Po/wrs OF THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND. \ 79 



thus affected that an injudicious application of the nearest mange lotion is likely to be pre- 

 judicial to the latter's recovery ; as many of the preparations so extensively advertised and 

 widely used are far too powerful in their effects upon delicate skins and constitutions. We 

 have ourselves known Toy dogs killed by injudicious treatment, in which such remedies as 

 tar and carbolic acid were largely used. Both these remedies are decidedly beneficial in 

 some instances ; but for mild cases of skin disease in small dogs (smooth-haired breeds 

 especially) we strongly advocate the use of glycerine as a preliminary application. Several 

 cases have come before us of cures when the above remedy has been applied in conjunc- 

 tion with strict dieting, and the sulphur and magnesia remedy we have so often before 

 recommended in the course of this work. 



Probably on account of the difficulty in rearing the young ones when first born, 

 Italian Greyhounds are by no means numerous in this country ; and the classes for them 

 at dog shows rarely fill very heavily. By far the best collection, taken as a whole, which 

 we remember to have ever come across was at the dog show held in the Gymnasium, 

 Edinburgh, in 1877. On this occasion the number and quality of the dogs present was far 

 above the average, and the whole class were the subjects of unqualified praise from the judges, 

 Messrs. William Lort and Hugh Dalziel. On making inquiries of gentlemen present who> 

 knew the locality better than we did, it was stated that the weakness of the Modern Athens- 

 in the doggy way was certainly Italian Greyhounds, and from the many excellent specimens 

 which we came across afterwards in the town, we fully believe the statement to- be a true one. 



Amongst those most identified with this breed the name of Mr. W, Macdonald of 

 Winchmore Hill, Middlesex, will always be conspicuous from the unparalleled successes of his 

 almost perfect Italian Greyhound Molly, who was, we believe, never beaten, and certainly won 

 at all the principal shows. Besides Molly Mr. Macdonald owned many good specimens, 

 including Duke and Silvey. The names, also, of the Rev. J. W. Mellor, Mrs. Giltrap of 

 Dublin, Miss Pirn of Lisnargarvey, Ireland, and Mr. S. W. Wildman, are closely associated 

 with good specimens of the breed, which we fancy has been latterly rather increasing, its- circle 

 of supporters. 



The points of an Italian Greyhound are essentially the same as those of its larger and 1 

 more popular relative, the English Greyhound, which will be fully treated of in a later 

 chapter ; in the meantime the following may be taken as representing what is required- in'- 

 good specimens of the breed now under consideration. 



Head. As flat as possible, with tapering jaws. The former requisite, however, is almost 

 an unknown feature to see in an Italian Greyhound. 



Eyes. Moderately full. 



Ears. Generally carried back as in the rose-ear, fine and thin. 



Neck. Rather long, slight, and arched. 



Chest. Deep and narrow, and shoulders slanting. 



Body. Rather raised, and tucked up at loins. 



Legs. Straight and slight. 



Feet. Round and cat-like ; well arched. 



Tail. Very fine and thin. 



Size. About 5 7 Ibs. 



General appearance. A fragile, delicate little dog, slender in outline, and one which seems 

 susceptible of considerable speed if extended, were it capable of such exertion. 



