Italian Greyhound - from Italy ?

Portrait of the aging Catherine The Great with an Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is belived to have originated more then 2000 years ago. The remains of petite Greyhound skeletons, accumulated throughout the Mediterranean basin, support this belief and the unique ancient breed has even been reported in the tombs of Egypt. The true Italian Greyhound may have actually developed in the countries known today as Greece and Turkey. It wasn't until the 16th century that an influx of the miniature Greyhounds became excessively available in southern Europe. The Italians immediately admired the breeds beauty, small size, and loyalty, but despite popular belief, the Italian Greyhound did acquire his name because the breed originated in Italy. The breeds association with Italian art during the Renaissance is how the name developed.