The Canine World.  Such a diverse place.  Here’s one I knew nothing about until last week when Karen and Kathy spent the afternoon with three very special girls whose parents were out for the afternoon.  Here Sadie, an Italian Greyhound, stands guard over a sleeping toddler.  Sadie is a six month old puppy, but is adult size for her breed.

Karen has liked greyhounds for years so she filled me in on sight hounds – a hound that follows its target by sight and not by smell.  This would include Greyhounds, Pharaoh hounds, Whippets and Salukis.   (I think Salukis look ridiculous.)  Sadie’s breed comes in at about 10 pounds and 13 inches at the withers so technically it is toy size, although its length throws that off a bit.  This dog when running is a double suspension dog which means all four feet come off the ground twice in a single stride.  Karen can explain this – I can not.  Cheetahs are double suspension.  Double suspension equals fast.  This demands a flexible spine.  Now I know why I’m not a double suspension.

The bloodline goes back over 2000 years and this is a dog that belongs on a leash when out in the open because anything that moves is a target to take off after.   In other words, they have a high predator drive.  They don’t like going outdoors in wet or cold weather due to their short coat.  They are a great family dog, but they have more of a “what’s in it for me” attitude toward training so owners need to expect that upfront.    When I petted Sadie, she reminded me of a deer with her sleek coat and the way she stood and how alert she was. 

I mention one more thing.  These Italian Greyhounds can walk upright on their hind legs, reaching all kinds of things at counter top height.  They also can jump unusually high.  So when I placed a birthday cake on the table at Sadie’s house, I wondered if she might make a jump for it.   But, as perfect little lady, she did not, but rather sniffed the air.

What a cute dog.