the italian greyhound
Marchwind Italian Greyhounds
Why is the Italian Greyhound the best suited dog for the 21st century?
Their small size, easy, non shedding coat care, and low environmental impact make them suitable for indoor living. Their athleticism and energy make them great as outdoor adventure companions.
Their unique and beautiful appearance attracts attention and prestige.
By selective breeding and early social intervention, Marchwind has developed puppies with ideal temperament. Friendly, fearless, trainable--intelligent, loving, and empathic (if sometimes needy) companions!
Make an Italian Greyhound part of your life! They are a sure cure for loneliness.
MALE OR FEMALE?
THE DECISION IS YOURS-WHERE DO YOU STAND?
MALES
- MAMA'S BOY-males are more openly affectionate and emotionally dependent.
- Males often form very strong one-on-one bonds and show a clear favorite, usually the WOMAN in the house. Pack leadership and their place in the pack (#2 after you) is much more important in males than in females and is one of the main reasons they are always around and much quicker to respond to commands.
- Males are much more protective towards their owners, staying close during walks and generally keeping an eye on you.
- Many women enjoy their predictability and loyal attention. They are generally easier to train.
- Males may be more playful, goofy and clingy and stay more puppy-like into adulthood which is endearing
FEMALES
- Females are likely to be more independent with a "don't smother me" vibe
- They bond well but are not as clingy as males and more independent.
- Females are more cautious and will think it through before responding-for example: "she is calling me to come but what does she want?"
- Females are a sharp, confidant companion who keeps you on your toes.
What’s the best time of the year to bring your IG puppy home?
If you’re fortunate enough to be getting a Marchwind puppy, any time of the year is the right time. But the winter can be perfect in many ways. Please let me share my personal experience…
Having discovered the breed, then deciding to become a first-time dog owner, the planning began in earnest. Since I live in Canada it seemed smart/logical to start raising my puppy in the spring, with the benefit of nicer weather allowing us outside.
There’s an old saying…Man plans, God laughs.
Long story short, I pulled out of Marchwind with my 9-week-old little baby girl in the middle of December to drive her back to Toronto.
Until she had all her vaccinations, she had to be restricted from going outside to minimize the risk of contracting parvo which I quickly discovered can literally be ANYWHERE!
The best guidance is to keep your puppy protected until the vaccines become effective at around 18 weeks. So even if I lived in Florida, we would not be hitting the beach or anyplace where other dogs might have been, putting her at great risk. That means mostly staying home.
(cont'd below...)
Georgia on her way home with a sweater from Lois
For these reasons and more to follow, in hindsight, it was the best time to bring her home.
Since we were inside, we bonded, played, trained and set the stage for a lifetime of togetherness. My plan was to get her little legs strong with games, tug of war and chasing toys and it worked perfectly.
Potty training was a breeze, we obviously had to use pee pads. Monitoring her closely, I quickly picked up on her queues, got her to the pad and did what everyone tells you to do, PARTY/CELEBRATION/PRAISE/REWARD on a scale of 11 out of 10. It works. I still do it to this day; she still gets her treat and always will.
What that means now is if we came to your house never having been there in the middle of a blizzard or hurricane outside, I can put a pee pad down, she will hit the target 100% of the time. It’s amazing and a huge relief as a dog owner who likes to visit friends and travel with my dog.
Back home in custom comfy crate with heating pad and TV (not shown!)
It’s not like we never left the house. We went to very safe places where she could meet people and start socializing. Fortunately, we also have some friends for safe doggy playdates with other vaccinated pets.
I’m very outdoorsy, by mid-February we were venturing out with proper fleece clothing to keep her warm and dry. Now she likes to go out in cold weather (she has more outfits than you) and I attribute that to her being exposed early on.
As we continued to get more accustomed to each other, our relationship just kept getting better and more trusting.
By the time spring hits you’ve got yourself an amazing dog who already knows some commands, can walk on a leash and is ready to join you on warm weather adventures.
Most importantly, you know them.
To recap, take the winter to set the foundation for you and your puppy, when warmer weather sets in you’ll be way further along so you can really enjoy the summer together!
Happy to answer any questions, Lois can put us in touch.
PS:
It’s much more important to find the best dog from the best breeder and like you, I discovered Lois March for whom I have the highest regard. She is a priceless resource, a true friend, retired MD, she’s won at the biggest dog shows in the world and has forgotten more than most breeders of ANY dog will ever know.
My personal side note on pee pad training from someone with a large fully fenced yard. If you told me as a human I had to hold it in and could only go potty at a few set times a day, I could not do it and would probably run away from you after I peed on all your rugs. When I gotta go, I gotta go! Pee pads are a blessing especially with IG’s.
-Abbey G., Toronto
KENNEL TOUR AT
Marchwind Italian Greyhounds
Marchwind Farm has created an ideal environment to raise dogs. The dogs have a maximum of freedom, yet safety.
They enjoy the companionship of humans as well as other dogs, clean open spaces and gourmet meals designed for maximum nutrition, variety and pleasure.
ABOUT THE BREEDER
Marchwind Italian Greyhounds
When you invest in a Marchwind puppy, you also get exclusive access to Lois March MD, with my 40 years of experience in health, behavior, training, showing, and managing Italian Greyhounds.
All of the foundational training is done by me here at Marchwind. I use professional handlers on the show circuit, while showing some promising young prospects myself. Marchwind has had 4 BEST IN SHOW igs and many top winning dogs through the years, including Best of Breed at Westminster.
Many years ago I decided to work with Italian Greyhounds because I thought they were the best possible dog for this century. However temperament was not always ideal with a predominance of shy, fearful dogs. By selective breeding and early socialization, my puppies are rarely shy. They are ready for their new home whether it be in the big city or the country, and whether the new owner is an athlete or elderly and disabled.
My extensive experience often leads my clients to confer with me first before taking their dog to the vet, or getting frustrated with a behavior problem. I am not a vet, but I know this breed.
PHOTO OF ME WITH SOME OF MY STAFF
LOIS-DANYAL-MORGAN-MOLLY
THE SPORT OF SHOWING DOGS
PET OR SHOW
There has been recent discussion about the difference between pet and show quality.
No matter how promising a puppy looks at 8 weeks of age, there is no way to know if that puppy will make it in the show ring. Every breeder would like to think that every puppy from their kennel is a potential show dog. Experienced breeders however realize that only 1 in 20 or more make it. This is what makes dog shows challenging with a lot of components.
Showing dogs is a sport where amateur owners have to compete with professional handlers on an equal basis.
A lot of training, advertising, politicking, and experience are required on the part of the handler. No matter how perfect your ig is, you are not necessarily going to win. Presentation is a big factor. Judges are more likely to award dogs and handlers that they have seen before over strangers.
Thousands of dollars are spent advertising in dog show magazines to this purpose, and thousands of dollars are spent on professional handlers.
In conclusion, no matter how perfect a specimen your ig puppy is, you may never win in the show ring. That does not mean there is something wrong with your dog.
If you want to show your dog, you have my blessing and I will help and advise you in any way I can, but I can never offer a championship guarantee and neither can anyone else.
Marchwind Italian Greyhounds
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229-699-0290
EMAIL: marchwindigs@yahoo.com
Marchwind Kennel
3665 Hwy 215
Vienna, GA 31092
