Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthound family — a miniaturised Greyhound that has been a companion dog of the aristocracy since ancient times.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Italy
Lifespan
13–15 years
Weight
3.6–7 kg (8–15 lbs)
Height
33–38 cm (13–15 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — small-breed quality kibble; dental care is critically important
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthound family — a miniaturised Greyhound that has been a companion dog of the aristocracy since ancient times. Remains of small Greyhound-type dogs have been found in Egyptian tombs. In Renaissance Italy the breed was a fashionable companion for nobility, depicted in paintings by Old Masters. Their incredibly fine, close coat, elegant physique, and sensitive, affectionate nature make them unique among toy breeds.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Italian Greyhound is essentially a Greyhound scaled down to toy proportions — the same lean, arched body, narrow head, tucked abdomen, and long slender legs in a package weighing under 7 kg. The coat is very short, fine, and satiny — offering virtually no insulation against cold or abrasion.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-4-6-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
IGs are sensitive, gentle, and intensely bonded to their primary person. They can be shy with strangers and do not tolerate rough handling. Despite their delicate appearance they retain the sighthound's prey drive and running speed (up to 40 km/h) — they should not be off-lead in unsecured areas.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
5/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
4/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 30°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
50%
Playfulness
40%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
trembling, hiding, velcro behaviour, house soiling, excessive licking
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •IGs need daily exercise including opportunities to sprint. The very thin coat provides no protection against cold — they must wear a coat outdoors in cold weather. Dental care is critically important. Bones are fragile — jumping from heights risks leg fractures.
Nutrition Notes
Dental disease is near-universal — dental-specific food essential, daily brushing mandatory. Very lean build; ribs visible is normal. Hypoglycaemia in tiny puppies. Small-breed formula. Epilepsy in some lines may benefit from ketogenic-supportive diet.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Leg fractures extremely common (fine-boned) — avoid jumping from heights. Dental disease — expect multiple extractions by age 8. PRA. Epilepsy. Colour dilution alopecia (blue/fawn). Cold sensitivity extreme — clothing essential in cool weather. House training notoriously difficult. Long-lived (13-15 years).
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Leg fractures are disproportionately common due to extremely fine bone structure. Dental disease is nearly universal without rigorous preventive care. Epilepsy occurs at elevated rates. Progressive retinal atrophy and vitreous degeneration affect the breed. Anaesthetic sensitivity (sighthound) is important.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Dental costs are the primary ongoing expense (annual cleaning + extractions ₹5,000-15,000 India). Leg fracture surgery can cost ₹30,000-80,000 India. Dog clothing essential. India: warm climate suits them, but fragile bones are a concern.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $3,000
Adoption Fee
$100 to $400
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Italian Greyhounds have been depicted in art for over 2,000 years — their slim, elegant profile makes them immediately recognisable in paintings from Pompeii through the Renaissance.
Frederick the Great of Prussia was so devoted to his Italian Greyhounds that he requested burial alongside them at Sans Souci Palace.
Despite their fragile appearance, Italian Greyhounds are capable of outrunning most dogs — top speed approximately 40 km/h.
