A smiling Italian Greyhound.

Italian Greyhound

Height

12 - 15"

Weight

6 - 10 lbs

Type

Toy

Life Expectancy

13 - 15 years

Area of Origin

Italy

The Italian Greyhound is a graceful, endearing breed that has noble European roots. Today, they are well-known for being both a beloved household pet and an award-winning dog show competitor. Dainty and good-natured, the miniature Greyhound stands as a testament to its heritage as a toy version of site hounds, heralded for their ability to chase prey by sight rather than scent. In the home, Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, playful, and friendly. They make great family dogs and are very amenable to urban living.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Italian Greyhounds From?

The Italian Greyhound is best known for its origins in Italy, where owning one was considered a symbol of wealth and prestige during the Renaissance.

However, various artistic works and archeological findings suggest that the breed truly originated over 1,000 years prior, in present-day Turkey and Greece. Nonetheless, the miniature Greyhounds gained popularity in the 1600s as a royal pet, owned by the likes of Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, and Anne of Denmark. It was nearly 300 years later when the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club and popularized in North America.

Standardization efforts were most successful in the United States, and, after World War II, Europe began importing stock from America. Today, the breed is as equally regarded as an affectionate family pet as it is a champion show dog, with numerous lure coursing and “Best in Show” titles awarded in recent years.

Caring for an Italian Greyhound

What Kind of Diet Does an Italian Greyhound Need?

The Italian Greyhound thrives on a high-quality, small-breed diet. If in an urban environment with limited outdoor exercise, careful portion control is required to prevent overeating.

How Much Grooming Does an Italian Greyhound Need?

The short coat of the Italian Greyhound requires very little grooming. Bathing once per month is more than sufficient.

They are predisposed to dental disease and should have their teeth brushed regularly. Also, their toenails grow quickly and should be clipped routinely.

Are Italian Greyhounds Healthy Dogs?

The Italian Greyhound is a relatively healthy breed, with an average life expectancy of 13 to 15 years. Possible medical issues include ocular conditions, such as glaucoma, juvenile cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), vitreous degeneration, and corneal atrophy. Additional medical predispositions include epilepsy, inherited alopecic conditions, and cryptorchidism.

Lastly, risk of limb fracture is of particular concern due to the slender and delicate conformation of their legs.

How Much Training Does an Italian Greyhound Need?

Italian Greyhounds are quite bright and generally agreeable to training. They are well known for their affinity for lure coursing in competitive environments.

Potty training, however, can be challenging for this breed. Positive reinforcement training with treat rewards is recommended.

How Much Exercise Do Italian Greyhounds Need?

Italian Greyhounds are active and have moderate exercise requirements. Daily walks and playtime are recommended.

They get cold easily and prefer to be in warm, dry environments. Weather-protective clothing is recommended as needed. It is also important to be sure that the breed is always leashed or in a fenced-in yard, as they are inclined to chase after small animals.

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of an Italian Greyhound?

How Big Are Italian Greyhounds?

The Italian Greyhound perfectly resembles a Greyhound, but in tiny form. They have a thin, deep-chested, agile body with long, limber limbs. A high-stepping, graceful gait is also characteristic of the breed. They average between 12 – 15 inches in height and weigh between 6 and 10 pounds.

The Italian Greyhound Look

The Italian Greyhound has a narrow, long head and flat skull. The nose is also long, and tapers as it extends from the skull. The eyes are medium in size and typically dark brown. The ears are thin, folded over and pulled back when relaxed.

The Italian Greyhound Body

This breed boasts a long, slender neck that is set atop an arched, medium-length torso. The chest is deep and the hind end slopes downward into the back limbs. Although still well-muscled and defined, the body is generally thinner and less muscled than a full-sized Greyhound.

Do Italian Greyhounds Have Long Tails?

The tail is slim, long, and tapered. It is carried low and with a slight curve.

Italian Greyhound Front Legs

The forelimbs are quite long and straight. The musculature is average, and the bones are delicate. The feet are strong.

What Color Coat Does an Italian Greyhound Have?

The coat of the Italian Greyhound is short and silky. There are a large variety of potential coat colors. The most popular colors include blue, cream, grey, and fawn. White markings are commonly part of the color scheme as well.

Italian Greyhound Back Legs

The hindlimbs are similar to the front limbs in that they are long, but they are far more muscular. When seen from behind, the hindlimbs are parallel. The feet are similar to the feet of a hare, in that the middle toes are longer than the outer ones.

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