A little about Greyhound art and history... Aristocracy has always been entwined with the Greyhound throughout history. This beautiful and elegant breed is the only dog mentioned in the bible and referenced in sculptures and stone work from Egyptian times onwards. In England the first illustrations of Greyhounds date to the 9th century and in medieval times they were protected by rule of law.

The chosen breed of royalty, King Henry V111 favoured for their speed and grace in hunting for deer, foxes, hares and stags. They are often depicted in sculpture and art found in galleries around the globe. For example 'Eos' from The Royal collection is a famous painting (pictured) of Prince Albert's favourite Greyhound by painter Edwin Landseer. Sir Edwin Lansdeer also painted: Richard Cavendish with “Spot” the 6th Duke of Devonshire's Italian greyhound c1828.

Italian Greyhounds are also greatly referenced in art and culture and the subject of painters and sculptures throughout the ages mainly as their regal masters revered them. Catherine the Great of Russia 1729 -96 (pictured) is famous for her love of the Italian Greyhounds when her favourite Zamira died she stayed in her room for days too bereft to show her face. She buried Zamira in Peterhof Park with“ Beloved dog of the Great Queen”, etched on the tombstone over her tomb. There is still a national day in Russia in honour of the breed.