The Italian Greyhound is an ancient dog breed. It seems to have been around for over two millennia. Evidence of miniature greyhounds and skeletons of similar dogs have been found in areas where modern Turkey and Greece are located. Although the original purpose of the breed has been lost to history, the Italian Greyhound may have been used for hunting small game and even played the role of human companion back then. In the Middle Ages, the Italian Greyhound traveled to southern Europe, where it was very popular among aristocrats, especially in Italy. This period also saw the formation of the breed name Piccolo Levriero Italiano.