Italian Greyhound
Graceful and affectionate, this slender breed loves to snuggle and form close bonds with its people. Quick and agile, the Italian Greyhound thrives as a gentle, loyal companion.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
33–38 cm (male)
32–36 cm (female)
WEIGHT
5–6 kg (male)
4.5–5.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
13–15 years
Italian Greyhound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Italian Greyhound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Italian Greyhound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Italian Greyhounds are gentle, affectionate, and sensitive dogs that often form strong bonds with their families, preferring calm environments and close companionship.
Key Personality Traits
Enjoys people, affectionate with family and friends
Quick learner, responsive to gentle training
Active indoors, enjoys regular exercise and walks
Likes interactive play, enjoys chasing toys
Sensitive to change, prefers familiar routines
Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Compact size suits apartment living
- Generally quiet and not prone to barking
- Quick learners with positive reinforcement
- Low grooming needs due to short coat
Challenges
- Prone to fragile bones and injuries
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- Can be timid with strangers
- Difficult to housebreak consistently
- High prey drive may trigger chasing
Protect your Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhound can develop dental disease and patellar luxation. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Italian Greyhounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and generally quick to learn, though they may be independent and sometimes stubborn; positive reinforcement and gentle training methods yield the best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
Italian Greyhounds have moderate energy levels, requiring daily walks and play for physical exercise, along with mental stimulation to prevent boredom and maintain their well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Italian Greyhounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Italian Greyhound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Gentle and easy to train with patience, but can be sensitive to harsh handling.
Apartment Living
Small size and quiet nature make them well-suited for apartments.
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys short bursts of play but may not keep up with highly active owners.
Kids
Fragile build and sensitivity make them less ideal for rowdy young children.
Multiple Pets
Generally gets along with other pets if socialized early.
Being Left Alone
Prone to separation anxiety and does poorly when left alone for long periods.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Italian Greyhounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian Greyhound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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