¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest breed in the sighthound group, but it is built like a sighthound in miniature. The breed standard sets a height of 32–38 centimetres for both sexes and says that the dog may weigh no more than 5 kilograms. There is no official minimum or narrow “ideal weight”; assess body condition, muscle and overall balance instead.
- Italy is the country of origin. The breed is FCI number 200 and belongs to group 10, section 3.
- The breed standard describes the temperament as lively, affectionate and docile. This is the ideal set by the standard, not a guarantee of how every dog will respond to strangers, being left alone or new surroundings.
- The short, fine coat offers limited protection from the weather. Clothing may be needed when it is cold, wet or windy, but this depends on the dog, the conditions and its activity level.
- Seeing something move can quickly trigger a chase response. Recall is important training, but a lead or securely enclosed area remains the safe choice near traffic, wildlife and small animals.
- A young dog needs protection from bad landings as well as free, varied movement that develops muscle, balance and bone.
The breed suits someone who wants to share life with a small, fast and alert dog and can combine everyday exercise with sensible safety measures. Small size does not mean that the dog has no need for exercise.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Italian Greyhound should be square or nearly square: the body is the same length as, or slightly shorter than, the height at the withers. Fine bone, a deep chest, a tucked-up underline and long legs create the sighthound outline. “Fine-boned” does not mean weak, poorly muscled or underweight.
The standard calls for a springy, harmonious trot that covers ground. An exaggerated high, short step resembling hackney action is a fault, even if it may look elegant. At the gallop, the breed should show the speed and spring of a sighthound.
The coat should be short, silky and fine all over, without feathering. Under the FCI standard, only solid black, grey or isabella in different shades is accepted. White is tolerated only on the chest and feet. Red, brindle and other markings are therefore not standard colours in Sweden, although other registries or everyday colour names can cause confusion.
Coat care is simple and done as needed. Wipe away dirt, remove loose hair with a soft brush or grooming mitt, and bathe the dog when it is dirty. Check the skin, nails, pads, ears and mouth at the same time.
The fine coat provides little insulation against wind and rain. A well-fitting coat can make a walk more comfortable in poor weather, but no single temperature threshold is useful for every dog. Watch for shivering, a tense posture, reluctance to move or attempts to seek shelter. Remove or adjust clothing if the dog becomes warm as the pace increases.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Italian Greyhound should be lively, affectionate and docile, and many seek close contact. This does not mean that every dog is quiet, wants to sit on a lap or can be left alone without training. Inheritance, experience and daily surroundings shape the individual.
The breed can switch quickly between rest and intense play. A dog that can move, sniff, learn and rest without disturbance is more likely to settle indoors.
The Swedish BPH and MH behaviour-assessment sample is too small to support firm conclusions about the entire breed. Meet the parents and adult relatives instead. Observe how they recover after surprises, greet unfamiliar people and relax when nothing is happening.
With children, the way they interact matters more than age alone. An adult should supervise play, the dog must be able to move away, and children should not carry it or disturb it while it sleeps or eats. The dog can be injured if dropped, run into or involved in rough play with a much larger dog. Match play styles and stop before the pace becomes uncontrolled.
Living with cats can work after a calm, controlled introduction, but previous experience is no guarantee outdoors. Movement may arouse the urge to chase. Birds, rabbits and small rodents should be kept physically separate. Adapt gates, leads and separate rooms to the dog's actual behaviour.
¶Training & Exercise
The Italian Greyhound needs to move every day, have opportunities to run safely and train in short, enjoyable sessions. No reliable rule in minutes suits every dog. Age, health, fitness, weather, surface and recovery determine the balance between walks, play and free movement.
The breed club's breeding strategy highlights long walks, varied training and safe free running. In an enclosed area, the dog can change pace without the risks from traffic and wildlife found in open spaces. Check fencing, gates and the ground. Train recall and the habit of checking in voluntarily, but do not expect them to remove the chase response.
A puppy needs a balance between physical challenge and protection. The breed club's strategy recommends early movement over varied surfaces and safe free activity to build muscle and bone. Let the puppy move at its own pace on surfaces with good grip. Prevent falls from high furniture, poor landings on slippery floors and collisions with larger dogs. Introduce stairs, jumping and dog sports gradually as body control develops.
Use reward-based training in short sessions. Walking well on the lead, calm handling of feet and mouth, waiting at doors and having a safe resting place are particularly valuable everyday skills.
In cold or wet weather, clothing and several shorter outings may work better than a walk during which the dog becomes stiff with cold. Choose sheltered routes and add indoor scent work. If the dog limps, avoids putting weight on a leg or suddenly refuses to move, stop the activity and have it assessed by a vet.
¶Health
The Italian Greyhound is not covered by a breed-specific health programme in the Swedish Kennel Club's registration rules for 2026. This does not make health examinations unimportant. The current Swedish breeding strategy recommends an eye examination for prospective parents before mating. It also encourages an official patella examination and having a vet listen to the heart before breeding. Regular dental care is another priority.
Owner surveys, insurance statistics and veterinary records collect information in different ways, and several Swedish datasets are small. They cannot provide a certain risk for an individual dog. Eyes, teeth, kneecaps and fractures of the radius and ulna are still relevant questions because they recur in the available material.
It is important to distinguish between two kinds of dental problem. Regular oral care and veterinary checks help prevent ordinary periodontal disease. Familial enamel hypoplasia, FEH, is instead a recessively inherited enamel defect linked to the ENAM gene. It can cause pitting, discolouration and abnormal tooth shape. UC Davis stresses that the FEH variant is not associated with periodontal disease; a DNA result therefore does not replace dental care.
Genetic risk assessments are available internationally for primary closed-angle glaucoma, PCAG, and progressive retinal atrophy, PRA. They do not give a simple answer that a dog is clear or will become affected. The PCAG test concerns two linked risk variants found in many, but not all, affected dogs in the study. The PRA result combines five risk regions, and other genetic forms may exist. These tests are not Swedish registration requirements and do not replace an eye examination.
Small puppies may jump from a height before they can control the landing, and the Swedish material mentions forearm fractures. Use non-slip flooring, controlled play and protection from high falls. Do not keep a healthy puppy still; varied, safe movement helps build the body.
Ask the breeder to show the examination and test results and explain how they were considered when the mating was planned. Also ask about dental, eye, knee and heart health, and fractures among close relatives. “Health tested” is not enough; ask for the test name, date, result and limitations.
¶History & Origins
The breed standard describes a route from small sighthounds at the pharaohs' courts, through Greece, to Italy at the beginning of the fifth century BC. It also says that the breed's most important development took place at Renaissance courts. This is the official account, not evidence of an unbroken modern pedigree or every later royal anecdote.
The Swedish Kennel Club describes hunting small game as a historical role and further development in Italy, Germany and Austria. The companion role and sighthound qualities belong together: quick reactions, visually triggered pursuit and the ability to gallop remain.
In the FCI standard, Italy is the country of origin and the breed belongs to the sighthounds, not the toy and companion group. Its needs should therefore be considered those of a small sighthound, even if it enjoys resting close to the family.
¶Living with the Breed
An Italian Greyhound can live well in a flat if it can be taken out easily, exercises every day, can run safely and has somewhere undisturbed to rest. Routines matter more than the size of the home. Slippery floors, uncontrolled jumps and long days alone do not become suitable simply because the dog is small.
Time alone should be taught gradually. Start when the dog has been out and is calm, leave for a short time and increase only when it can rest. A camera can show what happens, but a second dog is not a reliable solution. If the dog barks, howls, destroys things or cannot take food, take a step back in training; seek professional help if the problem is pronounced.
House training is a training issue, not a proven breed defect. Give frequent opportunities after sleep, meals and play, go outside with the dog and reward success. Protection from the weather may help, but consistent opportunities and supervision matter more than a special indoor toilet.
Put rugs where the dog slips, provide an undisturbed resting place and prevent unsafe high jumps. At the same time, let the dog explore different surfaces and use its body. Children and larger dogs require supervision; cats require a slow introduction and the option of separation.
Before buying a puppy, the breeder should be able to answer these questions clearly:
- When were the parents' eyes examined, and what were the results?
- Are official patella results available, and did a vet listen to each parent's heart before breeding?
- Were FEH, PCAG or PRA risk panels used, and how should these particular results be interpreted?
- What is known about dental health, fractures, eye problems and knee problems in close and older relatives?
- How do the parents behave around new people, surfaces, handling, rest and short periods alone?
- How have the puppies been helped to develop balance, muscle, confidence in different environments and everyday routines?
A good match requires appreciation of the sighthound's speed and sensitivity, the ability to support safe physical development and a willingness to teach everyday life step by step. The Italian Greyhound can then be both a close companion and an active, capable little dog.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 3/5 |
| Child Friendly | 3/5 |
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 2/5 |
| Health | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 2/5 |
| Learning Ability | 2/5 |
| Barking Level | 1/5 |
| Height | 32 – 38 cm |
| Weight | 4 – 5 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 15 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
Are Italian Greyhounds good family dogs and what is their typical temperament?
They are gentle, affectionate, and often strongly attached to one or two people. Many do well in calm families with respectful children, but their fine bones and sensitivity mean they are better suited to quieter homes. They tend to be reserved with strangers yet very cuddly with their trusted people. Early socialization helps prevent shyness or nervousness.
How fragile are Italian Greyhounds and how can I prevent broken legs?
They have very fine, delicate limbs and are genuinely prone to leg fractures, especially as puppies. Prevent rough play, unsupervised time on furniture, and jumping from heights like beds or stairs. Use ramps or steps for sofas, and discourage play with large or boisterous dogs. Regular nail trimming and non‑slip flooring also help reduce slips and falls.
Do Italian Greyhounds really hate the cold and how should I care for them in winter?
Their thin skin, low body fat, and short coat make them highly sensitive to cold and damp weather. They usually need a well‑fitting coat or sweater for walks, even in mild winters, and should not be left outside for long. Indoors, many appreciate a warm bed, blankets, or heated mats. Short, frequent walks often work better than one long outing in cold conditions.
Are Italian Greyhounds difficult to house train?
This breed has a reputation for being slower to house train than many others, partly due to their sensitivity to cold and rain. Consistent routines, frequent outings, and positive reinforcement are essential. Some owners use indoor potty pads or litter boxes, especially in harsh weather areas. Patience and management usually matter more than punishment or strictness.
How much exercise does an Italian Greyhound need and can they live in an apartment?
They are small and adaptable to apartment living but still need daily exercise and mental enrichment. Most do well with several brisk walks plus opportunities for safe off‑leash sprinting in a secure area. Indoors they can be quite active in short bursts, then spend long periods resting. Careful leash use and secure fencing are important due to their speed and chase instinct.
Do Italian Greyhounds bark a lot or are they quiet dogs?
They are generally not constant barkers, but many will alert bark at unusual sounds or visitors. Their sensitivity can make them vocal if they are anxious, under‑stimulated, or left alone too long. Early training and establishing a calm routine help keep barking manageable. Individual dogs vary, with some being very quiet companions.
What are the most common health problems in Italian Greyhounds?
Typical concerns include leg fractures, dental disease, certain eye issues, and sometimes epilepsy or autoimmune conditions. They also have a higher risk of periodontal problems due to small jaws and crowded teeth. Responsible breeders screen for hereditary issues and avoid breeding very fine‑boned, overly fragile individuals. Regular veterinary checkups and careful management help catch problems early.
How should I care for an Italian Greyhound’s teeth and nails?
Daily or near‑daily tooth brushing is ideal because they are prone to tartar buildup and early tooth loss. Dental chews and professional cleanings can support home care but do not replace brushing. Nails grow quickly and should be trimmed often to prevent discomfort and altered gait. Many need desensitization and gentle handling to stay relaxed during grooming.
Can Italian Greyhounds be left alone during the workday?
They are very people‑oriented and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods without preparation. Some adults cope with a standard workday if they are gradually trained, mentally stimulated, and given enough exercise and affection. Puppies and very clingy individuals usually need shorter alone times, dog sitters, or daycare. A secure, warm, and comfortable resting area is important when they are unsupervised.
Are Italian Greyhounds good with other pets, including larger dogs?
They often enjoy the company of other gentle dogs and can bond closely with similar‑sized companions. Because of their fragility, they should not roughhouse with large, energetic breeds that might accidentally injure them. Careful introductions and supervised play are essential. Many live peacefully with cats if raised together and if their chase instinct is managed.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Italian Greyhound with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
