Italian Greyhound
Affectionate Agile Apartment-friendly Athletic Companionable Great with kids High energy dog Intelligent Lapdog Loves hot weather Low maintenance Mischievous Sheds a lot Toy

Italian Greyhound

Height 13 - 15 in (33 - 38 cm)
Weight 7 - 15 lbs (3 - 7 kg)
Lifespan 12 - 15 years
Origin Unknown

Is a Italian Greyhound Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Do you need a dog that’s comfortable living in an apartment?

Will the dog need to thrive in small living spaces?

Are you looking for a dog suited for urban life?

Do you live in a hot climate?

Do you live in a hot climate?

Breed Characteristics

The majority of sources suggest that Italian Greyhounds need around 1 hour of exercise per day, which aligns with a rating of 4 on the scale.

How much exercise does Italian Greyhound need?

Low High
Italian Greyhounds have minimal grooming needs, with routine bathing and occasional brushing. Nail trimming and teeth brushing are important, but overall grooming requirements are low.

How much grooming does Italian Greyhound need?

Low High
Italian Greyhounds are generally intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement methods. However, housetraining can be a challenge for some individuals, leading to mixed experiences in training difficulty.

Is Italian Greyhound easy to train?

Low High
Italian Greyhounds are generally described as intelligent, quick to learn, and responsive to training. While there are mentions of some independence and stubbornness, the overall consensus leans towards them being intelligent and trainable.

How intelligent is Italian Greyhound?

Low High
Italian Greyhounds are generally not excessive barkers, but they may bark to communicate or alert their owners. While some individuals may bark more due to boredom or specific situations, overall they are considered quiet compared to other breeds.

Does Italian Greyhound bark a lot?

Low High
The consensus is mixed, with some sources mentioning that Italian Greyhounds can be independent and stubborn, especially females, while others highlight their affectionate and people-oriented nature. Therefore, a moderate rating of 3 is chosen.

Is Italian Greyhound stubborn or independent?

Low High
The majority of sources suggest that Italian Greyhounds need around 1 hour of exercise per day, which falls between 30 minutes to 2 hours. This indicates a moderate to high exercise requirement, hence a rating of 4.

How much playtime does a Italian Greyhound need daily?

Low High
Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that require exercise, and they may not be easy to house train. While they can stay indoors with limited walks, it is generally not recommended for their well-being.

Can Italian Greyhound stay indoors with limited walks?

Low High
Based on the majority of sources indicating that Italian Greyhounds are not particularly protective or territorial, with some sources mentioning a slight protective side but not to a high degree.

Is Italian Greyhound protective or territorial?

Low High
Italian Greyhounds are consistently described as loving, affectionate, and forming strong bonds with their families. They are known to be velcro dogs that want to be by their owner's side at all times. Additionally, they are social and enjoy companionship with other pets. The consensus from the sources indicates a very high level of affection towards their family members.

Is Italian Greyhound affectionate with family?

Low High

Health Wellness

Is Italian Greyhound prone to allergies?

Italian Greyhounds are not considered hypoallergenic dogs, as they can still be allergenic due to the dander they produce from their skin. They have short, smooth coats that shed, releasing dander, making them potentially triggering for individuals with allergies. Allergies and intolerances are common in Italian Greyhounds, with some dogs possibly having issues with certain types of protein like chicken. Despite their single coat being short and fine, they shed lightly. Additionally, Italian Greyhounds can be prone to hypothyroidism, a condition that may manifest with symptoms like dry skin and coat, and hair loss.


Is Italian Greyhound a hypoallergenic breed?

Italian Greyhounds are not considered hypoallergenic, as they do produce dander and allergens through their saliva and urine. While they have a short coat and shed lightly, they are not completely hypoallergenic. Some sources mention that Italian Greyhounds shed very lightly due to their thin coat, but overall, the consensus is that they are not hypoallergenic.


What are common health issues in Italian Greyhound?

Italian Greyhounds are prone to a variety of health issues, including joint problems such as hip, leg fractures, and luxating patella due to their fragile bone structure and slender build. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, autoimmune disorders, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and hypothyroidism are also common concerns in this breed. Other health issues to watch for include heart disease, dental problems, musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, and obesity-related complications. Italian Greyhounds are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, as well as allergies, digestive problems, and back injuries. Responsible breeders screen for conditions like PRA, autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and hypothyroidism to help mitigate these health risks. Regular monitoring of calorie intake, dental care, and preventive measures for heartworms and parasites are important for maintaining the overall health and well-being of Italian Greyhounds.


How often should a Italian Greyhound visit the vet?

Italian Greyhounds should visit the vet regularly, with guidelines suggesting annual check-ups for monitoring health issues such as lypomas, dental exams, and overall wellness visits. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions like PRA and autoimmune diseases. It is recommended to maintain a good relationship with the vet and schedule yearly wellness visits, preferably twice a year, to ensure the dog receives necessary tests and preventative care. Italian Greyhounds are generally long-lived, with a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, and owners should watch their diet, provide regular exercise, and seek veterinary attention for any unusual symptoms.


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