The great Sighthound legacy 

Summary and translation by Valeria Rocco for "Lupavaro" italian greyhound kennel

Given that I am German, I would like to publish below the translation of a text, taken from "Das große Windhunderbe" which contains an article, also in German, published in the "Zuchtbuch des DWZRV 1963/196450 ″, written by Mrs. Pia Pfleger, owner of the "Springinsfeld" kennel Reproduction, publication and distribution, in whole or in part, of this translation are expressly forbidden without written authorization, as the research work and the following translation from the original language is a long and meticulous job.

The great Sighthound legacy

Charles I in 1624 brought the first specimens from France to England, his intention was to cross them with some terrier breeds to give life to a hunting dog of elegant stature. These attempts were also made in subsequent generations, giving birth to the Whippet breed.

During the English Revolution and the beheading of Charles I, all the dogs were stolen and scattered throughout the territory. In Germany the breed has won great honors thanks to Frederick the Great, who was never without the company of his Italian greyhounds; he must have had between 40 and 80 specimens.

Frederick the Great of Prussia adored his Italian greyhounds. His favorites were called "Biche" († 1752) and "Alcmene"(† 1785). Although in the paintings, which depict "the old Fritz", the dogs at his side seem to be larger in size but this is to be attributed to the fact that the Painters tried to give greater effect to the paintings by increasing the size of the greyhounds depicted.
Here is a statue that depicts him with "Alkmene" and "Hasenfuss" Read more "The great legacy of the greyhounds"