Italian Greyhound
AKC & CKC Toy Group
The Miniature Sighthound
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- People seeking an affectionate, devoted lapdog companion
- Apartment dwellers (quiet, clean, and adapt well to small spaces)
- Those wanting a dog with bursts of energy but moderate overall exercise needs
• Devoted companion: Forms incredibly strong bonds with their people.
• Minimal shedding: Short, fine coat requires very little grooming.
• Surprisingly fast: Enjoys short sprints despite their small size.
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You have very young children (fragile breed prone to leg fractures)
- You're away from home frequently (prone to separation anxiety)
- You live in a very cold climate (they feel the cold acutely)
- You have limited patience for housebreaking challenges
• Fragile build: Leg fractures are a real risk; supervision with young children essential.
• House training: Can be notoriously difficult to housetrain; consistency required.
• Cold sensitive: Needs sweaters in winter and may refuse to go out in bad weather.
Owner Suitability
Italian Greyhounds are exquisite companions that combine the athleticism of a sighthound with the affection of a lapdog. They thrive on human contact and want nothing more than to curl up in your lap or under the covers. Their delicate build means they're best suited to homes with older children who understand gentle handling. Potential owners should be prepared for a challenging housebreaking process and a dog that will insist on sleeping in your bed. In return, you'll get a loyal, graceful, and endlessly affectionate companion who will follow you from room to room, always wanting to be part of your life.Stats:
- Height: 13-15 inches
- Weight: 7-14 pounds
- Coat: Short, smooth, and fine; minimal shedding
- Colors: All shades of fawn, blue, black, or red; may have white markings
- Lifespan: 14-15 years
Origin & History
The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed dating back over 2,000 years, with artifacts and artwork depicting similar small sighthounds found in archaeological digs in Greece, Turkey, and Egypt. The breed as we know it today was refined in Renaissance Italy, where they became favored companions of nobility and aristocrats. These miniature sighthounds were bred down from larger greyhounds to create an elegant companion dog that combined the speed and grace of their larger cousins with the portability and charm of a lapdog.
Italian Greyhounds were particularly popular among Italian noblewomen who would carry them in their sleeves or hold them in their laps. They appear frequently in Renaissance paintings, often depicted as cherished members of royal households. The breed's popularity spread throughout Europe, with notable enthusiasts including Catherine the Great, Queen Victoria, and Frederick the Great, who was so devoted to his Italian Greyhound that he requested to be buried beside her.
Today, Italian Greyhounds remain true to their heritage—elegant, affectionate companions who want nothing more than to be with their people. They combine the athleticism of a sighthound with the devotion of a lapdog, creating a unique personality that captivates owners worldwide. Despite their delicate appearance, they retain remarkable speed and agility, often surprising new owners with their ability to sprint across a room or clear a sofa in a single bound. Whether curled in a lap or racing across a field, the Italian Greyhound remains a timeless breed that has spent millennia perfecting the art of companionship.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Moderate; bursts of speed but loves to lounge | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Intelligent but sensitive; responds best to gentle methods | ✓ | ||||
| Shedding: Low; short, fine coat releases minimal fur. | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Very low; occasional wipe with soft cloth | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Good with gentle children; bonds closely with family | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Fair; will alert bark but not protective | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Good for first-time owners | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: High; will chase small animals | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Low to moderate; not excessive | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Excellent | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Leg Fractures: Common due to slender bones
- Dental Issues: Prone to periodontal disease
- Patellar Luxation: Kneecap dislocation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Degenerative eye disorder
- Hypothyroidism: Endocrine system disorder
- Epilepsy: Neurological seizure disorder
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.