Toy group

Italian Greyhound

A miniature sighthound — elegant, affectionate and built for speed and blankets.

Italian Greyhounds are the smallest sighthounds: slender, graceful and extremely affectionate. They love comfort and company, but their fragile legs, cold sensitivity and house-training challenges need patience.

Height
13–15 in33–38 cm
Weight
7–14 lb3–6 kg
Life expectancy
14–15 years
Size
Small
Group
Toy
Origin
Italy (Mediterranean)

Coat: Very short, fine, glossy coat. Colours: Any colour except brindle and black-and-tan patterns.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement3.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.5 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation2.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level5.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.5 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking2.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level1.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden1.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability4.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

IGs are gentle, playful and devoted. They love to cuddle and burrow under blankets, and they bond closely with their families.

They can be timid with strangers and sensitive to harsh handling. Their chase instinct is strong, and they are fast. Many are notoriously slow to house-train, especially in cold or wet weather.

Living with a Italian Greyhound

Exercise

Daily walks plus chances to sprint in a secure, fenced area. They need coats in cold weather.

Grooming

Minimal coat care; daily tooth brushing is important. Keep nails short.

Training

Sensitive and sometimes stubborn; gentle, reward-based training works best. House-training needs patience.

Kids & other pets

Best with gentle, older children — their legs break easily. Usually good with other small dogs.

Time alone

IGs are companion dogs and can become anxious when left alone for long periods.

Home fit

Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.

Is a Italian Greyhound right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Italian Greyhound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Italian Greyhound typically lives 14–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Leg fractures

    Their fine leg bones break easily, especially in young dogs jumping from furniture.

  • Dental disease

    IGs are very prone to periodontal disease; brush daily.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    Inherited vision loss; annual eye exams are recommended.

  • Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

    Degeneration of the hip joint in young small dogs.

  • Autoimmune disease

    Autoimmune conditions and hypothyroidism occur in the breed.

Ask a breeder for

  • Patella evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • Thyroid evaluation
  • Hip and Legg-Calvé-Perthes evaluation

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Italian Greyhound; Italian Greyhound Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,000–$2,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Small sighthounds appear in art from the Mediterranean more than 2,000 years ago. Italian Greyhounds became favourites of Renaissance nobility, and Frederick the Great of Prussia was devoted to his.

The AKC recognised the Italian Greyhound in 1886. The breed nearly disappeared after the World Wars but was revived with imports.

Did you know?

  • Frederick the Great reportedly asked to be buried beside his Italian Greyhounds.
  • IGs can reach speeds of about 25 mph.
  • They are the smallest of the sighthound breeds.

Library guides for Italian Greyhound owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Italian Greyhounds good apartment dogs?
Yes — they are small and calm indoors with regular exercise.
Are Italian Greyhounds hard to house-train?
Often, yes. Patience and consistency are needed.
Do Italian Greyhounds shed?
Very little.