Breed History:

The Italian Greyhound is a small, elegant sighthound with roots tracing back over 2,000 years. Originating in the Mediterranean region, it was popular in ancient Greece and Rome, often seen in art and mosaics. During the Renaissance, the breed gained particular affection in Italy, where it acquired its modern name and was favoured by the aristocracy and nobility.

Originally bred for companionship and light hunting, the Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthound family. Today, it is prized for its affectionate nature and graceful beauty, maintaining both its regal appearance and playful charm.

Height: 32-38 cm

Weight: 4-6 kg

Size: Small

Life Expectancy: 14–15 years

Breed Appearance:

The Italian Greyhound is a slender, fine-boned dog with a graceful silhouette, arched back, and long legs. It has a narrow head, large expressive eyes, and small, folded ears. Its overall appearance is refined and aristocratic.

The coat is short, smooth, and glossy, coming in a variety of solid colours including grey, fawn, black, blue, cream, and seal, with or without white markings.

Breed Type – Companion / Sighthound:

Despite its origins as a hunter of small game, the Italian Greyhound is primarily a companion dog. It retains its sighthound instinct and loves to chase moving objects, but thrives most as a loving, sensitive lap dog.

It is deeply devoted to its family, often bonding strongly with one person. This breed is gentle, affectionate, and happiest in calm, loving environments.

Training:

Italian Greyhounds are intelligent but also sensitive and sometimes stubborn. They respond best to positive reinforcement, gentle correction, and patient, consistent training.

Socialisation is important from a young age to build confidence. House training can be a challenge due to their delicate nature and dislike of cold or wet weather.

Health & Care:

Generally, a healthy breed, but potential health concerns include:

• Leg fractures or injuries due to fine bones

• Patellar luxation

• Dental disease

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

• Epilepsy (in some lines)

Protect them from cold weather with clothing and avoid rough play or high jumps to prevent injuries.

Living Conditions:

The Italian Greyhound is ideal for apartment living or indoor homes, as long as it gets daily walks and playtime. It loves warmth, so soft bedding, sweaters in winter, and indoor comfort are a must.

They are not suited for outdoor living or rough environments and should always be kept in secure, fenced areas due to their strong chase instinct.

Exercise:

Though small, Italian Greyhounds are energetic and agile. They need daily walks and opportunities to run, ideally in safe, enclosed spaces. Short bursts of play satisfy their need for speed.

Mental stimulation through toys, light training, and interaction helps keep them happy and well-adjusted.

Grooming:

Grooming is minimal:

• Weekly brushing with a soft cloth or glove

• Occasional baths as needed

• Regular dental care is essential due to small mouths

• Nail trimming and ear cleaning as part of the routine

They have little to no odour and shed very lightly.

Advantages:

• Loving, gentle, and loyal

• Elegant and low-maintenance in grooming

• Great for apartment or indoor living

• Quiet and calm indoors

• Long lifespan

• Playful and affectionate with family

Disadvantages:

• Fragile bones – prone to injury

• Needs protection from cold and wet weather

• House training may take time

• Can be shy or timid without early socialisation

• Strong prey drive – may chase small animals

• Not ideal for rough children or chaotic households