ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS
THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE GOOFY
There is no other breed like an Italian greyhound. They are extremely affectionate and can be very needy. Almost demanding in their need to be with their owners. They can be very delicate and can break a leg quite easily until they reach about 18 months of age. Because of their long leg bones they are very susceptible to front leg breaks. Constant management of physical activity is necessary. No jumping off of furniture or out of their owners arms. We were taught the “proper” way to hold an IG many years ago and we teach our buyers how to do it as well. Some Italian greyhounds do very well with children, others do not. The most important thing when you have young children and IGs is not let your child carry the pup around. Ask any person who owns one and they will tell you that this breed is notoriously hard to house train. I teach my pups to go in a litter box with wood pellets before they leave here. They are smart little things and can be trained in obedience, rally and agility. They love to run and some do very well racing both straight and oval races.
As in all dogs there can be a great deal of difference between energy levels. We’ve had some dogs who are born snugly couch potatoes and others who can’t stand to lay down unless they’re sleeping. Your breeder should be able to point you in the right direction for the temperament most suitable for your lifestyle. Regardless of colour or sex, the most important part of owning a dog is enjoying its outlook on life. If you love to walk and investigate things, you won’t be happy with a dog who’s greatest level of exercise is walking to the food dish. By the same token, you don’t want a high level dog who has two speeds – fast and sleep- if all you want to do is sit and watch tv on your off time. The colour won’t matter if you can’t stand the dog’s attitude and personality. A good breeder will help you choose the proper puppy. Dogs are to be enjoyed not “put up with”. We will do our very best to ensure you take home a puppy or a dog that will stay in your heart forever.
OUR FAMILY
Celtic I Know I Shouldn’t - Bugsy is in the rings in both the US and Canada.
Testimonials
“It’s going to be difficult conveying the gratitude and admiration I have for Italian Greyhound Breeder extraordinaire, Rythm Kennel’s Gail Giles, without writing a short novel.
Almost 7 years ago I started to stumble through world of Italian greyhounds in my search for an IG puppy. A lot of research led me to Gail Giles. The rest, as they say is history.
Not only am I the proudest mama to the most beautiful Iggy Girls, but I have gained a family with Gail ( I literally called and emailed her more than my own parents!)
She patiently guided and supported me through every concern I had .. sometimes at all hours of the night... She patiently accepts that I will ALWAYS call her before the vet simply because... I actually trust her advice more.
I have heard of so many breeders who hand you a puppy and pretty much render themselves inaccessible . Not so Gail.... If you are lucky enough to be entrusted with one of her perfect puppies, you join her extended family and always have her in your court
And then there are the dogs... one only has to look at the long line of champions she has bred to understand she is in every way a next level breeder
My only note of caution when choosing to raise one of Gails puppies is that you wont want to stop at one!”
“Rythm puppies and dogs are treated like family throughout their lifetime, even if they move on to their new furever homes. My puppy still hears Gail’s voice and goes to find her...12 years later. That’s more than a breeder...that’s family.”
“ I am fortunate to be blessed with two of Gail’s babies. I was a new dog owner with countless questions and no expectations but soon learned when you get one of these special dogs from Rythm, you aren’t just getting a puppy, you’re inheriting a family. Falling in love with the Italian Greyhound breed was inevitable - needless to say it was an easy decision to add a second Rythm pup to our pack 5 years after bringing home my first. I can’t even begin to describe my gratitude for the amount of care, advice, support & guidance I’ve received from Gail over the years. The dogs do not forget her; she is truly amazing and her puppies are too! ”
Why raw?
Over the years we have seen more and more health problems arise in dogs which resulted in our decision to change our feeding regime. Our dogs eat raw meat, meaty bones and vegetables when they will accept them.
OUR HISTORY
Years ago our parents fed their dogs from the table, and our dogs likely eat better than their human companions!!! Their skin is clear, their teeth are clean and their digestive systems are healthy and sound.
WHY?
The decision to feed raw should not be taken lightly. Educate yourself before you take the plunge. Our puppy people have our complete support and there are sites where you can get good health information.
About Me
MY NAME IS gail
I’m a member in good standing of the Canadian Kennel Club, the Italian Greyhound Club of American, The Italian Greyhound Club of Canada (Ontario Director), the Belleville & District Kennel Club where I’ve held the position of club secretary for the last 20 or more years. I’ve bred Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and now Italian Greyhounds over the last 30 years. I’ve shown in Conformation, Obedience and Agility as well as coursed with my two whippets and some of my more prey driven Italian Greyhounds.
NEW LITTERS
We are hoping for some pups in the last part of 2024 or early 2025.
We had a major email meltdown and lost all of our previous requests. If you’ve sent us a request please touch base again.
