Italian Greyhound Guide: Size, Temperament, Care and Adoption
Italian Greyhound at a glance
The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound known for elegance, sensitivity and a strong attachment to its owners. AKC places it in the Toy Group. It resembles the much larger Greyhound but is smaller and more slender in all proportions.
Where does the Italian Greyhound come from?
The breed descends from the small sighthounds of ancient Egypt and was further developed by the Romans after reaching the Italian peninsula. Nobility have prized it throughout history, and AKC lists its origin as the Mediterranean basin. AKC recognized the breed in 1886, and the United Kennel Club followed in 1948.
How big is a small Italian Greyhound?
AKC publishes a height of 13-15 inches and a weight of 7-14 pounds for this small greyhound, and the United Kennel Club gives an ideal height of 13 to 15 inches at the withers.
Italian Greyhound temperament and personality
AKC describes the breed's temperament as alert, playful and sensitive. The United Kennel Club calls it intelligent and affectionate, but sensitive and possibly reserved with strangers. Many are playful indoors while staying calm and quiet around the home. Some may become anxious if left alone for extended periods. VCA notes they are best with older, gentle children and are usually compatible with other pets, especially calm ones. Because they may be driven to chase prey, careful supervision outdoors makes sense.
How much exercise does an Italian Greyhound need?
They need moderate daily exercise, such as short walks, play sessions and chances to run in fenced spaces. Dog park play should be supervised, with playmates chosen carefully to avoid injury.
Do Italian Greyhounds shed?
AKC rates Italian Greyhound shedding at 3 of 5 and grooming frequency at 1 of 5. The short, smooth coat is easy to maintain, and weekly brushing or wiping helps keep it in condition. Dental care, nail trimming and ear care should also be kept up consistently. The thin coat and low body fat give little protection in cold weather.
Training an Italian Greyhound
The breed is intelligent and thrives with gentle, reward-based training. AKC rates its trainability at 4 of 5.
How long do Italian Greyhounds live, and what health issues should you know about?
AKC gives a general life expectancy of 14-15 years for the breed. VCA describes Italian Greyhounds as particularly prone to dental disease and orthopedic injuries because of their delicate bone structure. Leg fractures from rough play or jumping from heights are a particular worry in puppies and young adults. A veterinarian can advise on what screening an individual dog needs.
Considering Italian Greyhound rescue or adoption
VCA says Italian Greyhounds do best in calm homes that offer companionship and gentle handling. It also describes them as suited to apartments or smaller homes, with limited tolerance for time alone. Ask the organization caring for a dog about its history with cold weather, being left alone, children and other pets.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Italian Greyhound as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1886
- Height (AKC published)
- 13-15 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 7-14 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 14-15 years
- AKC size category
- Small
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 4 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 1 of 5
- Shedding: 3 of 5
- Vocalization: 3 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 5 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- Thyroid Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Italian Greyhound | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Italian Greyhound | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Italian Greyhound - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
