Italian Greyhound
A miniature sighthound with a maximum personality — fast, sensitive, and deeply attached to their person. They shiver without a sweater, bolt without a fence, and will absolutely sleep under the covers with you. Fragile enough that roughhousing is a real risk, but for gentle owners they're devoted little shadows.
Free weekly training plan, specific to your Italian Greyhound’s age. Exactly what to focus on this week.
Get your free training planLiving with a Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a living sculpture with a pulse. Descended from ancient sighthounds kept by nobility in Renaissance Italy, they were bred for companionship and coursing small game, but today they’re all about being your shadow in a 13 to 15 inch frame. Weighing just 7 to 14 pounds, they’re not delicate by design but they are fragile in practice, this is a dog that can break a leg from a bad misstep off the couch.
You’ll need to puppy-proof like you would for a toddler and keep them leashed in open areas. They’re not built for roughhousing. Day-to-day, they’re alert, affectionate to the point of clinginess, and surprisingly playful for a couch potato in disguise.
They’ll sprint five laps around the house at 2 a.m, then curl up under your blanket until noon. Their energy is a 3 out of 5, but it’s bursts, not endurance. A short daily walk and some indoor zoomies are enough.
Trainability is solid. 4 out of 5, because they’re smart and eager to please, but their sensitivity means harsh tones or inconsistency will shut them down. Positive reinforcement only.
Grooming is easy: short coat, shedding a moderate 3 out of 5, a quick rubdown with a chamois cloth keeps them gleaming. But don’t be fooled by the low maintenance coat, they’re cold-blooded in every sense. In anything below 50°F, they need a sweater and booties.
I’m not exaggerating. I live in the Pacific Northwest and my IG won’t step outside without a full onesie. Health-wise, watch for patellar luxation, epilepsy, and PRA.
Reputable breeders do genetic testing, so don’t skip vetting the breeder. Even then, expect vet bills, this isn’t a breed for someone on a tight budget. With a lifespan of 14 to 15 years, you’re signing up for a long, loving commitment.
Best for apartment dwellers, seniors, or gentle families who value quiet companionship. Not for homes with boisterous kids or outdoor lifestyles in cold climates. My take?
The Italian Greyhound isn’t just a small dog with style. They’re an emotional support animal who happens to look like a supermodel. If you want a dog that mirrors your mood and adores being part of your stillness as much as your movement, they’re unmatched.
But they need your protection, literally and emotionally.
14 traits, at a glance.
Every breed on PuppyBase is rated across the 14 trait dimensions the American Kennel Club publishes — from trainability to drooling level. The higher the score, the better the fit for that trait.
What to expect day-to-day
Things to screen for
- Patellar luxation
- Epilepsy
- Leg Fractures
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
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Common questions
How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
Italian Greyhounds typically live between 14 and 15 years, making them one of the longer-lived toy breeds with proper care.
How much does a Italian Greyhound puppy cost?
Expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,500 for an Italian Greyhound puppy, with most reputable breeders charging around $2,500.
How much do Italian Greyhounds shed?
They shed moderately year-round, but their short, smooth coat keeps shedding manageable and easy to clean up.
What colors do Italian Greyhounds come in?
Italian Greyhounds come in a wide range of colors including black, blue, cream, fawn, red, sable, seal, and white.
How big do Italian Greyhounds get?
They stand 13 to 15 inches tall and usually weigh between 7 and 14 pounds, making them a small, slender toy breed.
Are Italian Greyhounds smart?
Yes, they're highly intelligent and learn quickly, especially when training is gentle and consistent.
Are Italian Greyhounds hypoallergenic?
No, Italian Greyhounds are not hypoallergenic, despite their short coat; they still shed and produce dander.
Are Italian Greyhounds aggressive?
No, they're not aggressive by nature; they're sensitive and affectionate, but can be shy with sudden movements or loud handling.
What health problems are common in Italian Greyhounds?
They’re prone to patellar luxation, leg fractures from jumping or rough play, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Do Italian Greyhounds bark a lot?
They bark moderately, usually to alert or express excitement, but aren’t considered excessive barkers like some small breeds.
Are Italian Greyhounds easy to train?
Yes, they’re highly trainable with positive reinforcement, though their sensitivity means harsh corrections will backfire.
Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs?
They can be, but only in gentle homes; they’re not suited for families with young children who play roughly.
Are Italian Greyhounds good with cats?
They usually get along with cats, especially if raised together, but their sighthound instinct may trigger around small, fast-moving animals.
Can Italian Greyhounds live in apartments?
Absolutely, they adapt well to apartment living as long as they get daily walks and a safe space to zoom indoors.
Do Italian Greyhounds need sweaters in winter?
Yes, their thin coat and low body fat mean they get cold easily; a sweater is essential in chilly weather.
Are Italian Greyhounds good hunting dogs?
They were originally bred to hunt small game in ancient Italy and still have strong prey drive, though most now live as companions.
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