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Italian Greyhound characteristics at a glance
| Characteristic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Size | The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists a height of 13–15 inches and a weight of 7–14 pounds. The Italian Greyhound Club of America (IGCA) standard gives an ideal height of 13–15 inches. These are reference figures, not a guarantee for every dog. |
| Life expectancy | About 13–15 years across AKC and IGCA descriptions; individuals may live shorter or longer. |
| Coat and build | Short, smooth and glossy coat; fine bone structure and a slender, Greyhound-like outline. |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, alert and sensitive, with a sighthound’s instinct to chase moving animals. |
| Best-known care needs | Close companionship, secure outdoor activity, regular tooth brushing and nail care, and protection from prolonged exposure to severe cold. |
The IGCA-hosted breed standard describes the Italian Greyhound as similar to a Greyhound but “much smaller and more slender in all proportions.” It specifies an elegant outline, narrow elongated head, arched neck, deep narrow chest, fine-boned legs and hare feet. Most colors and markings are accepted under the standard, with disqualifications for brindle and tan markings of the black-and-tan type. The standard was approved December 14, 1976. Read the IGCA-hosted AKC breed standard.
What is an Italian Greyhound’s temperament like?
The AKC describes the breed as alert, playful and highly affectionate. The IGCA also emphasizes intelligence, sensitivity and a close bond with the owner and immediate family. Many remain playful beyond puppyhood. That people-oriented temperament can make them devoted companions, but prospective owners should be prepared for a dog that wants regular attention rather than long periods of isolation.
These are sighthounds, not just small companion dogs. A cat, squirrel or other small animal moving quickly may trigger pursuit. Training and a strong bond are valuable, but they do not eliminate that instinct. Outdoors, use a secure lead or a properly enclosed area rather than relying on recall in an unfenced space.
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The breed’s history is often associated with southern Europe and Renaissance Italy, as described by the IGCA. Treat older origin stories as historical tradition rather than proof of an unbroken modern breed lineage. The AKC says it recognized the breed in 1886 and describes it as a miniature Greyhound and coursing hound. See the AKC breed overview.
Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs?
They can be, but compatibility depends on the individual dog, children’s ages and behavior, supervision, and the household’s experience with small, sensitive dogs. The IGCA cautions that very young or rambunctious children and large, active dogs can be a poor match for a dog with fine bone structure and a sometimes timid or sensitive personality. The AKC’s broad family-suitability profile is not a guarantee for every household.
- Supervise every interaction between a child and an Italian Greyhound, especially around play, food and rest.
- Teach children to approach calmly and handle the dog gently; do not allow rough play or jumping from arms or furniture.
- Give the dog a quiet place where it can retreat without being followed.
- Introduce the dog to children, visitors and new situations early and continue socialization as it matures.
- Consider the temperament and size of other pets. A large, boisterous dog may overwhelm a small, sensitive companion.
Italian Greyhounds can adapt to city or country living, including apartments, according to the IGCA. A small home does not remove the need for outdoor activity, safe movement and companionship.
How much exercise does an Italian Greyhound need?
The IGCA says playtime is often sufficient activity, particularly in a multi-dog household, and that many Italian Greyhounds also enjoy lead walks. The goal is regular, appropriate movement—not automatically strenuous distance running. Adjust activity to the dog’s age, fitness, health and weather, and consult your veterinarian if you are unsure what is suitable.
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Keep outdoor activity secure
- Use a lead outdoors unless the dog is inside a secure, enclosed area. A martingale-type lead is recommended by the IGCA.
- At dog parks, supervise closely and favor spaces where small dogs can be separated from larger, rougher playmates.
- Do not assume obedience training will prevent a sudden chase after a small animal.
Take extra care with puppies
Puppies need exercise and attention that help build strength and dexterity, but they may leap from furniture before they understand the risk. Supervise access to beds, tables and stairs as appropriate to the puppy and home, and prevent unsafe jumps from high surfaces.
What to expect when caring for an Italian Greyhound
Dental care
Plan for routine tooth brushing, preferably daily, and a professional dental examination each year, as the IGCA recommends. A dog toothbrush and canine toothpaste can make brushing practical; use products intended for dogs. The importance of dental care is also reflected in a 2025 UK owner-response survey by the Italian Greyhound Club: among 284 responses, 42 owners reported periodontal disease, the most frequently reported issue. Those figures describe that survey sample, not the rate of disease in the breed as a whole. Read the 2025 survey results.
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Nails and coat
Keep nails short with regular attention. The IGCA puppy-care guidance says nails may need grinding or filing one to three times weekly as needed to avoid interfering with stance, and cautions against cutting into the quick. A dog nail file or electric dog nail grinder is one possible tool; introduce handling gradually and use a method you can manage safely.
The short, smooth coat needs little grooming. The AKC says gentle brushing and infrequent bathing are usually adequate. The AKC care overview covers coat care alongside other breed information.
Food and weight
Feed an age-appropriate, quality diet and monitor body condition and calorie intake; treats can add up. The IGCA describes three meals daily until at least six months for many puppies and generally two meals daily for adults. Use those as club guidance, not a fixed prescription: ask your veterinarian to individualize portions and timing. A veterinarian should supervise and approve any home-prepared diet.
Cold weather and comfort
Short hair and little body fat make prolonged exposure to extreme cold unsuitable for this breed. The IGCA also describes sensitivity to cold and rain, and says Italian Greyhounds are not suited to living outdoors, in a kennel or in a basement. Plan brief, weather-appropriate outdoor activity and a comfortable indoor place to rest. A well-fitted Italian Greyhound dog sweater or coat for cold weather is an optional layer for some dogs, depending on climate and the individual; check that it allows free movement and that the dog is comfortable in it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Health, screening and lifespan
The IGCA characterizes Italian Greyhounds as relatively healthy and says they are sturdier than their appearance might suggest. Its health statement notes reports of allergies, leg injuries, digestive issues, seizures and autoimmune disorders, though not to a great extent. This is a breed-club overview, not a diagnosis or a prediction for an individual dog.
The IGCA health-testing statement approved by its board on February 16, 2026, gives the following screening guidance. Discuss how it applies to a particular dog with a veterinarian, and ask breeders for actual test results rather than relying on assurances alone. Read the IGCA health-testing statement.
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| Screening or test | IGCA guidance |
|---|---|
| Patella evaluation | Once after 12 months of age. |
| Thyroid blood evaluation | Annually from ages two through four, then every two years until age eight. |
| Ophthalmologist evaluation | Annually until age ten. |
| Breeding-related DNA tests | For breeders: susceptibility testing for progressive retinal atrophy and primary closed-angle glaucoma, familial enamel hypoplasia testing, and genetic-diversity testing. |
| Brucellosis testing | For breeding dogs, before each breeding. |
AKC listings put life expectancy at 14–15 years, and the IGCA says reaching 14 or 15, sometimes longer, is not unusual. Taken together, about 13–15 years is a reasonable expectation, not a promise.
Choosing an Italian Greyhound breeder or rescue
The IGCA says responsible breeders should raise puppies in a household environment, choose homes carefully, breed toward the standard, remain available if health issues arise and take back a dog if an owner cannot keep it. The club also says pet-quality dogs should be spayed or neutered. Ask to see parents’ health-test results and check relevant health registries; AKC breeder status alone does not establish responsible practices.
Warning signs identified by the IGCA include sellers who advertise shipment anywhere, offer puppies younger than eight weeks (the club says ideally they remain with the breeder until 10–12 weeks), always have many litters available, promote “rare” colors or sizes, or breed dogs before age two. The club provides breeder referrals and Italian Greyhound rescue information.
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