Italian Greyhounds are sweet, sensitive little sighthounds that bond closely and crave warmth and soft places — they shiver in the cold and need a coat outdoors. They love a daily sprint in a safe space but are otherwise calm housemates. Their slender legs are genuinely fragile, so guard against jumps and rough play. Affectionate and clean, they suit a gentle, attentive home (house-training takes patience).
Italian Greyhound
- Vet-reviewed by Dr. Amara Okafor, DVM
- Last updated June 2, 2026
Breed character
A miniature sighthound of elegant, delicate beauty — affectionate and sensitive, capable of explosive sprints, and devoted to warmth and its favourite lap.
Temperament
- Affectionate
- Sensitive
- Elegant
- Playful
- Alert
Likes
- Warmth, blankets and laps
- A daily sprint in a safe space
- Gentle, affectionate company
- Sunbathing
Dislikes
- Cold weather
- Rough play and high jumps (fragile)
- Being left alone
- Hard, cold floors
Habits & quirks
- Burrowing under blankets
- Curling into warm laps
- Quick, explosive sprints
- Bonding to one favourite person
Great for
- Gentle, attentive homes
- Apartment dwellers
- Adults and considerate older children
- People who want a clean, low-shed dog
Think twice if…
- Homes with rough toddlers
- Cold climates without coats
- Owners away all day
- Busy, boisterous households
Italian Greyhound: quick answers
How big does the Italian Greyhound get?
An adult Italian Greyhound typically weighs 3–5 kg and stands around 33–38 cm at the shoulder — a small breed.
How long does the Italian Greyhound live?
14–15 years is typical for the Italian Greyhound. Weight, genetics and routine veterinary care all move the needle — regular check-ups matter at every age.
Is the Italian Greyhound good with kids?
The Italian Greyhound rates a middling 3/5 on our family-friendliness scale. With early socialisation, training and supervision many do fine with children — the individual dog matters more than the breed.
Does the Italian Greyhound shed a lot?
Not much — the Italian Greyhound is a light shedder (1/5 on our scale), one of the easier breeds for keeping hair under control.
Is the Italian Greyhound easy to train?
Reasonably — the Italian Greyhound rates 3/5 for trainability. Consistency, patience and positive reinforcement get you there.
Can the Italian Greyhound live in an apartment?
Yes — the Italian Greyhound can do well in an apartment as long as its exercise needs are met with daily walks and play.
Is this the right breed for you?
Take the 3-minute Breed Match — a few honest questions about your home, time and energy, and a shortlist of dogs that genuinely fit your life.
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Care, gear & guides
Guides for this breed are coming soon.
