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Italian Greyhound
Toy breed from Italy
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound known for its elegant, slender build and graceful movement. It combines the look of a large hound with the size of a lap dog, featuring a fine, smooth coat. This breed is described as affectionate, gentle, playful, alert, and intelligent. However, individual temperaments can vary. Its energy level is moderate (score 3 out of 5), and it is moderately trainable (score 3). Grooming needs are low (score 1), and shedding is minimal (score 2). The Italian Greyhound is generally not recommended for homes with young children (child suitability score 2 out of 5) but can get along with other dogs (dog compatibility score 3). It is well-suited for apartment living (apartment suitability score 4). Adult males and females typically weigh between 3 and 6.5 kg and stand 33 to 38 cm tall at the shoulder. These measurements are modelled estimates and may vary.
Quick facts
Italian Greyhound at a glance
Sizesmall
Breed groupToy
OriginItaly
LifespanPending
Male weight3–6.5 kilogram
Female weight3–6.5 kilogram
Male height33–38 centimetre
Female height33–38 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Italian Greyhound is an ancient breed with origins tracing back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean basin. It was favored by nobility in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Italian Renaissance. The breed's exact history is not fully documented, but it is believed to have been developed in Italy, as its name suggests. The Italian Greyhound was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1886, though recognition status varies by registry. The breed's elegant appearance and small size made it a popular companion among aristocrats throughout history. Despite its ancient lineage, many details about its early development remain uncertain, and the breed's working purpose is not clearly defined in available records.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
3–6.5 kilogramAdult weight33–38 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Affectionategentleplayfulalertintelligent
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Italian Greyhound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Research in progress
Editorially reviewed pros and cons will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
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Growth chart
Italian Greyhound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight3–6.5 kilogramAdult female weight3–6.5 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of an Italian Greyhound?
Italian Greyhounds are small dogs. Adult males and females typically weigh between 3 and 6.5 kg and stand 33 to 38 cm tall at the shoulder. These measurements are modelled estimates. Lifespan information is not provided in the available data.
What is the temperament of an Italian Greyhound?
The breed is described as affectionate, gentle, playful, alert, and intelligent. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Italian Greyhound will exhibit all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does an Italian Greyhound need?
Italian Greyhounds have a moderate energy level (score 3 out of 5). They require regular exercise but are not extremely high-energy. Daily walks and playtime should suffice, but needs can vary by individual.
What are the grooming requirements for an Italian Greyhound?
Grooming needs are low (score 1 out of 5) due to their short coat. Shedding is minimal (score 2). Occasional brushing and bathing are typically sufficient.
Is the Italian Greyhound good for apartment living?
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are well-suited for apartment living (apartment suitability score 4 out of 5). Their small size and moderate energy make them adaptable to smaller spaces.
Is the Italian Greyhound good with children and other dogs?
The breed has a low child suitability score (2 out of 5), suggesting it may not be ideal for homes with young children. It has a moderate dog compatibility score (3 out of 5), meaning it can get along with other dogs, but individual temperament and socialization play a significant role.
Where does the Italian Greyhound originate from?
The Italian Greyhound originates from Italy. It is an ancient breed with roots in the Mediterranean basin, favored by nobility in ancient Greece, Rome, and the Italian Renaissance. The AKC recognized the breed in 1886, but recognition varies by registry.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.