Breeds
Italian Greyhound: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
An Italian Greyhound is a slender, affectionate, sensitive little sighthound that loves warmth, soft blankets and its people. IGs are friendly with strangers and other dogs, need very little coat care and adapt well to apartments. The care that matters is about fragility and teeth: those fine legs break more easily than most, and daily tooth brushing is essential. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and training.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read2 sources
Italian Greyhound temperament
The AKC rates the Italian Greyhound five out of five for affection with family, openness to strangers and getting along with other dogs. It describes IGs as combining the attentiveness of a lapdog with the complexity of an ancient sighthound, and calls them intelligent and sensitive.
VCA notes IGs are strongly companion-oriented with limited tolerance for being alone, and that they suit calm homes. Many are playful in short bursts, then happy to burrow under a blanket for the rest of the afternoon.
How big do Italian Greyhounds get?
The AKC lists the Italian Greyhound at 13 to 15 inches tall and 7 to 14 pounds, with no separate figures by sex. They are Greyhounds in miniature, more slender, with long, fine-boned legs and the curving lines of a coursing hound.
That fine bone is the key fact for owners. VCA says puppies and young adults are especially susceptible to leg fractures during rough play or jumps from heights, so plan your home around safe landings.
Italian Greyhound lifespan and common health issues
The AKC lists a lifespan of 14 to 15 years and calls the breed generally long-lived. Responsible breeders, the AKC says, screen for progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism, and the recommended tests are patella, eye and thyroid evaluations.
VCA says IGs are particularly prone to dental disease and orthopedic injuries, and lists patellar luxation, epilepsy and a bleeding disorder among breed concerns. Any limp after a jump or fall needs a vet the same day, since a fracture needs prompt care. Ask your vet about a dental plan from puppyhood.
Exercise needs
The AKC calls IGs an active breed that needs regular exercise, and says playtime is usually enough, especially with more than one dog. Walks on leash are appreciated, and short sprints in a safe, fenced area delight them.
The AKC warns that even obedience-trained IGs should never be off leash in unfenced areas, because a sighthound will chase. It also cautions that dog parks can be hazardous unless supervised with a separate small-dog area. VCA notes they are sensitive to cold and wet weather, so a dog coat helps.
Grooming and dental care
The AKC's most important grooming tip is that the teeth must be brushed regularly, preferably daily, with dental cleaning by a vet yearly or as needed. The very short coat rarely needs a bath and is kept tidy with gentle brushing.
Shedding is three out of five on the AKC scale, but the hair is fine and short. Trim nails regularly, as IGs rarely wear them down indoors. A soft cloth or rubber mitt is all the coat really needs.
Training an Italian Greyhound
The AKC says IGs respond best to reward-based training rather than punishment, with firm commands, lavish praise and small, immediate treats. Harsh methods simply do not work with this intelligent, sensitive breed, and the AKC advises choosing professional trainers carefully.
House training can take patience, especially in cold or wet weather, when many IGs would rather stay indoors. Keep a regular schedule, offer a covered or sheltered spot outside, and reward success generously.
Are Italian Greyhounds good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the IG three out of five with young children, and VCA says they do best with older, gentle children. A dropped or stepped-on IG can be badly hurt, so families with toddlers should think carefully and supervise closely.
With other dogs the AKC rating is five out of five, and VCA says they are usually compatible, especially with calm animals. Choose gentle, similar-sized playmates. Small, fast-moving pets may trigger the chase instinct.
What an Italian Greyhound needs at home
Useful kit includes a soft, padded dog bed and blankets for burrowing, a coat or sweater for cold weather, a martingale collar or snug harness, a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, nail clippers and soft toys. Pet steps and ramps reduce risky jumps off furniture.
Non-slip rugs on hard floors and baby gates on stairs help prevent injuries. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your IG home and ask about a dental care plan and safe exercise.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
The AKC lists a lifespan of 14 to 15 years and calls the breed generally long-lived. Daily tooth brushing, injury prevention and regular vet checks are the keys to a long life.
How big does an Italian Greyhound get?
The AKC gives a height of 13 to 15 inches and a weight of 7 to 14 pounds. They are slender, fine-boned sighthounds that look like Greyhounds in miniature.
Are Italian Greyhounds fragile?
Their legs are fine-boned, and VCA says puppies and young adults are especially prone to leg fractures from rough play or jumping from heights. Ramps, gates and supervision help a lot.
What is an Italian Greyhound's temperament like?
Affectionate, gentle, sensitive and friendly. IGs love their people and other dogs, dislike being left alone, and respond best to kind, reward-based training. Individual dogs vary, so meeting the parents, or the adult dog itself, is the best guide.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
