “companionship” very seriously. They are also creatures of comfort and take being warm and dry very seriously, even if it means occasional housetraining infractions, sneaking into your bed or choosing to disobey commands. If you are not a person that will let a dog kiss you on the lips, lick your ear, or share your bed, then an IG is probably not for you. They do require more patience and consistent, positive training and reinforcement. They are very intelligent and can be mischievous. They are true sighthounds and must be leashed or in a securely fenced area at all times. Fences/Leash Italian Greyhounds are classified as sighthounds because they have keen eyesight. This along with their incredible speed can be a deadly combination. Therefore an IG must always be on a leash when not in a fenced area. No amount of obedience training can overcome what has been bred into the breed for thousands of years so there are no exceptions. The Dependent Italian Greyhound Italian Greyhounds are not an independent breed of dog and will often follow you everywhere. They crave attention and will not do well left alone or ignored for many hours a day. Their greatest joy is to be with you. Once you purchase or adopt an Italian Greyhound you will never be alone again. 6 Housetraining Can Be Hell Like many toy breeds the Italian Greyhound can be a little more difficult to housetrain. It takes patience, praise, and consistency. Often they will not go to the door when they need to go out. It will be up to you to put the dog on a schedule and take him/her out for regular potty breaks. In order to keep their system on a good schedule, open feeding is not recommended. Supervision during potty outside is recommended. Many IGs do not like to go out alone. Harsh punishment does NOT work for Italian Greyhounds. They are much too sensitive for that and a firm voice is sufficient reprimand. If an occasional potty accident (especially on very cold or wet days) is unacceptable, then this may not be the breed for you. “Off The Furniture”? Italian Greyhounds, especially young ones, are curious and can be susceptible to broken legs so care should be taken. These little dogs are very cat-like in that they love to jump and climb on furniture. They also like nothing better than to sit by you on the couch or sleep with you. If you are opposed to dogs on your furniture or bed, an Italian Greyhound is not the breed for you. It is very difficult to teach this loving affectionate breed not to get on furniture because of their desire to be with you. They Must Be Corrected Gently Italian Greyhounds do not respond well to harsh punishment. They should never be hit. They should NOT be corrected with a newspaper. These actions will only teach them to fear you and your hand. Because of their sensitive personality, a verbal correction is more than sufficient. ++ The IG Activity Level IGs are incredibly active and can get into trouble if their energy is not directed to positive endeavors. If you do not find an activity to do with your IG to use up that energy, neither of you will be happy. The first two years are the hardest in this respect, but they will need attention from you, interaction with you, and an outlet for their excess energy for their entire lives. My Hero Italian Greyhounds can do anything they are determined to do. They can also be heroes when the situation calls for it. Huckleberry won the 2001 ACE Award Honorable Mention for saving his owner after she took a bad fall in an area where no one could see her. His persistence saved her from further injury. She told me the following: I had gone to choir practice and when I got out of the car in our drive (which is quite a ways from the house), the car slipped out of gear and knocked me into the mud and snow. I was unable to get up. Huckleberry was in the habit (still is!) of starting to 'bay' as soon as he hears my car drive up, and keeping it up until I am in the house. John has always called this "Huckleberry's Mommy Song". He kept this up for a LONG time, until John finally decided that maybe I really was out there, and came out and found me and got me into the house. There is no telling how long I would have been lying in the mud and snow if Huckle hadn't insisted that I was home. 7 HUCKLEBERRY'S SONG Written by Catherine Fitch – FaerieSpun IGs Sometimes I might sing a Heavenly Psalm, Or sing just for joy of the Song, But I once sang a song to SAVE MY MOM, And I would have sung all night long. Always when Mom goes away very far, I listen for her all day long, And just as soon as I hear her car, I start singing my Mommy Song. Once, when I heard Mom come home in the night, I began my mighty song-A song that I sing to express my delight, Melodious, piercing, and strong. And Dad just said, "Huckle, I don't see Mom's car, So I surely think you are wrong, To continue this howling spec-tac-u-lar, Singing your Mommy Song." But I KNEW she was home, although taking so long, And I lifted my mighty voice, I'm going to sing my Mommy Song! Our Mommy is Home! Rejoice! And Dad just said, "Huck! Oh, stop it, please do--" But still I sang right on-I sang to the stars, with a voice strong and true, My beautiful Mommy Song. In my heart I could hear my Mom saying to me, "Sing On, Lovely Huckle, Sing Long, Get Dad to get up and come out and see That something is terribly wrong." For our Mom had fallen, was hurt and was cold, The car knocked her down in the snow! And no one but ME -- HUCKLE THE BOLD-And my Song, to let our Dad know! O, I sang, and I sang, with a trumpeting voice, A voice so loud and so strong, That finally Dad sighed, "OK, Huck, I'll go check, Because you keep singing your song." And he FOUND our Dear Mom, out in the storm, And he brought her home where she belonged. And wrapped her in blankies, soft and warm, All because of my Mommy Song. And Mom said, "O Huckle, I'm so proud of you, You kept singing, right to the end. My wonderful, sweet, and brave Little Guy. --My Huckleberry Friend"-++ 8 The IG Death Scream Everyone who has ever owned an IG knows what the IG death scream sounds like. It is a terrible sound that conveys terror to the IG’s human. The sound is only made when an IG is terrified by something, hurt or in the worst cases, seriously hurt. The death scream always accompanies a broken leg but can also be caused by something as benign as getting their teeth or toenails temporarily caught in their crate bars. The only thing I can guarantee is that if you hear your IG screaming the death scream you will drop whatever you are doing and run to investigate the problem. Broken Legs Unfortunately, the possibility of a broken leg is a fact of life for IGs. Vet care for a leg break starts around $1000 and goes up from there, based on the severity of the break. Before even thinking of getting an IG you 9 should honestly review your financial situation to determine if you could afford to provide the necessary vet care should your dog’s leg or legs get broken. Accidents happen. Dropping, falling on or stepping on an IG can break their legs. Having an IG jump off furniture or out of your arms can cause a leg break. Large, unruly dogs or children can break an IG’s leg by playing too roughly with them. And this can all happen to IGs with good strong bones. It is even more likely that you will experience a leg break during your IG’s life if that dog happens to come from a line that produces bad bone. It is a serious issue when considering owning this breed and is not something that you should brush off. Health Like most breeds there are hereditary diseases in Italian Greyhounds. Some are minor and can be treated with prescription drugs and/or diet. Others can be catastrophic and require major expenditures for treatments or surgeries. The health chapter in this book provides more information for this topic. Average Life Span The average life span for an Italian Greyhound is approximately 15 years. As they age they require additional care and more frequent medical check ups. It is an unfortunate thing that rescue groups get an abundance of senior IGs due to the fact that their owners either no longer want to take care of them or will not spend the money for required medical care. Reverse Sneezing IGs seem to quite normally do a reverse sneezing thing that sounds either like Felix Unger honking or like they might be choking on something. It appears to be harmless and there really isn’t anything that stops it when they start. I have tried calming my dogs by holding them or petting them, blowing in their nostrils which someone had suggested one time, trying to get them to drink water, etc., but basically they stop when they stop. It isn’t a constant thing but I find it very irritating when it happens and I feel sorry that I can’t do anything to help them. They Sleep In Bed With You, UNDER The Covers Italian Greyhounds feel that they have to be with you at all times and that includes when it is time for bed. IGs believe that they MUST sleep under the covers with you. Most of them are good sleepers so this isn’t really a problem unless you have one or more that stretch out to the length and width of the entire bed. The real problem comes when it is time to get up in the morning. As they are getting up they believe they have to position themselves close to your face while they do their ritual wake up ear flapping. Unfortunately, they end up slapping your face with their ears while doing it and it really hurts. Worst Habit Many of them eat poop. There is more information about this in the Working Through Problems Chapter. Funniest Pseudonyms Bonsai Greyhounds, Boil-Washed Whippets and Bladders on Legs – courtesy of Fran Adams. 10