Italian Greyhound
A miniature sighthound of exquisite elegance - graceful, affectionate and surprisingly athletic for its tiny frame.
Personality Traits
History and Origins
The Italian Greyhound has been a companion of the nobility for over 2,000 years. Miniature greyhound-type dogs appear in Mediterranean art from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The breed was refined in Renaissance Italy, where it became the darling of aristocratic households. Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great and Queen Victoria all kept Italian Greyhounds.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Italian Greyhound is a true sighthound that retains the chase instinct of its larger cousins. In the modern era, they have gained a devoted following among those who appreciate their unique combination of elegance, athleticism and affection.
Appearance
The Italian Greyhound is a miniature version of the Greyhound, standing 33-38 cm at the shoulder and weighing just 3.5-5 kg. The fine-boned, graceful body features the classic sighthound curves - a deep chest, tucked waist and long, slender legs. The short, glossy coat comes in many colours including fawn, blue, black, red and cream, with or without white markings. The expression is gentle and alert, with large, dark eyes.
Is a Italian Greyhound Right for You?
Italian Greyhounds suit owners who want a devoted, portable companion with an elegant presence. They thrive on closeness and do best with owners who spend a lot of time at home. They are not suitable for rough-and-tumble households with young children as their fine bones can be injured easily.
They are sensitive, sometimes anxious dogs that need gentle handling and patience. Their small size makes them adaptable to flat living but they still need daily exercise and enjoy short bursts of speed.
Living with a Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are velcro dogs that want to be touching their owner at all times. They will burrow under blankets, curl up in laps and follow you from room to room. They feel the cold intensely and need warm clothing for winter outings. House training can be challenging - many owners use indoor options as backup.
Despite their fragile appearance, they are surprisingly fast and can achieve impressive speeds in short sprints. Their prey drive means they will chase small animals and should always be on lead near roads.
Training Tips
- Be patient with house training - consider indoor options for bad weather
- Handle gently - their fine bones are more fragile than larger breeds
- Provide warm clothing and bedding - they chill easily
- Use positive reinforcement exclusively - they are very sensitive
- Teach solid recall before allowing off-lead in secure areas
Temperament
Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, gentle and sensitive. They form intense bonds with their owners and can suffer separation anxiety if left alone. They are generally friendly with people they know but can be timid with strangers and in new situations.
They have a playful, clownish side and enjoy brief bursts of energy followed by long periods of cuddling. They are not aggressive dogs but can be vocal when excited or anxious.
Exercise Needs
Around 30-45 minutes of exercise daily. They enjoy short walks and brief sprints in secure, enclosed areas. Their thin skin and fine bones mean rough terrain and very cold weather should be avoided. Indoor play and games can supplement outdoor exercise in bad weather. They tire quickly but recover fast, preferring several short activity bursts to one long walk.
Grooming
Minimal grooming needed. The short, fine coat requires only occasional wiping with a soft cloth. They shed very little. Dental care is particularly important as Italian Greyhounds are prone to dental problems - daily tooth brushing is strongly recommended. Regular nail trimming is essential as their fine feet are sensitive.
Health
Italian Greyhounds are prone to dental disease, which is their primary health concern. Leg fractures can occur due to their fine bone structure, particularly in young dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), epilepsy and hypothyroidism have been reported. Patellar luxation can affect the knee joints. Despite these concerns, they are generally long-lived dogs averaging 13-15 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Italian Greyhounds hard to house train?
They can be challenging. Their small bladders and dislike of cold or wet weather can make outdoor toileting difficult. Many owners use puppy pads as a backup option, particularly in winter.
Can Italian Greyhounds live with cats?
It depends on the individual. Their sighthound prey drive means some will chase cats, while others raised with cats from puppyhood can coexist peacefully. Careful introductions are essential.
Do Italian Greyhounds need coats?
Absolutely. Their thin coat and low body fat mean they feel the cold intensely. A warm coat is essential for winter walks and many IGs appreciate indoor jumpers too.
Are Italian Greyhounds fragile?
Their fine bones are more susceptible to fractures than sturdier breeds, particularly in puppies. Supervised play, avoiding high jumps and careful handling reduce the risk significantly.
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