Italian Greyhound

Personality

The Italian Greyhound is a velvety shadow. VCA calls the breed loyal and affectionate, and many owners describe it as clingy. These dogs love lap time and warm spots, and PetMD notes that an IG without enough attention may become shy or hyper. They need company and gentle handling.

IGs bark only now and then and are typically friendly with strangers, other dogs and children who know how to treat a small, fragile pet. PetMD notes they tend to avoid boisterous younger children. They can also be easily intimidated, so loud households and rough play are poor matches.

They are playful and love short bursts of zooming around the yard. Like other sighthounds, they have a strong instinct to chase small, fast animals. That means a squirrel or a rabbit can trigger a sudden dash, so a secure fence and a leash outside the yard are essential. Expect a sensitive, elegant athlete that wants to be wherever it is warm.

History

Small greyhound-type dogs have been kept as companions for a very long time. Statues and paintings show dogs of this type in the ancient Mediterranean, and the AKC notes that the breed truly flourished in Renaissance Italy, where small versions of popular breeds were a status symbol among aristocrats. Renaissance painters often included these dogs in their work.

VCA says the little dogs were in England by the 1600s, and PetMD notes that the name Italian Greyhound took hold there in the early 1800s. Queen Victoria was among their admirers. The breed's popularity faded by the early 1900s, and the Second World War brought it close to extinction in Europe. After the war, enthusiasts rebuilt the population, and VCA notes that high-quality American dogs helped revive it in England.

The American Kennel Club began registering Italian Greyhounds in 1886. Early miniature greyhounds may also have hunted small game, but today the breed is kept almost entirely as a companion, with lure coursing as an outlet for its speed.

Appearance, coat & colors

The Italian Greyhound looks like a Greyhound in miniature, but much smaller and finer in every proportion. The AKC standard asks for an ideal height of 13 to 15 in (33 to 38 cm) at the withers. The standard sets no weight, but the AKC gives a typical range of 7 to 14 lb (3 to 6 kg). The build is slim and elegant, with a deep chest, tucked-up belly, long neck and long, slender legs.

The skin is fine and supple, and the coat is short and glossy, with a satiny feel. Almost any color and markings are accepted under the AKC standard, with notable exceptions: brindle markings and the tan points typical of black-and-tan breeds are disqualifications in the show ring.

The head is narrow and long, tapering to the nose, and the gait is high-stepping and free. The slender build gives the breed its grace but also calls for careful handling.

Training

Italian Greyhounds are quick to learn but also easily bored, which means training works best when sessions are short, upbeat and rewarding. VCA describes them as very sensitive, and PetMD warns that they can shut down after negative feedback. Treats, toys and soft praise get far better results than raised voices or leash corrections.

House training is often the hardest part. VCA calls the breed difficult to house train, and a dog that hates cold, wet ground will not rush outside in bad weather. Take your dog to the same spot often, reward successes heavily, keep a consistent schedule and be patient. Many owners use a crate or an indoor potty option as a backup. See our guide to crate training a puppy.

Socialize early and gently, since a nervous IG can become fearful. Teach a solid recall, but never rely on it near open spaces: sighthounds see prey and go. Many owners prefer a well-fitted harness, since a collar can slip over a narrow head.

Exercise

Italian Greyhounds have moderate energy and are often content with a daily walk or an outdoor play session. VCA describes them as quiet indoors when their exercise needs are met and says a moderate walk or a dash around a fenced space each day covers their needs. PetMD adds short jogs, indoor and outdoor play and lure coursing. Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs helps you plan.

Bursts of speed are where IGs shine, but they need a fully fenced, safe space. Never trust them off leash in unfenced areas, because the chase instinct can override training.

Be careful with jumping. VCA warns that puppies kept from running and jumping may break bones when first allowed to leap from heights, and the breed club advises watching young dogs during active play. Use ramps or steps for sofas and beds, and supervise play with larger dogs. In cool weather, dress your dog in a coat or sweater.

Grooming

This is one of the easiest coats to care for. Weekly brushing removes dead hair and keeps the skin healthy. Shedding is moderate, but the hairs are short and fine. Bathe occasionally, when your dog gets dirty, and dry thoroughly in cool weather.

The real grooming work lies in the details. Wipe around the eyes routinely to prevent tear stains. Clean the ears regularly, especially after swimming or bathing, to prevent infections. Trim nails regularly so they do not splay the toes or catch on surfaces.

Teeth are the big job. The AKC calls regular tooth brushing, ideally daily, the most important grooming task for this breed, with a professional cleaning by your vet yearly or as needed. The Italian Greyhound Club of America also recommends a DNA test for familial enamel hypoplasia, an inherited enamel defect, for breeding dogs. See our guide to brushing your dog's teeth.

Feeding

Italian Greyhounds are naturally slim, so the ribs should be easy to feel without standing out. VCA notes that owners often overfeed them, and PetMD warns that less active IGs tend to put on weight. Extra weight is hard on a small, slender dog.

Adults usually do well on two small meals a day. PetMD's example is about 1/2 to 1 cup (120 to 240 ml) daily split across two meals, but follow the food label and your vet's advice, since needs vary with age, size and activity. Our dog food calculator gives a starting estimate.

Very young or tiny puppies need frequent meals, because they can develop hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Puppies should eat at least three times a day at regular times. Choose a complete and balanced diet for the life stage, avoid free feeding, and keep treats small. Ask your vet about dental diets, supplements or portion changes.

Health

Italian Greyhounds are generally long-lived, and the AKC and PetMD both give a typical life span of 14 to 15 years. The breed club describes the breed as relatively healthy, but a few conditions come up. Patella problems, where the kneecap slips, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a form of inherited eye disease that can lead to blindness, and primary closed angle glaucoma are among the inherited conditions the club monitors with testing.

Other issues include Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, in which the head of the thighbone degenerates and causes hind-leg lameness in young dogs, hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders. Because the legs are slender, leg injuries are possible, so avoid rough play and high jumps. Keep up with tooth brushing too, since the AKC singles out dental care as a priority for IGs.

The AKC lists patella, eye and thyroid evaluations for the breed, and the breed club adds DNA tests for PRA, glaucoma and enamel hypoplasia. Ask breeders for results, keep your dog lean, and see your vet promptly for limping, a swollen leg, or any sudden pain.

Health conditions to know about

• Patellar luxation — The kneecap slips out of place, causing skipping or limping; breeding dogs should have patella evaluations.
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — Inherited eye disease that leads to blindness; a DNA test is available.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease — Degeneration of the thighbone head in young dogs, causing hind-leg lameness; vets use X-rays to diagnose it.
• Leg injuries and fractures — Slender legs are vulnerable to falls and hard jumps; supervise play and discourage leaping from heights.
• Hypothyroidism — An underactive thyroid causing weight gain, lethargy and skin or coat changes; treatable with daily medication from a vet.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Patella evaluation
• Thyroid evaluation
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist
• PRA DNA test
• Primary closed angle glaucoma (PCAG) DNA test
• Familial enamel hypoplasia DNA test

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds suit apartments well. They are small, quiet and clean, and they do not need a large yard, but they do need regular safe sprinting and a warm place to curl up. They are companions rather than guard dogs.

They do not like being left alone for long periods. Without company, they can become anxious or destructive. If you work long hours, plan for a mid-day visit or a canine companion.

Cold is the main enemy. VCA notes that the short, thin coat gives virtually no protection against cold weather. Provide sweaters, a coat in winter and a bed with blankets. They handle warm weather better but still need shade and water.

IGs can live with children who are gentle, but young kids who grab or drop a small dog can cause injuries. Their chasing instinct can also be a problem around small pets such as rabbits, so supervise any introductions, and provide steps so your dog does not leap off the sofa.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

When looking for an Italian Greyhound puppy, start with the Italian Greyhound Club of America, the AKC parent club. Its health statement lists patella and thyroid evaluations, yearly eye exams, DNA tests for PRA, primary closed angle glaucoma and enamel hypoplasia, and brucellosis tests for breeding pairs. Ask to see results for both parents.

A responsible breeder raises puppies in the home with gentle handling, introduces them to different sounds and surfaces, lets you meet the mother, provides a contract and takes the dog back if you ever cannot keep it. Avoid anyone who has puppies available at all times or sells online without meeting you.

Prices vary widely. Because IGs are small, an adult rescue can be a good fit, and rescue groups can tell you how a particular dog behaves with children and other pets. Whichever route you choose, prepare your home with soft bedding, baby gates and low steps before your puppy arrives.