Italian Greyhound
Published: Last updated: by Kyle J. LarsonAverage size and lifespan
Weight: 7-14lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 15 Years
Behavior
- Affection
- Kid-Friendly
- Stranger-Friendly
- Dog-Friendly
- Barking Amount
Care
- Grooming Difficulty
- Shedding Amount
- Easy to Train
- Can Be Alone
- Exercise Need
Environment
- Cold Tolerance
- Heat Tolerance
- Apartment-Friendly
Italian Greyhound Information
The Italian Greyhound has the same grace and speed as the Greyhound, just in a smaller package. Much smaller – the breed is barely a foot tall with a very slender build. Experts debate whether the Italian was bred for hunting small animals or simply for providing companionship. We may never know since the breed’s history dates back more than 2,000 years.
As a pet, the Italian Greyhound is playful and highly affectionate with a sensitive nature. His satin fur can vary in color, from white to black and nearly every color in between, and requires very little maintenance.
Italian Greyhound History
The Italian Greyhound is thought to be from over 2000 years ago in what is now Greece & Turkey. There have been discoveries of ancient art displaying small greyhounds as well as uncovered skeletons of the breed.
The breed became one of the favorites in Renaissance Italy. They were found in Pompeii and depicted in Emperor Nero’s court. Similar breeds have also been found in mummified remains in Egypt.
Italian Greyhound Training & Temperament
These dogs are smart & sensitive and can also be stubborn. They can be a little tougher to train, but respond well to praise & treats. They enjoy the company of people and make a good companion dog, but may be aloof when it comes to strangers. They are somewhat fragile and need to be careful when playing.
Italian Greyhound Exercise
Italian Greyhounds need to burn off energy with regular exercise. This can be done with some backyard playtime or a walk. Be careful of bringing this tiny pup to a dog park unless there is an area for small dogs, as they are fragile.
Italian Greyhound Grooming
This breed requires low maintenance, including the rare bath when dirty. They can be brushed gently. It’s important to look after & brush their teeth and have their nails trimmed.
Italian Greyhound Health
These dogs are generally healthy. Take care of them when playing with children or other dogs. They can have issues with leg breaks (typically under the age of 2) if playing too rough. They also can be prone to periodontal disease which can be prevented by taking good care of their teeth.
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Greyhound, https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/
All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!
Breed FAQs
Can Italian Greyhounds be apartment dogs?
The Italian Greyhound is an excellent apartment dog. They don't need as much space for activity and will be happy in a condo or apartment.
Can Italian Greyhounds be left alone?
Italian Greyhounds are extremely social and need lots of interaction with their owners. They don't like being left alone and will likely become destructive or anxious if left for long periods.
Are Italian Greyhounds good with kids?
Italian Greyhounds aren't a good breed for people with kids. They may be able to live with children given some training, but they don't do well with rowdy behavior.
Are Italian Greyhounds friendly with strangers?
Although Italian Greyhounds can take a bit to warm up to a stranger, they are mostly friendly with others.
Do Italian Greyhounds get along with other dogs?
Although Italian Greyhounds will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.
Do Italian Greyhounds bark a lot?
Italian Greyhounds don't bark very often of may never bark. Most barking is trained or in extreme situations.
Do Italian Greyhounds shed a lot?
Italian Greyhounds shed a medium amount. They will have seasonal shedding, but aren't terrible to clean up after.
Do Italian Greyhounds need a lot of grooming?
With a Italian Greyhound you won't need to dedicate any extra time to special grooming. Their coats are easy to deal with.
Do Italian Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?
A Italian Greyhound will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.
Are Italian Greyhounds easy to train?
Most Italian Greyhounds are stubborn and will take extra work to train. They can still learn trained behaviors, but will take more effort.
Can Italian Greyhounds handle cold weather?
Expect Italian Greyhounds to not do well with the cold. If you live in a cold climate you'll need to take special consideration for this breed.
Can Italian Greyhounds handle hot weather?
Although Italian Greyhounds can tolerate hot conditions, be careful not to expose them for too long.
Getting a New Dog?