Tuesday 16 October 2012

The Italian Greyhound of Aberdeen


The owner of this Italian Greyhound holds gently onto one of the dogs ears, presumably to steady it for the exposure time of the photograph.

The Italian greyhound is an ancient breed, believed to be at least 2000 years old. There are many authorities on the breed's history believe the breed was dwarfed for pet purposes from a Gazehound (hounds who hunted by "sight") of the distant past.

The Italian Greyhound was very popular with royalty, some notable Italian Greyhound owners were Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, Queen Anne and Queen Victoria. The exact date that the breed was introduced in England is not known, but by the Late-Victorian period the popularity of the breed reached a peak.

In 1872 Reverend Pearce wrote in his book "The Dog", "This toy dog, the most elegant, but alas! The most delicate of the small breeds, has existed from time immemorial and has always been in fashion. There is no doubt that it is simply a small specimen of the larger dog, refined and dwarfed by inbreeding and selection, and first introduced from Italy and the South of France, where they are more abundant, but not light, graceful or refined as those which are occasionally exhibited in England."

The photographer who took this image was James Wood. He was resident as a photographer at 25 Market Street, Aberdeen from 1862 to 1868, so we can date this photograph within these dates.

If you'd like to find out more about this breed I recommend Karen Thayne's excellent website: Italian-greyhound.net

1 comment:

  1. Throughout history, the Italian Greyhound has been a favorite among royalty. Remarkable figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Charles I, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria were proud owners of Italian Greyhounds. While the exact date of the breed's introduction in England remains unknown, it reached the height of its popularity during the Late-Victorian period. By the way, if you're looking for a refreshing and problem-solving experience, I highly recommend playing Minecraft Pocket Edition Apk. It's a popular game that allows you to unleash your creativity and engage your mind. With its endless possibilities, you can build, explore, and solve challenges in a virtual world. It's a great way to relax, have fun, and stimulate your problem-solving abilities.

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