how do you explain to people that Italian Greyhounds are supposed to be skinny?

Question

I am babysitting my friend's IG! It is soo cute! It is active in coursing and loves to chase things. But my neighbor saw me with it and told me off! She said ARE YOU GOING TO FEED IT!? Like I was starving it or something. Then she went into her house and stared at me through the window the entire time I was in the yard with the dog.

I have to babysit this dog for a week, and I don't really feel like having that crazy person call the Animal Police on me or something. If she gives me a chance to explain what should I tell her? That not all dogs are the size of cattle? Jeez...she scared me! She's like a PETA person or something.

Answer 1

I usually tell them my Ibizans could actually lose a pound or 2 and see what thy say then...

Answer 2

IGs are less greyhound than they are teacups.(Paris Hilton dogs). In fact I believe they are a terrier mix bred to look like Greyhounds. BTW, Peta doesn't act like that. I would be concerned about the neighbor. Two things I would do: 1. Get on the web and print out some breed information to hand out. Police won't interfere if there is no abuse. Can't guarantee this would help if she's crazy like my neighbor. 2. Have some backup. You didn't say whether you're at the dog's house, or your house. Get someone else involved--parents, neighbor, someone from a shelter you can call on in an emergency. Keep up the good work.

Answer 3

If your neighbor does call the police, when they get there they will be so pissed at her. Ignore your neighbor or just explain to her next time you have a casual conversation that IGs are like mini greyhounds and they are bred for speed and running and they love the thrill of a fast chase.

Shes pretty ignorant if she doesn't realize that there are different types of dogs.

Oh, and PETA knows what IGs are supposed to look like, PETA or the police would see that dogs and be like "looks okay to me."

Answer 4

What I would do is print out a picture (or if you have a dog fancy magazine or something with a picture) and carry it with you.. have it be one of the top of it's breed.. and when asked.. or when you see the woman again.. tell her flat out that it is SUPPOSED to look like that.. It is a sight hound, they tend to be built more like birds than other dogs.. they are light and fast... Otherwise.. Let her call the police.. and when they get there, if THEY are just as ignorant.. tell them the same thing.. and show them proof. That's about all you CAN do.. The info about sight hounds is good to know if you are taking care of them anyway.. and it's always good if you can tell people the first time they say something.

Answer 5

I hate PETA. True, they were the first organization I contacted when I decided to become vegetarian. My youngest summed it up best: "Mom, it's not that I don't want to be a vegetarian, it's just that I don't wanna be associated with those a**holes!" But that's another answer...

As far as this woman goes, try not to let it bother you. If you get a chance, print off some pictures of healthy Italian Greyhounds. You can explain that this dog is supposed to be thin; that they were bred to be racing dogs. She might come around and she might not. If she doesn't, it's no great loss. Just try not to flip her off when she glares at you :)

Answer 6

Gah, i know how you feel, I have dobermans and they are at their PERFECT weight, I know how much to feed them and when they're gaining weight and when they're getting too skinny. There are so many people who kill their dogs with kindness. An obese dog is a sick dog. It puts stress on their bodies and more often than not leads to an early death. I had a lady yell at me the other day because i was "starving my dogs". MY DOGS EAT BETTER THAN I DO! their food is more expensive and nutritious than the crap I eat! But I'm their owner, I have the choice. They dont choose what I feed them I do... It bugs me as much as parents that let their kids get fat... sorry but if you feed your kids the way your supposed to and teach them to have a healthy diet and lifestyle they wouldnt get picked on at school..... Ok ill stop ranting. Point is, tell her to mind her own business, the dog is healthy and exactly like she's supposed to be.

Answer 7

tell her that the dog is bred to run not to sit at the masters feet or on there lap,and any more weight on it would strain it's heart and kill it.if she is indeed a peta person then she should know that. she just sounds like an angry,nosy person. ignore her.i have a 11 month old whippet,in cattle country, people are always saying that to me,until he gets the rabbits there fat, slow, cattle dogs can't get.

Answer 8

I bet her dog is overweight. SO many people see a dog who is in shape, and assume it is too thin. Most people have overweight dogs. You can get one of those charts online that shows the different weight ranges, and it shows which one is perfect. You can't see their ribs, but you can feel them easily with your hands. If she bothers you again, just show her the chart, and explain the best you can that he is perfect for his breed. If this doesn't work, then she will never change. And you might end up getting a visit from Animal Control, but they will know enough that the dog is in good condition, and they will just leave.

http://www.placervillevet.com/canine%20body%20condition.htm
http://www.ygrr.org/stories/jpg/dog_weight.jpg

Answer 9

You have to realize that a lot of people don't know too much about dogs, especially those less seen breeds. We may know about IGs, but I bet your neighbor doesn't. Maybe you should show a picture of an IG and educate her about the breed.

Answer 10

I imagine the worst she could do would be to call the local animal control people. If they're worth their salaries, they would look at the dog and know it is supposed to be very lean. You could try to educate her, but it may be a case of "my mind is made up, don't confuse me with facts". It's really hard to try to cure militant ignorance.