Italian Greyhound
PlayfulSensitiveAlert
Italy · 14–15 years
About the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a miniature sighthound that has been a beloved companion of nobility for over 2,000 years. Favored by Italian Renaissance courts — hence the name — these elegant little dogs are the smallest of the sighthound family. They combine the grace and speed of their larger Greyhound cousins with a cuddly, affectionate lap-dog temperament. Italian Greyhounds are slender, fine-boned, and incredibly fast for their size, capable of reaching 25 mph. They are gentle, sensitive, and deeply attached to their owners, often described as living velvet.
Breed stats
- Height
- 13–15 in
- Weight
- 7–14 lbs
- Lifespan
- 14–15 years
- Group
- Toy
- Coat
- Short, fine, smooth, glossy
- Origin
- Italy
Coat colors
- Black
- Blue
- Fawn
- Red
- Cream
- Seal
- Sable
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
30–45 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–0.75 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Leg fractures
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Dental disease
Not every Italian Greyhound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Italian Greyhounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Italian Greyhounds are among the most fragile dog breeds due to their extremely fine, delicate bone structure. Leg fractures are one of the most common health issues in the breed, especially in puppies and young dogs under 2 years old whose bones are still developing. They can break a leg jumping off furniture, rough-housing with larger dogs, or even running on uneven ground. Owners need to be vigilant about preventing situations where a fall or impact could cause injury. Many owners use ramps for furniture and avoid letting IGs jump from heights.
- Italian Greyhounds are widely considered one of the most difficult breeds to housetrain. Their small bladder size, sensitivity to cold and wet weather (they often refuse to go outside in rain), and stubborn streak create a challenging combination. Many IG owners find that housetraining takes significantly longer than with other breeds — sometimes a year or more. Consistent routine, positive reinforcement, and patience are essential. Many owners use indoor potty solutions like pee pads or litter boxes as backup, especially in cold or rainy climates.
- Yes, Italian Greyhounds absolutely need clothes in cold weather. Their extremely thin coat, virtually no body fat, and lean build provide zero insulation against the cold. Most IGs are visibly uncomfortable below 50°F (10°C) and will shiver, tremble, and refuse to go outdoors without a warm coat. Many IG owners maintain a wardrobe of sweaters, fleece pajamas, waterproof jackets, and even boots. Indoor clothing is also common in winter months, as these dogs seek warmth constantly — burrowing under blankets, sitting on heating vents, and seeking sun patches.
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