Italian Greyhound: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Italian greyhound is a toy dog breed from Italy with a short coat, long neck, and slender legs. These sleek dogs are miniature greyhounds that were bred to be companions, and if there’s a warm lap for them to curl up in, that’s where they’ll spend their time. Still, these dogs are quick and nimble with a hound’s hunting instinct, and they love to play, too.

Learn all about the history, temperament, and care needs of the Italian greyhound.

Characteristics of the Italian Greyhound

Italian greyhounds generally have a sensitive and sociable personality. And playfulness is typical of their temperament. They love to be around people and even get along well with other dogs. They crave companionship and do not like to be left alone for hours.  

Also, these dogs can adjust to apartment life, and like to be inside where they can be warm and comfortable. This breed is sensitive to the cold because of its short coat and low body fat. Many owners use pet coats and sweaters to provide extra warmth for their dogs. 

History of the Italian Greyhound

The Italian greyhound is an ancient dog breed that originated over 2,000 years ago in the Mediterranean region. Artifacts from the area show images of the breed, and the dogs' miniature skeletons have been discovered in archaeological digs. These dogs were likely kept around for both companionship and small game hunting.

In Renaissance Italy, the breed became a lapdog of the wealthy. It was also beloved by royal families and aristocrats, such as Catherine the Great of Russia, Queen Victoria, and Frederick the Great of Prussia. Many Renaissance-era portraits even depict nobles with their canine companions. 

The breed made its way to North America in the 19th century. The American Kennel Club first recognized it in 1886.

Today, these dogs are popular among celebrities like Matt Damon and Kylie Jenner. And there are Italian greyhounds that have become famous thanks to social media, such as Tika the Iggy.

Italian Greyhound Care

Italian greyhounds need some exercise and mental stimulation to get their energy out every day. And they should receive consistent training and socialization. Their grooming typically is not a huge time commitment.

Exercise

Italian greyhounds love napping in a cozy spot, but they also need regular exercise to be healthy and happy. Aim for at least an hour per day of physical activity. Typically, a couple of short walks plus playtime throughout the day should suffice, but this dog will love running, as they can reach up to 25 miles per hour. You also can offer puzzle toys or enroll in dog sports to provide both mental stimulation and physical activity. 

Don’t forget about this small hound’s high prey drive when heading outside. Always keep them in a securely fenced area or on leash to prevent them from running off to chase perceived prey, such as wildlife and cats, or even other fast-moving things like bikes and cars.

Remember that this breed is sensitive to cold conditions, so if you live in a cold climate, keep outdoor time brief in chilly weather and provide warmth and protection with dog sweaters or coats.

75 Italian Dog Names

Grooming

Use a grooming mitt on the Italian greyhound’s short, smooth coat roughly every week to remove loose fur and debris and distribute skin oils. The coat typically stays relatively clean, but you can bathe your dog roughly every month, depending on how dirty they get. 

Aim to brush your dog’s teeth daily, as this breed is prone to dental issues. Discuss the need for professional teeth cleanings with your vet as well. Look in your dog’s ears at least weekly for wax buildup and irritation. Check their nails about once a month to see whether they need a trim.

Training

Always use positive, rewards-based training methods with this breed. Italian greyhounds can be sensitive and stubborn when it comes to harsh corrections, potentially shutting down and refusing to learn. Immediately offer praise and/or a treat for positive behavior, and be consistent with your commands. Aim to begin training from a young age to prevent the development of bad habits.

Moreover, make an effort to socialize your Italian greyhound ideally from an early age. Expose them to different people, other dogs, and various locations. This will help to boost their comfort and make them a more adaptable, well-adjusted dog.

Housetraining your Italian greyhound can be challenging and will require a lot of patience—many of these dogs are surrendered because they aren’t housetrained. Potty pads, doggy diapers, and a doggy door may be helpful.

Common Health Problems

Italian greyhounds have a relatively long life span, but they are prone to some hereditary health issues, including:

• Progressive retinal atrophy: Also known as PRA, this condition leads to loss of vision over time.
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease: Also known as LCPD, this is a congenital orthopedic disorder that causes degeneration of the hip joint.
• Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
• Hip dysplasia: Dogs with this condition have hip joints that don’t develop normally, leading to symptoms like pain, difficulty moving, and limping.
• Patellar luxation: This condition causes the knee cap to slip out of place, resulting in pain, inflammation, tears, and damage.
• Dental issues: All dogs can develop problems that affect the teeth and gums, such as plaque and tartar buildup, tooth fractures, gum disease, and infections.
• Autoimmune issues: Italian greyhounds are susceptible to autoimmune diseases that cause the body to attack itself.
• Cataracts: This condition causes the lens of the eye to become clouded, resulting in vision loss.  
• Von Willebrand disease: This is a bleeding disorder that adversely affects the blood’s ability to clot.

Diet and Nutrition

Always have fresh water accessible for your dog. Feed a nutritionally balanced canine diet. It’s typical to feed two measured meals per day. But you should always discuss the recommended type and amount of food with your vet.

Monitor treats and other extra food closely to prevent your dog from overeating. Even minor weight gain can be significant for such a small dog and put unnecessary pressure on its joints.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Italian Greyhound

If you’re looking for an Italian greyhound puppy from a reputable breeder, expect to pay around $600 to $1,200, though this can vary widely.

Italian greyhounds aren’t a common dog breed, but it’s still worth checking local animal shelters and rescue groups for a dog in need of a home.

For further information on owning an Italian greyhound, check out:

• American Kennel Club Marketplace
• Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation
• Italian Greyhound Club of America
  

Italian Greyhound Overview

The Italian greyhound is an adorable little dog with a big personality. Although they can make wonderful companions, there are some challenges that come with owning this breed, such as housetraining difficulties and their intolerance to cold.

Pros of Italian Greyhounds

• Affectionate and family-oriented
• Adaptable to different living situations, including small homes
• Simple grooming needs
  

Cons of Italian Greyhounds

• Prone to dental problems
• Doesn't tolerate cold weather well
• Can be sensitive and stubborn about training
  

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Before bringing home an Italian greyhound, make sure to do sufficient research to determine whether the breed is right for your lifestyle. Talk to breed owners, rescue groups, reputable breeders, and veterinarians. Spend some time around Italian greyhounds, too, if possible.

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Greyhound
• Whippet
• Manchester terrier

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there—with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home!