Where did the Italian Greyhound come from?
There is some question whether the Italian Greyhound was originally intended to hunt small game or vermin or mainly to be a beloved companion. Most likely both of these theories are true. Many Italian Greyhounds have a strong instinct to hunt and chase. Others have none, since, at least during the past century or so, they have not been bred for this characteristic. It is also likely that they became a popular household pet during the days before central heating, because their warm little bodies can be very comforting in an otherwise cold bed. The Italian Greyhound goes back a long way in history as does the large Greyhound, probably originating as long as 2,000 years ago in the areas that are now the countries of Greece and Turkey. A small sighthound is depicted in the early art works of these nations, and bones indicating a dog of this type have been found in archeological sites. The breed became popular in Southern Europe during the Middle Ages and by the 16th Century many were depic
