Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are delicate toy sighthounds known for grace, speed, and a strong desire to snuggle with their people. They enjoy short sprints and playful bursts, followed by long periods of cuddling under blankets. Because they are sensitive and somewhat fragile, gentle handling and positive training matter. Italian Greyhounds are prone to feeling cold and may need sweaters in cooler weather. With safe exercise and a cozy home, they’re affectionate companions with an elegant, quiet presence.
The Italian Greyhound is a small dog in the Toy group, known for Affectionate, Sensitive, Playful. Adults typically weigh 7-14 lbs and stand 13-15 in, with a lifespan around 13-15 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Toy
- Size: small
- Lifespan: 13-15 years
- Weight: 7-14 lbs
- Height: 13-15 in
- Temperament: Affectionate, Sensitive, Playful, Graceful
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Italian Greyhound is often described as Affectionate, Sensitive, Playful, Graceful. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Toy breeds were developed primarily as companions. Many are people-focused and adaptable, but they still need enrichment, training, and routine.
Small dogs learn the same way big dogs do. Teach leash manners, handling comfort, and polite greetings to prevent “small dog syndrome.”
Many toys do well with shorter, frequent activity plus indoor enrichment. Their brains still need work even if their legs don’t need miles.
History
Italian Greyhounds have ancient roots and were popular as companions among European nobility. They were bred smaller than standard Greyhounds while retaining the same sighthound elegance.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Protect from cold weather; short coats and low body fat chill easily.
- Train gently and handling—sensitivity is common.
- Provide safe sprint opportunities and supervised play.
- Be careful on slippery floors and with jumps; legs can be fragile.
- Maintain dental care; small breeds often need extra attention.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Italian Greyhound include Whippet, Greyhound, Papillon, Chinese Crested.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Italian Greyhounds get?
Most adult Italian Greyhounds fall around 7-14 lbs and stand 13-15 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
The typical lifespan is 13-15 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Italian Greyhound temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Affectionate, Sensitive, Playful, Graceful. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Italian Greyhound from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.