Italian Greyhound: Complete Guide to Temperament, Care, and Costs

Overview

The Italian Greyhound is a miniature sighthound that has been treasured as a companion of royalty and the elite for over 2,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests the breed’s ancestors existed in ancient Egypt and Greece, and they were popular among Italian noblemen during the Renaissance, which gave the breed its modern name. Frederick the Great of Prussia, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Queen Victoria were among the many monarchs who adored this elegant little breed.

Standing 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder and weighing just 7 to 14 pounds, the Italian Greyhound (often called the “IG” or “Iggy”) is the smallest of the sighthound breeds. Their sleek, fine-boned build, long, arched neck, deep chest, and tucked abdomen create a miniature version of the Greyhound’s classic silhouette. Their short, glossy coat comes in virtually every color and pattern, and their delicate, graceful movement reflects centuries of breeding for beauty and companionship.

Temperament and Personality

The Italian Greyhound is an affectionate, sensitive, and playful companion that combines the grace of a sighthound with the devotion of a lap dog. These dogs are deeply bonded to their owners and thrive on close physical contact and warm companionship.

IGs are remarkably affectionate dogs that want to be touching their person as much as possible. They burrow under blankets, curl up in laps, and press themselves against their owners with an urgency that reflects their need for warmth and closeness. This desire for contact is both physical (they seek warmth due to their thin coat) and emotional (they genuinely crave connection).

Despite their delicate appearance, Italian Greyhounds are playful and surprisingly energetic. They zoom through the house in sudden bursts of speed, leap onto furniture with impressive agility, and engage in play with infectious enthusiasm. These “zoomies” are a hallmark of the breed and never fail to entertain.

IGs are alert and aware of their surroundings, often reacting to sounds and movements that their owners may not even notice. They can be vocal, using a high-pitched bark to announce visitors, alert to unusual sounds, or express their opinions about the current state of affairs.

With strangers, Italian Greyhounds are typically reserved and may be initially cautious. They warm up at their own pace and prefer gentle, calm approaches from new people. Some individuals are more outgoing, while others maintain their reserve.

The breed is sensitive in the extreme. Italian Greyhounds pick up on every emotional nuance in their environment and can become genuinely distressed by harsh words, loud voices, or household tension. They require gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment.

Italian Greyhounds have retained their sighthound prey drive. Small animals that move quickly can trigger an intense chase response, and an IG in pursuit is faster than most people realize, capable of reaching 25 miles per hour.

Exercise Needs

The Italian Greyhound has moderate exercise needs that are manageable given their small size. Plan on providing 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity.

Short daily walks provide gentle, sustained exercise and mental stimulation. IGs enjoy exploring their neighborhood, though they are sensitive to cold, wet, and windy weather and may require a coat or sweater for outdoor walks in less-than-ideal conditions.

Indoor play sessions are important, particularly during inclement weather. IGs enjoy chase games, gentle fetch, and interactive toys. Their bursts of energy, often expressed as high-speed laps around the house, provide excellent short-duration exercise.

Access to a securely fenced area for occasional free running allows the IG to sprint at full speed, satisfying its sighthound need for speed. Fencing must be secure with no gaps, as IGs can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.

Lure coursing provides excellent physical and mental exercise that taps into the breed’s natural instincts. Many IGs participate in coursing events and clearly enjoy the chase.

Due to their fragile bone structure, particularly in young dogs under two years, exercise should avoid high-impact activities. Jumping from heights, rough play with large dogs, and running on slippery surfaces should be avoided to prevent leg fractures, which are a common injury in the breed.

Cold sensitivity is a major consideration. Italian Greyhounds have virtually no body fat and an extremely thin coat, making them vulnerable to cold weather. Dog coats, sweaters, and indoor exercise options are essential in cooler climates.

Grooming Requirements

The Italian Greyhound is one of the lowest-maintenance breeds when it comes to grooming. Their short, fine coat requires minimal attention.

Wipe your IG weekly with a soft cloth or rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair and keep the coat glossy. Shedding is minimal, making the IG a relatively clean housemate.

Bathing should be done every three to four weeks or as needed. Their thin coat dries almost instantly. Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo to protect their sensitive skin.

Dental care is critically important for Italian Greyhounds. The breed is highly susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Brush teeth daily if possible, or at minimum several times per week. Regular professional dental cleanings are essential, often needed more frequently than for many other breeds.

Nail trimming every two to three weeks is important. Check the ears weekly and clean as needed. Skin care should include monitoring for cuts and scrapes, as the thin skin is easily damaged.

During cold weather, many IGs wear clothing not just outdoors but inside as well, particularly in drafty homes. Having a wardrobe of sweaters and coats is a practical necessity rather than a fashion statement.

Common Health Issues

The Italian Greyhound has several health concerns that prospective owners should understand.

Leg Fractures are the most common injury in the breed, particularly in dogs under two years of age. The long, fine-boned legs are vulnerable to fractures from jumping, falls, rough play, or being stepped on. Prevention through careful management is essential.

Dental Disease is almost universal in the breed. Without diligent home care and professional dental attention, IGs commonly lose teeth at a young age.

Patellar Luxation is common in small breeds, where the kneecap slips out of position.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) causes gradual vision loss. A DNA test is available.

Epilepsy has been reported in the breed.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease affects the hip joint, causing deterioration of the femoral head.

Hypothyroidism can affect thyroid function.

Autoimmune Conditions including autoimmune hemolytic anemia and various skin conditions have been reported.

Color Dilution Alopecia can affect IGs with dilute coat colors (blue, fawn), causing hair loss and skin problems.

Other conditions include cataracts, liver shunt, and cryptorchidism. Regular veterinary care is important.

Lifespan

The Italian Greyhound has an excellent average lifespan of 14 to 15 years, with many individuals living well into their mid-teens and some reaching 18 years of age. Their small size and generally robust constitution contribute to impressive longevity that allows owners many years of devoted companionship. Diligent dental care to prevent the periodontal disease that plagues this breed, fracture prevention through careful management of the dog’s environment and activities, weight management to maintain their naturally lean physique, and routine veterinary care all contribute to maximizing both the quality and length of life. Keeping the Italian Greyhound warm, well-nourished, and protected from injury throughout its long life is essential for a happy, healthy senior.

Cost to Buy and Maintain

The Italian Greyhound has moderate purchase costs with specific ongoing expenses.

Purchase Price: A well-bred IG puppy typically costs ~$1,200 to ~$2,500. Show-quality puppies may cost more. Adopting from a breed-specific rescue generally costs ~$300 to ~$600.

First-Year Costs: Budget approximately ~$2,500 to ~$4,000 for the first year, including the purchase price, veterinary care, vaccinations, supplies, clothing, dental products, and training.

Annual Maintenance Costs: Ongoing yearly expenses typically range from ~$1,000 to $2,000. This includes quality small-breed food ($250 to $400), veterinary care including dental monitoring ($400 to $700), clothing for cold weather ($100 to $300), dental care products and professional cleanings ($200 to $500), and supplies ($100 to ~$250).

Special Considerations: Fracture treatment can cost ~$1,500 to ~$5,000 or more for surgical repair. Professional dental cleanings needed more frequently than average add ~$300 to $800 per year. Pet insurance ($25 to ~$50 per month) is recommended.

Best For

The Italian Greyhound is ideal for individuals and couples who want an affectionate, elegant companion and can provide gentle handling and close companionship.

Apartment dwellers and city residents find the IG well suited to small-space living. Their minimal exercise needs and clean, low-shedding coat make them practical urban pets.

Seniors who want a devoted lap companion and can provide gentle care will find the IG a deeply rewarding breed.

People who work from home or are retired and can provide near-constant companionship match the IG’s need for closeness.

Not Ideal For

The IG is not recommended for families with young children or toddlers. Their fragile bones are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, dropping, or being stepped on.

Active households with larger dogs that play roughly should exercise caution. People who are away from home for long hours should reconsider, as IGs are prone to separation anxiety.

Cold-climate residents must be prepared for extensive cold-weather management. Those who want a rugged outdoor companion should look elsewhere.

People unwilling to commit to rigorous dental care should not get an IG.

Training

Training an Italian Greyhound requires patience, gentleness, and an understanding of sighthound mentality.

Use positive reinforcement exclusively. IGs are too sensitive for any form of correction-based training. Food rewards and gentle praise work best.

House training is notoriously challenging with this breed. Small bladders, reluctance to go outside in cold or wet weather, and the breed’s sensitive nature make consistent house training difficult. Many IG owners use indoor potty options as a supplement or primary system. Patience and consistency are essential.

Socialization should be gentle but thorough. Build confidence through positive experiences without overwhelming the sensitive puppy.

Recall may never be fully reliable due to the sighthound chase instinct. Always use a leash in unfenced areas.

Teach basic commands with short, positive sessions. IGs are intelligent but independent and may not see the value in repetitive exercises.

Compatibility

With Children: Not recommended for families with young children. Gentle older children who understand the breed’s fragility may be suitable.

With Other Dogs: Best with dogs of similar size. Large or rough-playing dogs risk injuring the fragile IG. Often enjoy the company of other Italian Greyhounds.

With Cats and Small Pets: Variable. Prey drive may be triggered by small, fast animals.

With Seniors: Excellent match for gentle seniors seeking a devoted lap companion.

With Apartment Living: Ideally suited. One of the best apartment breeds.

Key Takeaways

• The Italian Greyhound is an elegant, affectionate sighthound that combines grace with deep devotion.
• They require 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise with careful fracture prevention.
• Their short coat is extremely low-maintenance but provides no protection against cold.
• Key health concerns include leg fractures, dental disease, patellar luxation, and PRA.
• Average lifespan is an excellent 14 to 15 years.
• Budget ~$1,200 to ~$2,500 for a puppy and ~$1,000 to ~$2,000 annually, with dental care as a major ongoing cost.
• Best suited for gentle owners seeking a devoted, portable companion.
• Not ideal for families with young children, rough play environments, or cold climates without proper preparation.

Next Steps

If the Italian Greyhound’s delicate beauty and devoted personality appeal to you, contact the Italian Greyhound Club of America for breeder referrals.

For guidance on whether this elegant breed matches your lifestyle, visit our resource on How to Choose the Right Dog Breed. You may also want to explore the Chinese Crested, another small, affectionate breed with similar devotion and cold sensitivity, or the Whippet, a larger, sturdier sighthound with a comparable gentle temperament.