A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a slender toy sighthound with a fine coat and a playful, affectionate reputation. Gentle handling, suitable weather protection, and a veterinary-guided dental routine need consideration.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Italian Greyhound questions
How big does a full-grown Italian Greyhound get?
Adults usually stand 13 to 15 inches tall and weigh 7 to 14 pounds. That makes the Italian Greyhound the smallest of the sighthounds.
What is the difference between an Italian Greyhound and a Whippet?
Mostly size. The Whippet stands 18 to 22 inches, weighs 25 to 40 pounds and belongs to the Hound Group, while the Italian Greyhound stands 13 to 15 inches, weighs 7 to 14 pounds and belongs to the Toy Group. Both have the curved outline of a small Greyhound, and both will chase things that move, so ask which breed a dog is if you are unsure.
Do Italian Greyhounds shed?
A little. Shedding is moderate, and the coat is so short and smooth that gentle brushing and the odd bath cover it. The bigger jobs are teeth and nails, so plan to brush teeth daily and grind nails one to three times a week.
How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
Life expectancy is 14 to 15 years, and it is not unusual for the breed to reach that age or beyond. Those are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Do Italian Greyhounds break their legs easily?
They are not as fragile as they look, but it is wise to steer clear of situations that could end in a broken leg. Puppies in particular will launch themselves off beds and tables without a second thought, so teach them to jump down safely from low heights first. Your breeder and vet can tell you what to watch for.
Are Italian Greyhounds good with children?
It depends on the children. The breed's fine bones and sensitive nature mean it is generally not a good match for homes with very young or boisterous children, or with large, active dogs. Supervise around young children.
Can an Italian Greyhound live in an apartment?
Yes. The breed adapts to city or country life and enjoys apartment comforts, with play and leash walks covering most of its exercise. Two cautions apply everywhere. Keep the dog on a lead outside fenced areas because it will bolt after small animals, and expect a short-coated dog that dislikes cold and rain and wants only brief outings in bad weather.
Are Italian Greyhounds hard to house-train?
They can be. Puppies cannot wait long between trips outside, house-training can be very difficult when nobody is home during the day, and owners should expect to stay on top of it for the first couple of years. For training in general, rewards and praise work best, because harsh methods do not work with this sensitive breed.
