Dog breed profile
Italian greyhound
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Italian Greyhound is a small, fine-boned sighthound developed as a companion and small-game hunter and has been associated with European households for centuries. Most adults stand around 32 to 38 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 3.5 to 6 kilograms. The breed has a narrow head, long legs, deep chest, tucked abdomen and a very short, fine coat in many colours. Modern representatives of the Italian greyhound type may live primarily as companions, but inherited body shape and behavioural motivations remain relevant to exercise, training and home selection.
Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, sensitive, playful and strongly attached to their owners. They often enjoy close physical contact, warm bedding and quiet household companionship. Despite their delicate appearance, they can be fast and energetic outdoors and may chase birds, rodents or other small animals. They can be cautious with strangers and may become anxious when exposed to rough handling, loud environments or prolonged separation.
Their slender legs are vulnerable to fractures, particularly during puppyhood. Toilet training can also be challenging, especially in cold or wet weather. This breed generally suits gentle owners who can provide warmth, careful supervision, positive training and regular dental care. Individual Italian greyhounds still vary with breeding, early experience, health and training, so these breed tendencies should guide preparation rather than predetermine the personality of every dog.
A successful match with an Italian greyhound depends on realistic expectations of the adult dog's behaviour and daily needs. A well-matched Italian greyhound is normally included in everyday family life and given clear outlets for the same instincts that shaped the breed's original work or companionship role.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
Daily Italian greyhound care requires several short walks, indoor games and opportunities to run safely in a securely enclosed area. Off-leash activity should not occur near roads because the dog may chase movement and cover ground quickly. Build the Italian greyhound's weekly routine around several forms of movement rather than repeating one route, and include lower-intensity recovery after unusually demanding activity. Mental work for an Italian greyhound can come from scent searches, food puzzles, cooperative handling and short training problems matched to the dog's confidence and physical ability.
Puppies should be protected from falls, rough play, slippery floors and jumping from high furniture because their legs can fracture easily. Training should use positive reinforcement, patience and a predictable toilet routine.
The short coat requires only weekly brushing, but the breed has little insulation and commonly needs a warm coat during cold or wet weather. Teeth should be brushed daily or as frequently as possible because Italian Greyhounds are highly prone to dental disease. Professional dental treatment may be required throughout life. Nails should be kept short, as long nails can affect the dog’s delicate movement.
Food should be measured to maintain a lean but healthy condition. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor teeth, knees, eyes, heart health and bone or joint problems. The dog should have warm, padded bedding and supervised interaction with children and larger animals. Owners should establish the Italian greyhound's normal appetite, breathing, movement, sleep and social behaviour so a persistent departure from that baseline can be investigated promptly. Care requirements for a senior Italian greyhound should be reviewed as mobility, senses and recovery change; shorter sessions, better footing and easier access can preserve independence without removing enrichment. Seek veterinary advice promptly if an Italian greyhound develops breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening change in behaviour.
Conditions linked to this breed
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Colour Dilution Alopecia
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Corneal Dystrophy
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Persistent Pupillary Membrane & Persistent Hyaloid Remnants
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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