Perth Voice Interactive

PERTH dog lovers have established a WA Italian greyhound club, the first of its kind in Australia.

Founding member Francesca Perino—who owns 33cm tall Nica—says they formed the club after people flocked to their page on Facebook.

The tiny hound—just taller than a ruler and as light as 3.6kg—is often mistaken for a baby whippet.

Ms Perino, who lives in Mt Lawley, says the breed is relatively unknown in Australia.

“It hasn’t taken off for a number of reasons: Aussies tend to like big dogs and they are also quite fragile, so not so good for owners with young children who may be a bit rough or accidentally injure them.

“Plus there are only two breeders in WA, so they are hard to source. But they are beautiful pets and great for a couple or person who lives on their own.”

The name of the breed was coined in renaissance Italy, with the short-haired pooches popular with ladies of the court.

Now mainly a companion dog, it is believed the diminutive breed was used in Greece to hunt rodents. It has a top running speed of 40kph and lives an average 13.5 years.

Ms Perino says they’re popular with people living in small inner-city apartments.

“A lot of Italian greyhound owners live in Mt Lawley and Highgate,” she says.

“But these aren’t handbag dogs, and require lots of exercise, so don’t buy one and expect it to sleep all day.

The club is hosting an Italian greyhound show in Hamer Park, Mt Lawley on April 6 at 10am.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK