My dog and I

Origin.—Little is known of the origin of this breed beyond the fact that Italy and the south of France are supposed to be where it originated.

Uses.—A purely pet dog, exceedingly delicate and fragile.

Scale of Points, Etc.

Head.—If possible should be like the English greyhound’s, but such formation is now rarely met with. In all recent exhibits the skull is more or less round, and face, though still pointed, is too short, with tendency to turn up.

Neck.—Long and elegant, resembling closely its larger congener.

Ears and Eyes.—Ears an exact counterpart of the English greyhound’s, though always somewhat enlarged in comparison with body. Eyes much larger proportionately, soft and languishing, but should never weep; color of iris is usually a dark brown.

Legs, Feet, and Fore Quarters.—Same as the greyhound’s.

Hind Quarters.—As with the last two paragraphs, the only difference lies in comparative value, the English dog’s points being estimated from the workmanlike view, while the Italian is regarded from an artistic standpoint.

Tail.—Somewhat shorter than the English dog’s, but it must be gently curved in same tobacco-pipe way, fine in bone, except at root, as well as free from hair.

Coat.—Short, soft, and silky.

Color.—Largely to be taken into consideration, and is consequently estimated at a high figure. Fawns are now far in the ascendant, and to no other color should the full value be accorded. A small star on breast or white toe takes off a point or two, according to extent of white, but in all cases toe-nails should be dark.

Symmetry.—Must be carefully estimated, as a want of elegance in detail or of combination in due proportion alike lowers the value of these points separately to a very low ebb. It is a high-stepping little aristocrat.

Size.—Bitch for modern successful exhibition should be little over 5 pounds, nor should the dog exceed 7 or 7½ pounds.