Italian Greyhound

Italians can appreciate true elegance, and the Italian Greyhound embodies this trait. The breed is known for its slender physique and affectionate nature, but there’s much more to learn about these unique little dogs.

Country of Origin

Italy
Breed Group

Toy
Height

Male 13-15 In
Female 6-13 In
Weight

Male 6-15 Ib
Female 6-15 Ib
Life Span

14-15 years

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In a Nutshell

The Italian Greyhound is a small yet energetic breed, adored for its elegance and affectionate personality. They were bred as companion dogs and continue to be loving family pets today. Italian Greyhounds are loyal, gentle, and playful furry friends for life (FFLs).

Life With a Italian Greyhound

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

The Italian Greyhound stands out with its slender appearance. Its short, smooth coat comes in various colors. Despite its small size, the Italian Greyhound has a muscular, athletic build. This dog is not as fragile as you might think!

Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, playful, and gentle. They form strong bonds with their families, get along with other pets, and are known for their loyalty and companionship. While they can be somewhat standoffish with strangers, they are usually friendly and social once they become comfortable, especially if their owners have taken the time to help them socialize.

Common Health Problems

Despite their small size and fragile appearance, Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. However, if you're interested in purebred "Iggies", it's important to get them only from regulated breeders to reduce the likelihood of serious hereditary breed diseases. Also, due to their tendency to suffer from traumatic fractures, it's highly recommended to avoid rough play and jumping from heights.

Did you know?

Enrolling in Animalia Pet Insurance
while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

Waiting until a disease develops means it won't be covered.

A tip from a vet

Some dogs of this breed, mainly Italian Greyhounds with a blue or fawn coat, suffer from a medical condition called Colour Dilution Alopecia, which causes visible fur thinning but does not indicate any issues beyond external ones.

A tip from a trainer

While dogs of this breed are intelligent and strive to please, they can also be sensitive and even stubborn, so gentle and patient training that is still consistent works best.

Did You Know

Late-night host Seth Meyers is the proud owner of an Italian Greyhound named Frisbee, who has even appeared on his show.

Tika the Iggy, an Italian Greyhound, has become a social media sensation, charming millions with her fashionable outfits and adorable demeanor.

Catherine the Great admired Italian Greyhounds, owning several with unique names like Sir Tom Anderson and Zemira. A famous portrait of her features one of her beloved dogs.

In The News

In 2016, reality TV star Kylie Jenner skipped the American Music Awards when her Italian Greyhound, Bambi, went into labor. Good call!

The History Behind the Breed

The Italian Greyhound’s impressive history is rather ancient, dating back over 2,000 years. Bred primarily as companion dogs, they were also helpful in hunting small game.

During the Renaissance, Italian Greyhounds became popular across Europe, particularly in Italy, where they acquired their name. The breed’s popularity quickly reached England and America, and it was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1886. Today, they are beloved pets known for their affectionate nature and elegant looks.

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