Kim Frennier
1. I began showing Italian Greyhounds just over 30 years ago and have been dedicated to preserving the breed’s elegance, health, and charm ever since. The first litter under my kennel name, Infiniti, was born in 1998. Today, we live in east Texas where I actively show and breed.
2. The Italian Greyhound is known for its silhouette and its distinctive, high-stepping gait. While other breeds may share a similar outline, the IG’s unique combination of graceful curves and free side gait is truly its signature. Preserving these traits is essential—not only do they define the breed’s physical beauty, they also reflect its history and function as a small sighthound.
3. In today’s market, finding homes for puppies is not difficult—but finding the right homes is. A responsible breeder must go beyond the ease of placing puppies and focus on ensuring each one goes to a family that will provide lifelong love, care, and understanding of the breed’s needs.
4. With advances in science and communication, information on health concerns, genetic testing, and new studies is more accessible than ever. While not all health issues can be tested for, we are fortunate to have reliable screening for conditions such as PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), PCAG (Primary Closed Angle Glaucoma), and FEH (Familial Enamel Hypoplasia), allowing us to avoid passing these on to future generations.
5. I believe public opinion has shifted away from the outdated belief that mixed-breed dogs are inherently healthier than purebreds. However, there is still work to be done in educating the public on how to identify and work with a responsible breeder—an area where our community can improve outreach and transparency. With the Italian Greyhound’s sensitivity and unique personality, education and breed information are especially critical.
6. One concern I’ve noticed is the growing use of social media, especially by judges. In my view, judges should refrain from promoting or criticizing individual dogs in public forums, as well as from openly critiquing another judge’s choices. Professionalism and impartiality are essential for the integrity of the sport.
7. On a brighter note, one of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of AKC.tv and live streaming. These platforms allow us to watch and appreciate dogs from across the country, expanding our knowledge of the breed and celebrating the sport on a broader scale.
Breeding Italian Greyhounds remains both a privilege and a responsibility. Through careful preservation of breed hallmarks, responsible placement of puppies, and continued use of modern tools, I remain committed to ensuring that the IG’s beauty, movement, and spirit will endure for generations to come.
