Italian greyhound is a breed of dog similar to the greyhound but much smaller. Most Italian greyhounds stand 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 centimeters) high at the shoulder. The dog has a long, narrow head and a slender body, pinched in at the waist. Its short, glossy coat may be white, bluish-gray, black, or fawn (yellowish-brown). The dog lifts its front feet high when walking. Ancient Romans often kept Italian greyhounds. They hung up signs in their homes saying cave canem (watch out for the dog). These signs were to protect the tiny greyhounds from being stepped on accidentally.
