Italian Greyhound
A Renaissance sprinter the size of a cat, built for sunbeams and speed.
Vital stats
| Size | Toy · 32–38 cm |
| Weight | 3.6–5 kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate — 30–45 min/day plus zoomies |
| Shedding | Minimal |
| Coat | Fine, short, single · grey, fawn, black, cream |
| Group | Toy (AKC) · Sighthound (FCI №200) |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred purely for companionship and small-game coursing, the Italian Greyhound alternates between statue-still elegance on your lap and flat-out laps of the garden. It is deeply attached, a little reserved with strangers, and allergic to cold, rain and hard floors — a velvet dog that wants velvet living.
Habits & quirks
Burrowing
Under the duvet, under the cushion, under your jumper — if there's a blanket, there's an Iggy inside it.
Sun worship
It will track the warmest patch of floor across the room like a small solar panel.
The tap dance
Cold or excited, it lifts its front paws in a delicate little trot on the spot.
Velcro mode
Wherever you sit, a warm grey comma appears against your leg within seconds.
Care
| Warmth | A single fine coat means jumpers and coats aren't fashion — they're kit for anything below mild. |
| Bones | Young Iggies break legs leaping off furniture; use ramps and block high jumps until fully grown. |
| Housetraining | Notoriously slow — small bladder, hatred of wet grass. Consistency and covered options win eventually. |
| Teeth | The breed is prone to dental disease; daily brushing genuinely matters. |
Common questions
Are Italian Greyhounds fragile?
Their adult build is sturdier than it looks, but young dogs' long thin legs are genuinely prone to fractures. Manage jumping and rough play until about 18 months.
Can Italian Greyhounds be let off lead?
Only in securely fenced areas — a sighthound at 40 km/h stops hearing you the moment something runs. Recall training helps, but fencing is the real safety net.
Are Italian Greyhounds hard to housetrain?
They have a fair reputation as one of the trickiest breeds. Frequent trips out, rewards on the spot and shelter from rain get you there — expect months, not weeks.