Italian Greyhound
Quick Summary
Elegant, sensitive companions ideal for gentle owners seeking an affectionate indoor dog. Best suited for quiet homes with consistent routines and protected environments.
Contents
Weight Range
7-14 lbs
♂ Male: 7-14 lbs
♀ Female: 7-14 lbs
Height Range
33-38 inches
♂ Male: 13-15"
♀ Female: 13-15"
Life Expectancy
14-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #52
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Toy Group
Originally bred for Refined in Italy during the Renaissance period as companion dogs for nobility, these graceful hounds served as cherished pets in palaces and estates across Europe
Popularity
#73
Moderately popular breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 13"-15" |
| Female Height | 13"-15" |
| Male Weight | 7-14 lbs |
| Female Weight | 7-14 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($1,500-$2,500), supplies, and spay/neuter. Monthly expenses cover premium food, preventive care, and dental maintenance. Regular veterinary care essential due to breed-specific health concerns.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Sensitive and devoted companions displaying gentle affection toward family members. Energy levels vary between sprinting bursts and calm periods. Social behavior tends toward shy around strangers but loving with familiar faces.
Social Needs
Highly dependent on human companionship, requiring constant attention and interaction. Generally good with other dogs but can be timid. Struggles with extended periods alone and needs gradual separation training.
Breed Overview
Italian Greyhounds embody elegance with their slender build, fine-boned structure, and graceful gait. Standing 13-15 inches tall, these refined canines feature a sleek coat, long legs, and distinctive arched back. Their large, expressive eyes and small, folded ears contribute to their alert, aristocratic appearance. Despite their delicate frame, they possess remarkable agility and speed.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Gentle and affectionate
- ✓ Low grooming needs
- ✓ Excellent apartment dog
- ✓ Minimal shedding
Cons
- ✗ Fragile bone structure
- ✗ Cold sensitivity
- ✗ Challenging to housebreak
- ✗ Separation anxiety prone
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Playful, Alert, Sensitive |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 30-45 minutes of daily exercise, including short sprints and indoor play. Moderate intensity activities suit their build, with a mix of walks and supervised off-leash running in secure areas. Sensitive to cold weather during outdoor activities.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food daily, divided into 2-3 meals. Small kibble size preferred due to delicate jaw structure. Monitor weight carefully to prevent obesity despite slim frame.
Feed 1/4 to 1/2 cup premium dry food daily, divided into 2-3 meals. Choose small-kibble formulas appropriate for toy breeds. Consider supplements for bone health and maintain consistent feeding schedule.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adapts well to apartment living, requiring minimal space. Thrives in warm, indoor environments with soft bedding and protected areas. Must be sheltered from extreme temperatures.
Minimal space requirements make them ideal for apartment living. Prefers warm, draft-free environments with soft resting areas. Highly adaptable to indoor living but needs secure outdoor spaces for exercise.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Noble companions of Italian aristocracy during the Renaissance, these diminutive sighthounds were bred down from larger Greyhounds to create the perfect lapdog. Their popularity spread through European courts as symbols of refinement.
Historical Purpose
Refined in Italy during the Renaissance period as companion dogs for nobility, these graceful hounds served as cherished pets in palaces and estates across Europe.
Fun Fact
Despite their delicate appearance, Italian Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Requires protection from cold weather, careful handling due to delicate bone structure, and consistent dental care. Cannot tolerate rough play or extended outdoor exposure.