fellfolioSighthound
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound that runs fast and loves to curl up near its people at home. Young dogs in particular can be injured by high jumps or rough play.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at shoulder
- 32 to 38 cm
- Weight
- 3 to 4.5 kg
- Lifespan
- over 12 years
- Activity
- Moderate
- Grooming
- Low
- Training
- Patience & clear guidance
- Owner experience
- First dog with support
A small sighthound with a mind of its own
Italian Greyhounds often form a close bond with their people. They may be cautious with strangers and unfamiliar places at first. Give the dog time to look around, and reward calm curiosity instead of insisting on greetings. Patient, reward-based training suits this clever but independent breed. Outdoors, its sighthound instincts are easy to spot: when a small animal runs, the chase may suddenly matter more than your call.
Everyday life
The UK veterinary charity PDSA suggests around an hour of exercise a day for adult Italian Greyhounds. Spread it across walks and give the dog chances to run in a securely fenced area. It may be tiny, but it is fast, and a fleeing animal can override recall in open country. While a young dog’s bones are still growing, avoid rough games with larger dogs and uncontrolled jumps. Build up time alone and introduce unfamiliar everyday situations in small steps.
Staying home alone
Dogs learn to stay home alone in small steps. The RSPCA advises no more than four hours at a time. Puppies and dogs that become unsettled when left alone need shorter absences and gradual practice. Arrange someone to care for your dog when you will be away longer.
Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗
Day-to-day care
The smooth coat usually needs only a soft brush once a week. It offers little protection from cold, so a well-fitting coat can help in chilly weather. Regular dental care matters because Italian Greyhounds can develop gum and tooth disease. Introduce daily brushing gradually, using dog-safe toothpaste. Unusual breath or red gums warrant a vet check. Watch the nails too, as overlong nails can interfere with the dog’s light, quick stride.
Size and build
The Italian Greyhound is a very small, fine-boned sighthound, standing 32 to 38 cm and weighing 3 to 4.5 kg. It has a deep chest, tucked waist and long, slender legs. The short, fine coat lies close to the body and offers little protection from cold. Its supple back gives it a flowing stride. As a youngster, it is still vulnerable to falls and rough play.
From puppy to senior: caring for your dog through every life stage ↗
Health
While an Italian Greyhound is growing, its fine bones are more vulnerable to fractures than those of a sturdier dog. A vet should check the dog after a fall or if it becomes painful or suddenly lame. PDSA also lists gum disease, epilepsy, slipping kneecaps and progressive retinal atrophy among the breed’s possible concerns. The eye condition damages the retina and may first affect vision in dim light. Time any seizure and call your vet once it ends. If it lasts more than two minutes or another occurs within 24 hours, call your vet or an emergency vet immediately.
If you are choosing a puppy, ask about the medical history of its parents and grandparents and any available eye and knee screening. Recurring seizures or lameness in close relatives are worth discussing too.
Could this breed fit your life?
Could work well if …
- You can give a small dog daily walks and occasional chances to sprint somewhere secure.
- You can protect a youngster from rough play and high jumps, and offer a warm place to rest indoors.
May be less suitable if …
- A young dog would often play unsupervised with boisterous larger dogs or small children.
- You need a dog you can reliably call back off-lead in open country.
Similar needs, different dogs.
Selected by shared size, activity, grooming and training characteristics.
Companion dog
Chihuahua
Small, alert and active, a Chihuahua still needs daily walks and short scent games, gentle introductions and protection from rough handling.
Scent hound
Dachshund (Smooth, Standard)
The Standard Smooth Dachshund is a determined hunting dog that enjoys following scents outdoors. Walks and games with hidden treats or toys give that keen nose plenty to do. Back health deserves particular attention, as Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease.
Companion dog
French Bulldog
Compact, playful and fond of company. A French Bulldog’s ability to breathe easily shapes how comfortably it can walk and play.
Sources and photograph credit
- Teaching your dog to be left alone
Used in this profile for: Staying home alone
- Dental disease in dogs
Used in this profile for: Day-to-day care, Health
- What to do if your pet has a seizure
Used in this profile for: Health
- Italian Greyhound · breed guide
Used in this profile for: Size / Weight, Temperament, Everyday life, Day-to-day care, Size and build, Health, Lifespan, Could this breed fit your life?
Photo credits
Portrait · Italian Greyhound · Lori Branham from Laguna Niguel, CA, US · CC BY 2.0 · Edited
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Side view · IMG_2513 · christina · CC BY 2.0 · Edited
Coat and features · 00000 Charcik Włoski błękitny · Tesori di Carli · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
Puppy · Charciki Włoskie, dorosły i szczeniak · Tesori di Carli · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Edited
