Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a delicate jewel — the smallest of the sighthounds, combining the grace and speed of a Greyhound with the compact size of a toy breed. These elegant little dogs have graced the laps of nobility for over 2,000 years, and their refined appearance reflects that aristocratic heritage. But beneath that fragile-looking exterior is a playful, affectionate companion who loves to run, cuddle, and charm everyone they meet. They're gentle souls wrapped in silk and sinew.

The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed, with evidence of small greyhound-type dogs dating back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean region. Skeletal remains found in archaeological digs and depictions in ancient art suggest these little sighthounds were prized companions of Egyptian pharaohs and Roman nobles.

By the Middle Ages, Italian Greyhounds had become favored pets of Italian nobility, hence their name. They appeared frequently in Renaissance art, depicted alongside aristocratic ladies and gentlemen. Their small size, gentle nature, and elegant appearance made them ideal lap dogs for the wealthy.

The breed spread throughout Europe, becoming favorites of various royal courts. England's King Charles I, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Anne of Denmark all kept Italian Greyhounds. The breed arrived in the United States in the late 1800s and gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1886.

Despite their aristocratic history, Italian Greyhounds faced near-extinction after the World Wars, when maintaining toy breeds became difficult. Dedicated breeders in Britain, the United States, and Italy worked to preserve them, and the breed has since recovered.

Today, while some still serve primarily as elegant companions, many participate in dog sports including lure coursing and agility, showing that beauty and athleticism can coexist in a small package.

The Italian Greyhound is gentle, affectionate, and deeply devoted to their families. These dogs bond intensely with their people and want to be near them constantly — preferably curled up under a blanket or nestled on a lap.

Despite their delicate appearance, Italian Greyhounds are playful and enjoy short bursts of high-speed running. They're sighthounds who love to chase and run, reaching impressive speeds for such small dogs. Many enjoy lure coursing, where they can exercise their natural hunting instincts.

With children, Italian Greyhounds can be good companions in calm households with older, gentle children. They're too delicate for rough play and can be injured by careless handling. They're better suited to adult homes or families with respectful older children.

Toward strangers, Italian Greyhounds are often reserved or timid. Early socialization helps build confidence, but many remain somewhat shy. They're sensitive dogs who startle easily and don't enjoy chaotic environments.

With other dogs, Italian Greyhounds typically do well, often enjoying the company of other small dogs. However, their delicate build means playtime must be supervised to prevent injuries. They shouldn't play unsupervised with large dogs.

These are indoor dogs who need warmth and comfort. Their thin coat and minimal body fat make them extremely sensitive to cold. They shiver easily and need sweaters or coats in cool weather.

Italian Greyhounds are known for being somewhat cat-like — they're fastidiously clean, enjoy high perches, and can be aloof when they choose. Many love to sunbathe and will seek out warm spots.

They can be stubborn, particularly regarding house training, which is notoriously difficult with this breed.

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds, standing 13-15 inches at the shoulder and weighing 7-14 pounds. They should be slender and elegant without appearing emaciated, with the graceful lines characteristic of sight hounds.

Their coat is short, soft, and silky, coming in various colors including solid shades, parti-colors, and various markings. The skin is fine and fits tightly over their slender frame.

Italian Greyhounds have long, fine-boned legs, a deep chest, and a distinctive high-stepping gait. Their small, folded ears ("rose ears") frame an elongated head with large, expressive eyes.

Their most striking feature is their overall elegance and refinement — every line suggests speed and grace.

Italian Greyhounds need moderate exercise. Short walks and brief play sessions typically meet their needs, though they enjoy opportunities to run in safely enclosed areas. Their sighthound heritage means they love to chase, so secure fencing is essential.

These dogs have surprising speed and agility for their size. Many excel at lure coursing, where they can run at full speed chasing an artificial lure. Watching an Italian Greyhound run is witnessing grace in motion.

However, they're also content to spend most of the day lounging on soft surfaces, preferably under warm blankets. They're indoor dogs who need minimal outdoor time in cold or wet weather.

Mental stimulation through play, training, and new experiences keeps them engaged.

Training an Italian Greyhound requires patience, gentleness, and realistic expectations. They're intelligent but can be stubborn, particularly about house training. Positive reinforcement using treats and gentle praise works best.

House training is the biggest challenge. Italian Greyhounds can be notoriously difficult to fully house train, with some never becoming completely reliable. Many owners find that providing both outdoor access and indoor options works best. Small breed size, sensitivity to weather, and stubbornness all contribute to this challenge.

Early socialization is important to build confidence and prevent excessive timidity. Exposure to various people, places, and experiences in gentle, positive ways helps them develop into confident adults.

These sensitive dogs respond poorly to harsh corrections. They need gentle, patient training that respects their delicate nature.

The Italian Greyhound's short coat is wonderfully low-maintenance. Weekly brushing removes loose hair and keeps their coat shiny. They shed minimally and have virtually no doggy odor.

Bathing is needed only occasionally. Their teeth require regular brushing, and dental care is particularly important in small breeds. Regular nail trimming completes the routine.

Their thin skin makes them prone to injuries. They can easily cut themselves or suffer abrasions. Sweaters and coats aren't just fashion — they're necessities in cool weather.

Many owners keep their Italian Greyhounds dressed in sweaters indoors during winter, as they shiver easily and seek warmth constantly.

Italian Greyhounds have a lifespan of 14-15 years. They're generally healthy but can be prone to certain issues. Broken legs (due to their delicate build and tendency to jump from heights), periodontal disease, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy can occur in the breed.

Their delicate bones mean injuries from jumping or falls are common. Preventing access to high furniture and supervising play helps prevent fractures.

Dental disease is particularly common, so regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings are important.

Responsible breeders screen for genetic conditions and select for sound structure.