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Italian Greyhound

The name of the breed is a reference to the breed’s popularity in Renaissance Italy. Mummified dogs very similar to the Italian Greyhound (or small Greyhounds) have been found in Egypt, and pictorials of small Greyhounds have been found in Pompeii and they were probably the only accepted companion-dog there. As an amusing aside the expression ‘Cave Canem’ (Beware of the dog) was a warning to visitors, not that the dogs would attack but to beware of damaging, tripping over or stepping on the small dogs. Gone are the generations that just tossed them from field to show ring and expected to win with the mud still clinging to the coat.  It’s showtime folks! If you want to cut the mustard with the best of them, then it’s time to do what the best of them do. The Italian Greyhound standards call for a short, close and fine coat.

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The Italian Greyhound

The name of the breed is a reference to the breed’s popularity in Renaissance Italy. Mummified dogs very similar to the Italian Greyhound (or small Greyhounds) have been found in Egypt, and pictorials of small Greyhounds have been found in Pompeii and they were probably the only accepted companion-dog there. As an amusing aside the expression ‘Cave Canem’ (Beware of the dog) was a warning to visitors, not that the dogs would attack but to beware of damaging, tripping over or stepping on the small dogs. Gone are the generations that just tossed them from field to show ring and expected to win with the mud still clinging to the coat.  It’s showtime folks! If you want to cut the mustard with the best of them, then it’s time to do what the best of them do. The Italian Greyhound standards call for a short, close and fine coat.

Let’s start show bathing.

With this head use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It Shampoo. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed for faces. It’s a nil fragrance; no tear formula with the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean soothes, add moisture, aids healing and has anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. Can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy rinsing yet complete cleaning.

First is to analyze the approach of assessing your Italian Greyhound’s coat at this point and then making decisions on what shampoo to use. If the coat is just right, then you choose Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo with Henna used at a ratio of at least 5:1 (5 parts water to 1 part shampoo) or up to 10:1.

If the coat is too dry then you will need to get some conditioning into the coat. Use the Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo with Evening Primrose. Again use at a rate of 5:1 or up to 10:1. The coat should not need a conditioner as such after this but does need to have the moisture content of the coat kept up. Conditioners which are acid balanced will, in fact, soften the coat but a moisturiser will keep up the quality and elasticity in the coat preventing dry and brittle coats.

For whites or parti colours use the Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo diluted 5:1 for that nice white finish to the whites and to tone the unwanted rusty tones of the darker colour of the coat.

For extra whitening and best for stained areas use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok.  It’s not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin. This product is designed to gently remove unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes. For maximum effect try applying the day prior to bath day. Apply and simply leave on.

For your conditioning rinse use the Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner at 1:10. Use more on a dryish or damaged coat. You can rinse the conditioner out or partly leave it in depending on your specific coat requirements. It has natural active ingredients to help soften and rehydrate the coat. If you are doing a maintenance bath then leave the conditioner in. I never use conditioner on the saddle area. If you have groomed your saddle area well it will be shiny and in great condition.

For heavier duty protection, you can lightly oil the coat with the Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil – good if your dog is outdoors in a harsh climate. This all may seem extravagant and hard work for a seemingly no-nonsense dog but good presentation is an important factor these days and your dog has to be a complete picture. Use at 1 tablespoon to 4 L / 1 Gallon of water. Apply with a sponge all over and do not rinse.

A revolutionary innovative Plush Puppy FAST Blow Dry Spray dramatically reduces drying time, adds moisture and conditions while protecting the coat. It contains Australian Native Flame Tree extracts that make a dry coat feel and look perfect. It also protects the coat from damage from sun and heat. FAST is amazing on short coats like the Italian Greyhound for producing a brilliant shine. A light spray to a wet/damp coat, then brush through before drying.

Then, use the brush once again or the grooming mitt followed by a few wisps of Plush Puppy Pixie Dust sprinkled lightly onto the coat for inner shimmer. If you have white areas that need attention, then use the Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream, a white paste applied with a damp piece of kitchen sponge. Blend with loose chalk to completely dry. Finish with a light spray of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb. A nice spray of Plush Puppy Odour Muncher completes the picture to appeal to all the senses. In between shows, continue with the Plush Puppy Reviva Coat applied and left in the coat to protect and moisturise.

The Italian Greyhound is one of the most elegant sighthounds with their refinement and stylish outline makes for a competitive show dog.