52 



DOJilESTIOATED HUNTING-DOGS. 



Fig. 6. — ^ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS, BISMARK AND CRUCrFIX. 



THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND. 



This little dog is one of the most beautifully proportioned ani- 

 mals in creation, being a smooth English greyhound in miniature, 

 and resembling it in all respects but size. It is bred in Spain and 

 Italy in great perfection, the warmth of the climate agreeing well 

 ■with its habits and constitution. In England, as in its native 

 country, it is only used as a pet or toy dog, for though its speed is 

 considerable for its size, it is incapable of holding even a rabbit^ 

 The attempt, therefore, to course rabbits with this little dog has 

 always failed, and in those instances where the sport (if such it can 

 be called) has been carried out at all, recourse has been had to a 

 cross between the Italian greyhound and the terrier, which results 

 in a strong, quick, little dog, quite capable of doing all that is re- 

 quired. 



The chief points characteristic of the Italian greyhound are 

 shape, color, and size. 



