Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhound dog, elegant toy hound, small sighthound, affectionate lap dog, noble companion, graceful pet
The Italian Greyhound is a small, elegant dog that loves being close to its people. It is gentle and affectionate at home, often happiest curled up on a soft blanket or tucked beside you on the couch. Even though it looks delicate, this breed can sprint fast and enjoys quick bursts of play. With a calm routine, kind handling, and a cozy place to rest, the Italian Greyhound becomes a loyal companion that brings quiet sweetness and a little sparkle to everyday life.
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Know your Italian Greyhound
Breed Group: Toy
Size: Small
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Coat Type: Short, smooth, and sleek. Easy to maintain but offers little insulation from cold or rough surfaces.
Coat Colors: Black, Blue, Cream, Fawn, Red, White, and combinations including pied and sable patterns.
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, and sensitive. Italian Greyhounds form strong bonds with their people and often prefer a quiet, predictable home. They can be a little shy with strangers at first, but they warm up with patience and kindness. Indoors, they are sweet and calm, and you will often find them following you from room to room just to stay close. Because their frame is delicate, they do best with gentle play and careful handling, especially around jumping and rough housing.
Energy Level: Moderate. Loves short sprints and playful bursts but equally enjoys snuggling on the couch.
Good with Children: Yes
Good with Other Pets: Yes
Trainability: High. Intelligent and eager to please, responds best to calm, positive reinforcement and consistency.
Barking Tendency: Low. Usually quiet, though may alert when startled or excited.
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Health Issues: Dental disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation, Hypothyroidism, and fragile bones, especially in puppies. Care is needed with jumping and rough play.
Exercise Requirements: Moderate. Enjoys short walks, fenced-in running time, and play sessions. Use care on hard surfaces and avoid rough jumping because of the thin frame.
Hypoallergenic: No
History: The Italian Greyhound is one of the oldest companion dog breeds, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years. Beloved in ancient Greece and Rome, they were admired not only for their delicate beauty and swift movement but also for their warmth and loyalty. During the Renaissance, they became fashionable among European nobility and were depicted in paintings, sculptures, and royal portraits. Though originally used for hunting small game, today's Italian Greyhound is valued as an elegant lap dog and devoted companion, blending athletic grace with a deeply affectionate personality.
