Italian Greyhound Breed Facts & Information

The Italian Greyhound is a toy breed that packages the Standard Greyhound’s sleek beauty and elegance into a smaller size.

This active and gentle breed first appeared more than 2,000 years ago and became popular during the Italian Renaissance. Today, Italian Greyhounds make affectionate companions for families who want a noble dog.

Read on to learn more about the Italian greyhound’s personality, health, grooming needs, and more—and find out whether they might make a good addition to your family!

Italian Greyhound Ancestry

Experts aren’t entirely sure how the Italian Greyhound came into existence, but evidence suggests they were first bred in the Mediterranean region during the time of the Roman Empire, in what is now Greece and Turkey. Most likely, people created Italian Greyhounds through selective breeding of smaller Greyhounds.

During the Italian Renaissance, these dogs became more and more widespread as companions for the aristocracy, including nobles and artists. Their reputation as upper crust canines didn’t end during the Renaissance, either. Notable people who kept Italian Greyhounds over the centuries include Catherine The Great, King James I, and Queen Victoria. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1886.

Italian Greyhound Appearance

In terms of appearance, the Italian Greyhound is essentially a miniature version of a full-sized Greyhound.

These sleek dogs have long and delicate legs and bodies designed for speed.

They have a lithe, agile frame and stand between about 13 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Italian Greyhounds weigh, on average, between 7 to 14 pounds.

Their short, glossy coats can come in any color except tan or brindle.

Italian Greyhound Personality And Temperament

Italian Greyhounds have never forgotten that they used to be besties with royalty. They enjoy lounging on the sofa and getting pampered by their humans. Of course, they’re happy to share the love right back!

That said, while Italian Greyhounds are generally affectionate with their family, they may be reserved with strangers. In fact, they can have a cat-like aloofness, says Justin Smithey, AKC Breeder of Merit of Italian greyhounds and co-owner of Pinnacle Farm and Kennel. 

Thanks to their shared roots with the Standard Greyhound, Italian Greyhounds also enjoy indulging their hunting instincts by running and playing chasing games outdoors. But they can also be timid and shy, making it important to begin training and socialization early on. 

Training

Italian Greyhounds are intelligent and sensitive, and these traits make them quick learners. But Smithey says they don’t consider it their life’s purpose to please their people. In other words, obedience isn’t their love language.

Positive reinforcement is the best way to motivate an Italian Greyhound to learn—which, of course, holds true for all dogs!

Italian Greyhound puppies also need socialization from a young age to help them adjust to new people, dogs, and environments. 

Italian Greyhound Grooming Needs

Italian Greyhounds don’t need a lot of grooming, thanks to their short coats.

Smithey says they don’t shed much and only need nail trims weekly or every other week. They don’t need regular baths, unless they get dirty digging outside or rolling in the mud.

While Italian Greyhounds have low-maintenance coats, they’re higher maintenance than some other breeds when it comes to their teeth. They’re prone to developing dental issues, which may start as early as 1-3 years of age.

If you have an Italian Greyhound, you’ll want to take care to brush their teeth at least twice per week. You may also want to schedule an annual teeth cleaning at your vet.  

Italian Greyhound Health

As far as purebred dogs go, Italian Greyhounds enjoy relatively good health. With loving, attentive care, they can live for a lengthy 14 to 15 years.

However, it’s fairly common for Italian Greyhounds to develop certain health conditions, including:

• Dental issues, such as gum disease and tooth loss. 
• Epilepsy
• Hypothyroidism
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Vision issues, like progressive retinal atrophy or cataracts
• Deafness 
• Bone fractures

Responsible and trustworthy Italian Greyhound breeders will screen the parent dogs for possible health issues before breeding them to help make sure they have puppies that are as healthy as possible.

Ideal Environment

Italian Greyhounds don’t necessarily need their own yard, Smithey says, since they’re smaller dogs. They can make great pets if you have an apartment or smaller living space, as long as they get regular walks and play sessions. But just like their taller cousins, they can also enjoy a more active lifestyle in the suburbs or country. 

Because Italian Greyhounds can be skittish, they need a generally quiet home environment. You don’t want them to be in situations where they can easily be startled, Smithey explains. For instance, if your neighbors like to set off fireworks or often make a lot of loud noise in the backyard, a less skittish pup may be happier in your home.  

Ideal Family

Italian Greyhounds need a person who has enough time to devote to them every day, Smithey says. They also need a family who wants an inside dog, since their short coats don’t do well in cold weather. 

With their dainty frames, Italian greyhounds aren’t built for roughhousing with younger kids and larger dogs. However, they can do well with children who play gently, Smithey says.

While some Italian greyhounds may chase cats, others can get along with a feline housemate. This generally depends on whether they were raised or socialized with cats.

Buying vs. Adopting An Italian Greyhound

According to Smithey, you can expect to pay somewhere between $2,000-$3,000 dollars for a puppy from a reputable Italian Greyhound breeder. 

However, there are plenty of Italian Greyhounds in rescues who need loving homes. Groups like the Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation can connect you with a rescue organization in your state. 

Adoption fees can vary between rescues, but according to Rover’s Cost of Pet Parenthood research, the average cost ranges between $115-$725. 

Similar Breeds

Not sure if the Italian Greyhound will fit into your home? You might consider one of these similar breeds:

• Greyhound: The Standard Greyhound has the Italian Greyhound’s willowy appearance and affectionate disposition, but a larger size.
• Whippet. The Whippet is another sighthound with a love to run and an elegant frame. These medium dogs offer a middle ground between the Standard Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound. 
• Chinese Crested: This toy dog has a playful and affectionate personality and is less timid than an Italian Greyhound.

Conclusion

The slender and dignified Italian Greyhound is an affectionate companion dog ideal for those who’d like an elegant best friend.

With their sensitive nature and fragile bone structure, they’re best suited for a quiet environment with a gentle family. If that sounds like you, then an Italian Greyhound could become your closest bud for the next 14 to 15 years! 

Ready to bring your Italian Greyhound home? First, learn how to puppy-proof your house like a pro!