Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound looks elegant and is a sweet-natured and rather sensitive little dog that loves nothing more than to be close to their owners.

These small dogs need short burst of exercise throughout the day and they move, as you would expect a greyhound to, very quickly. You are going to need a safe, big area near your home for them to exercise in.

Italian Greyhound Facts

Exercise Requirements:      

Good with Children:             

Easy to Train:                        

Good Watchdog:                    

Low Shedding:                       

Good with Other Pets:         

Vital Statistics

Size: 32-38 cm (12.5-15 in)

Weight: 3.5-4.5 kg (8-10 lb)

Coat: Fine, short and glossy coat. They do need to wear a coat in cold weather

Colour: Black, blue, cream, fawn, red, white, or any of these colours mixed with white

Lifespan: 14 years

Special Characteristics

These dogs absolutely love to be around people and will love to have your company all of the time. The Italian Greyhound loves to chase and is described as being elegant, affectionate, sweet-natured, sensitive and at times a little aloof.

Exercise Requirements

These dogs have lots of energy and love to exercise in quick short bursts. This breed is classed as requiring a medium amount of exercise each day.

Attitude Towards:

Owners: Will be devoted to their owners and show them lots of affection.

Children: They are good around children. Children need to take care around them during boisterous play.

Other Pets: Good around other small pets including cats, they are known to chase though.

Strangers: Will be reserved around strangers and somewhat discerning.

Other Unfamiliar Dogs: Are known to be friendly with other unknown dogs, even more so if well socialised from an early age.

What to Watch Out For

These dogs love to chase and are quick movers and are therefore sometimes difficult to control when out and about on walks. These small dogs are also know to be difficult to house train.

Health Risks

Just three health problems to take note of here; patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune disease.

Ideal Owner

These dogs will get on well with a gentle owner that will show them lots of affection that has a big safe area for them to run around in close to their home.

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