Italian Greyhound Basics
Learn about about Italian Greyhound basics like where Italian Greyhound come from, how many different types of Italian Greyhound you can find, and what other breeds mix with Italian Greyhound.
Italian Greyhounds were originally bred for companionship and as small hunting dogs. Despite their name’s suggested association with Italy, their origins trace back to parts of the Mediterranean region (present-day Greece and Turkey), where they were favored by nobility and depicted in ancient art. Over time, they became popular among the European aristocracy and were often seen in the courts of various European countries.
Italian Greyhounds were used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and other small prey. Their small size, agility, and speed made them well-suited for chasing and catching these types of animals. Today, Italian Greyhounds are primarily kept as companions.
Breeds that are commonly mixed with Italian Greyhounds include Boston Terriers, Beagles, and Chihuahuas. Characteristics of an Italian Greyhound mix can vary widely depending on the specific breeds involved, the individual dog’s genetics, and its upbringing. A few common Italian Greyhound mixes include:
Boston Iggy (Italian Greyhound + Boston Terrier)
Italian Greagle (Italian Greyhound + Beagle)
Italian Chihuahua (Italian Greyhound + Chihuahua)
Whippig (Italian Greyhound + Whippet)
Pootalian (Italian Greyhound + Poodle)
Italian Greyhounds typically reach their full height around 12 to 14 months of age, although they might continue to fill out and develop muscle tone for several more months after reaching their full height. Most Italian Greyhounds will reach their adult weight by the time they are eight to 12 months old.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are hard to train compared to some other breeds. Although Italian Greyhounds are intelligent and eager to please, they are also sensitive and independent, which can make them challenging to train. Positive reinforcement techniques using treats and praise are more effective than harsh methods and can help motivate Italian Greyhounds to learn and follow commands.
Training Italian Greyhounds might require some extra time and patience, but they are capable of learning and can excel in obedience, agility, and other canine activities with the right approach and consistent training.
Italian Greyhound Appearance
Learn about about the Italian Greyhound general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.
Italian Greyhounds are typically 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and usually weigh between seven to 14 pounds.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds shed, but they are low to moderate shedders. The short, sleek coat doesn’t require extensive grooming. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and keep the coat in good condition.
Italian Greyhounds can be any color other than brindle or with the type of tan markings usually seen in black-and-tan dogs, according to the AKC breed standard. Some common Italian Greyhound colors include black, blue (gray), seal (a dark brown), red, fawn, cream, Isabella (a pale fawn with a blue cast), sable (a mix of black or brown with fawn or red), chocolate, slate (a bluish-gray), and white.
Italian Greyhound Temperament
Learn about about the Italian Greyhound temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.
No, Italian Greyhounds are generally not excessive barkers. They tend to be relatively quiet and are not as vocal as some other breeds. However, like all dogs, Italian Greyhounds might bark in response to certain stimuli or situations, such as when they are excited, nervous, or seeking attention.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are good dogs. They are affectionate, gentle, and playful, making them excellent companions for individuals and families. Italian Greyhounds are known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise, but due to their small size, providing enough daily activity is not difficult for most pet parents.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds can be good with children, but their suitability as family pets with kids largely depends on the individual dog’s temperament, the child’s behavior, and the interactions between them. Italian Greyhounds are affectionate and gentle-natured, which can make them suitable companions for older, gentle children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs.
It’s essential to supervise interactions between Italian Greyhounds and young children to ensure both the child and the dog are safe. Italian Greyhounds are small and delicate, making them more susceptible to accidental injuries from rough handling or unintentional falls. Early socialization and training are crucial for Italian Greyhounds to help them develop positive behaviors and manners around children and other pets.
Yes, most Italian Greyhounds are good with cats, especially if they are introduced to them at a young age and given proper socialization and training. Their small size and gentle nature often make them less intimidating to cats than larger or more energetic breeds.
However, some Italian Greyhounds might have a strong prey drive or be overly curious, which could potentially lead to chasing or bothering a cat. Conversely, some cats may be fearful or aggressive toward dogs, which could create tension or conflict in a household.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are good with other dogs, particularly if they are socialized from a young age and introduced to other dogs in a positive and controlled manner. Their gentle and playful nature often makes them compatible with dogs of similar size and temperament. It’s important to supervise interactions between Italian Greyhounds and other dogs, especially large dogs, to ensure the delicate Italian Greyhound isn’t accidentally hurt during rambunctious play.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are smart. Some Italian Greyhounds might be more independent or stubborn, which can sometimes be mistaken for a lack of intelligence. However, Italian Greyhounds can be successfully trained using positive training methods, patience, and consistency.
No, Italian Greyhounds are not aggressive dogs. They are typically affectionate, gentle, and even-tempered, making them well-suited as pets for individuals and families. However, like any dog, Italian Greyhounds can exhibit aggressive behaviors in certain situations or if they feel threatened, fearful, or stressed. Lack of proper socialization, insufficient training, traumatic experiences, or inconsistent handling can potentially contribute to the development of aggressive behaviors in any dog breed, including Italian Greyhounds.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are good apartment dogs due to their small size, low to moderate exercise needs, and adaptable nature. Their compact size makes them well-suited for smaller living spaces, such as apartments or condominiums.
Italian Greyhounds enjoy regular exercise and playtime but don’t require extensive outdoor space or a large yard to meet their needs. Daily walks, indoor play sessions, and opportunities for mental stimulation can help keep an Italian Greyhound happy, healthy, and entertained in an apartment setting.
No, Italian Greyhounds are not easy to potty train compared to some other breeds. Their small size means they have a smaller bladder capacity and might need more frequent opportunities to go outside to eliminate. Establishing a regular schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and walks can help teach Italian Greyhounds when and where they should go potty.
Supervise Italian Greyhounds closely, especially during the initial stages of potty training, to prevent accidents inside the house and to quickly redirect them to the designated potty area. Crate training can also be a useful tool for potty training. Some Italian Greyhounds might catch on quickly and become reliably potty trained relatively quickly, but others might require more time, supervision, and consistent training.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds can swim, but they are not natural or strong swimmers compared to some other dog breeds. Their slender build, short legs, and low body fat can make swimming more challenging and less efficient for them.
Some Italian Greyhounds may enjoy wading or splashing in shallow water, but others may be hesitant or even fearful of swimming. Using a doggie life vest can provide added safety and support for Italian Greyhounds when swimming and help build their confidence in the water.
Italian Greyhound Health
Learn about about the Italian Greyhound health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.
Like all purebred dogs, Italian Greyhounds can be prone to certain hereditary health conditions. Not all Italian Greyhounds will experience health problems, but it’s essential for potential pet parents to be aware of the potential risks. Some of the genetic health issues that Italian Greyhounds are predisposed to include:
Eye problems: The Italian greyhound’s large eyes make them prone to serious eye injuries. These include scratched corneas; corneal ulcers, when the deeper layers of the cornea are lost due to injury or foreign objects; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a progressive degenerative disease affecting the retina that eventually leads to blindness. Eye examinations and genetic testing can help identify carriers and reduce the risk of passing on these diseases to future generations.
Portosystemic liver shunt: Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is a hereditary issue that obstructs proper blood flow to the liver. Since the liver is responsible for detoxifying the body, PSS sends the toxins in unfiltered blood to the heart, brain, and other body parts. Signs can include but are not limited to, behavioral changes, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), jaundice, urinary tract problems, vision problems, and stunted growth. PSS can be life-threatening if not treated early. Antibiotics and diet changes can help in the short term, but surgery is the only permanent treatment for the problem.
Von Willebrand’s disease: Von Willebrand's disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder seen in dogs. It happens when a dog does not produce enough of a specific protein that helps the blood cells used in clotting stick together. This results in dogs that are unable to clot properly and could cause hemorrhages or other bleeding issues. The deficient protein is called the von Willebrand factor (vWF).
Patellar luxation: This is a condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates or moves out of its normal position. It can cause lameness or discomfort and might require surgical intervention in severe cases.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: This degenerative hip joint disorder can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis in the affected hip joint. It might require medical management or surgical treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve the dog’s quality of life.
Dental problems: Italian Greyhounds are prone to dental issues, such as periodontal disease, due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Regular dental care, including brushing their teeth daily, providing dental chews or toys, and scheduling professional dental cleanings, can help maintain their oral health.
Hypothyroidism: This common endocrine disorder in dogs occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms can include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin problems. Lifelong medication and regular monitoring are typically required to manage the condition.
Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, the abnormalities seen in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can be done to fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing an Italian Greyhound, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia so you know what they will be able to handle in terms of activities and exercise.
No, Italian Greyhounds are not hypoallergenic. Italian Greyhounds have a short, sleek coat that sheds minimally, which might make them more suitable for some allergy sufferers than breeds with longer or denser coats. Allergic people who are considering getting an Italian Greyhound should spend time with adults of the breed to assess their personal reaction.
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are fragile compared to larger, sturdier dog breeds. Their slender build, fine bones, and lightweight structure make them susceptible to injuries, accidents, and health issues, particularly if they are handled roughly or not supervised properly. While Italian Greyhounds are generally agile, athletic, and capable of engaging in various activities and exercises, it’s essential to be mindful of their size and vulnerability.
Italian Greyhounds are also sensitive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, due to their thin coat and low body fat. Monitor them closely during outdoor activities, and ensure they have access to shade, shelter, and water to prevent overheating or chilling. Many Italian Greyhounds wear sweaters and other warm clothing, especially in the colder winter months.
Adopting an Italian Greyhound
Learn about about acquiring a Italian Greyhound –the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.
Italian Greyhounds typically cost $200 to $500 when adopted from a rescue or shelter. Adoption fees often include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and other basic veterinary care. An Italian Greyhound puppy from a reputable breeder can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
The easiest way to adopt an Italian Greyhound is through a breed-specific rescue organization that specializes in them. You can also look for Italian Greyhounds at local animal shelters. A great place to start is creating a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the available Italian Greyhounds and Italian Greyhound mixes in your area.
