Italian Greyhound

Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. Larson Italian Greyhound

Average size and lifespan

chihuahua silhouette
great dane silhouette
Height: 1ft 1in - 1ft 3in
Weight: 7-14lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 15 Years

Behavior

  • Affection5/5
  • Kid-Friendly1/5
  • Stranger-Friendly3/5
  • Dog-Friendly3/5
  • Barking Amount1/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty1/5
  • Shedding Amount3/5
  • Easy to Train2/5
  • Can Be Alone1/5
  • Exercise Need3/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance1/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly5/5

Italian Greyhound Information

italian greyhound breedThe Italian Greyhound has the same grace and speed as the Greyhound, just in a smaller package. Much smaller – the breed is barely a foot tall with a very slender build. Experts debate whether the Italian was bred for hunting small animals or simply for providing companionship. We may never know since the breed’s history dates back more than 2,000 years.

As a pet, the Italian Greyhound is playful and highly affectionate with a sensitive nature. His satin fur can vary in color, from white to black and nearly every color in between, and requires very little maintenance.

Italian Greyhound History

The Italian Greyhound is thought to be from over 2000 years ago in what is now Greece & Turkey. There have been discoveries of ancient art displaying small greyhounds as well as uncovered skeletons of the breed.

The breed became one of the favorites in Renaissance Italy. They were found in Pompeii and depicted in Emperor Nero's court. Similar breeds have also been found in mummified remains in Egypt.

Italian Greyhound Training & Temperament

These dogs are smart & sensitive and can also be stubborn. They can be a little tougher to train, but respond well to praise & treats. They enjoy the company of people and make a good companion dog, but may be aloof when it comes to strangers. They are somewhat fragile and need to be careful when playing.

Italian Greyhound puppies

Italian Greyhound Exercise

Italian Greyhounds need to burn off energy with regular exercise. This can be done with some backyard playtime or a walk. Be careful of bringing this tiny pup to a dog park unless there is an area for small dogs, as they are fragile.

Italian Greyhound Grooming

This breed requires low maintenance, including the rare bath when dirty. They can be brushed gently. It's important to look after & brush their teeth and have their nails trimmed.

Italian Greyhound Health

These dogs are generally healthy. Take care of them when playing with children or other dogs. They can have issues with leg breaks (typically under the age of 2) if playing too rough. They also can be prone to periodontal disease which can be prevented by taking good care of their teeth.

Are you getting this breed? Check out our list of Italian Greyhound name ideas.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Greyhound, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. Please let us know if we made an error in the stats.

Breed FAQs

Can Italian Greyhounds be apartment dogs?

The Italian Greyhound is an excellent apartment dog. They don't need as much space for activity and will be happy in a condo or apartment.

Can Italian Greyhounds be left alone?

Italian Greyhounds are extremely social and need lots of interaction. They may become destructive or anxious if left for long periods.

Are Italian Greyhounds good with kids?

Italian Greyhounds aren't a good breed for homes with kids. Training can help, but they don't do well with rowdy behavior.

Are Italian Greyhounds friendly with strangers?

Although Italian Greyhounds can take a bit to warm up, they are mostly friendly with strangers.

Do Italian Greyhounds get along with other dogs?

Although Italian Greyhounds will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues that socialization can help.

Do Italian Greyhounds bark a lot?

Italian Greyhounds don't bark very often, and some may never bark. Most barking is trained or reserved for extreme situations.

Do Italian Greyhounds shed a lot?

Italian Greyhounds shed a medium amount. They have seasonal shedding, but they aren't terrible to clean up after.

Do Italian Greyhounds need a lot of grooming?

With a Italian Greyhound you won't need to dedicate extra time to special grooming. Their coats are easy to care for.

Do Italian Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?

A Italian Greyhound needs a moderate amount of exercise. Plan some walks or a game of fetch during the day.

Are Italian Greyhounds easy to train?

Most Italian Greyhounds are stubborn and take extra work to train. They can still learn, but it takes more effort.

Can Italian Greyhounds handle cold weather?

Expect Italian Greyhounds to struggle in the cold. A cold climate needs special consideration for this breed.

Can Italian Greyhounds handle hot weather?

Although Italian Greyhounds can tolerate hot conditions, don't expose them for too long.

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