CHAPTER LXVII 

 THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND 



THE Italian Greyhound should be a dainty replica 

 in miniature of the larger coursing variety. In habits 

 he is very pleasing, graceful in movements, and much 

 devoted to his mistress. He is particularly suited 

 to the drawing-room, his close, fine coat being kept 

 clean with a minimum of trouble. A lined basket 

 suffices for his habitation, and he is nothing like so 

 delicate as one might imagine from his slender 

 appearance. It is advisable, however, to put on a 

 small coat when taking him out in cold or wet 

 weather. The Italian Greyhound can never be mis- 

 taken for a Whippet if you see the two together. 

 His action is very different, and the other dog is 

 slightly coarser-looking . Although connoisseurs prize 

 a 5 Ib. dog, displaying in his person all the required 

 characteristics, experience teaches that these are more 

 likely to be found in the 8 Ib. to 10 Ib. animals. 

 It is the same with all Toys. A very tiny specimen 

 will be highly valued if he is good, but he is rarely 

 found so. Unfortunately, the demand for diminu- 

 tiveness has nearly ruined many breeds. It was pro- 

 mising to do so with the Italian Greyhound, in order 

 to attain this object a cross with Toy Terriers being; 



Book of the Dog. 21 K* 



