Italian Greyhound
Toy Group · Purebred · 2,000 years of elegance — the royal miniature sighthound
7–14 lbsWeight
13–15 inHeight
14–15 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Toy Group · Purebred · 2,000 years of elegance — the royal miniature sighthound
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Italian Greyhound — see the breed in action before diving into the details below.
The Italian Greyhound (IG) is a miniaturized sighthound with a history stretching back over 2,000 years to ancient Egypt and Greece. During the Renaissance, they were prized by Italian nobility and depicted in countless paintings. Often called "IGs" by enthusiasts, they combine the speed and athleticism of a sighthound with the size and affection of a lapdog.
IGs are deeply devoted to their families and crave physical contact — they are notorious "velcro dogs" who love to burrow under blankets and curl up against their owners. Despite their delicate appearance, they are fast, agile runners who need regular bursts of exercise. Their short coat offers little insulation, making them cold-sensitive and big fans of sweaters.
Real Italian Greyhounds — browse photos showcasing their look, size, and personality.
Italian Greyhounds are known for being surprisingly bold for their small size. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on consistent human connection. As a high-energy breed, they are best matched with active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to regular exercise.
Italian Greyhounds can be trained with patience and consistency, though they may occasionally test boundaries. With proper socialization they can do well with children, though supervision is always wise.
Italian Greyhounds are high-energy dogs that need significant daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate activity they can become restless, vocal, or destructive. They are happiest with owners who genuinely enjoy an active lifestyle.
Italian Greyhounds have a longer coat that requires consistent grooming to stay mat-free and healthy. Establishing a grooming routine early ensures your dog is comfortable being handled and brushed, which makes the process enjoyable for both of you.
Italian Greyhounds are moderately trainable and respond well to patient, consistent positive reinforcement. They benefit from clear expectations and a calm, confident trainer who establishes routines early.
Keep sessions short — 10 to 15 minutes — and always end on a success. Enrolling in a puppy or adult obedience class provides structured learning and valuable socialization.
Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy for their size, though regular screening helps catch issues early. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for the most common conditions, significantly reducing risk in puppies from health-tested parents.
A Italian Greyhound is ideal for active families or individuals who genuinely enjoy outdoor activities and can commit to daily vigorous exercise. Their trainability makes them approachable for first-time owners who are prepared for an engaged lifestyle. Not the right fit for sedentary households or those with very limited time for exercise.
Italian Greyhounds need consistent, well-portioned meals matched to their life stage. Overfeeding is one of the biggest health risks for any dog — use these guidelines and adjust based on your dog's activity level and body condition.
These are general guidelines for a small-breed dog. Always check the feeding instructions on your specific food brand, and adjust based on activity level and body condition score.
Look for dog foods where the first ingredient is a named protein — chicken, beef, salmon, or lamb. Small-breed formulas are calibrated for their metabolism and nutritional needs.
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for dogs. Keep them safely out of reach at all times.
Always bring your Italian Greyhound's regular food when boarding. Switching food suddenly can cause digestive upset. Provide the facility your exact feeding schedule and portion sizes.
The upfront cost of a Italian Greyhound is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect — both to acquire one and to own one for their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Italian Greyhound costs between $100–$180 per month on average. Here's where the money goes:
Over a 12–15 year lifespan, a Italian Greyhound typically costs between $8,000–$18,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is worth considering for any breed. Buying before your dog turns 1 gives the best rates and fewest pre-existing condition exclusions. Compare 2–3 providers before committing.
Because Italian Greyhounds have such wonderful traits, they're a popular choice for intentional mixed breeding. Here are the most common — and most loved — Italian Greyhound crosses.
Italian Greyhound × Chihuahua. Tiny, fast, intensely devoted.
Italian Greyhound × Whippet. Elegant, fast, gentle sighthound.
Italian Greyhound × Poodle. Low-shedding, affectionate, smart.
Italian Greyhound × Beagle. Curious, fast, scent-driven explorer.
Italian Greyhounds are full of surprises. Here are some of the most fascinating, funny, and heartwarming facts about this breed.