Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Greyhounds of all sizes have been depicted on walls and in tombs since ancient times. The miniature version of the breed was developed to perfection in Italy. Many royals found the exquisite little dog irresistible.
Italian Greyhounds are usually submissive to other animals and very willing to please their humans. They should be socialized early and often. Cats and other fleet-moving creatures are too great a temptation. Loving to their own people – they cannot tolerate being left alone for long periods and are most willing lapdogs. They love climbing to the tops of furniture to watch their surroundings or lying on window benches to catch the sun.
The Italian Greyhound is slim and trim, with a long tail, folded ears, and a smooth coat. She looks like a miniature version of the Greyhound. Almost any color is acceptable and likely to be found, either as solids or with white markings. They have large, dreamy eyes, able to see at great distances and to steal your heart. Italian Greyhounds have a distinctive high-stepping gait and are light on their feet.
They do well in obedience and agility, when the sighthound's need for speed is taken into consideration. Use positive training with lots of praise. Make training techniques more enticing and interesting than the surroundings.
Smooth with a hound's glove or soft brush and very little shedding will take place. Nail trim, and that's it! Care should be taken that tails and legs are away from doors before shutting. Breeds like Italian Greyhounds are why doggy coats and sweaters are made. They cannot tolerate cold weather and hate getting wet!
Like most breeds, Italian Greyhounds are predisposed to certain conditions through genetics, including patellar luxation, eye problems, some autoimmune diseases and seizures. Search for healthy parents with OFA and CERF certification.
Nellie from the movie "Good Boy!" is played by Italian Greyhounds Motif and Imp.
Ideal Owner Activity Level Active Schedule Part-time or willing to hire a dog walker Personal Style Affectionate, Training Style Consistent, Gentle Home Anything goes with enough exercise Children Gentle and respectful kids Experience Not necessary Quick Facts Size Small Grooming Easy to care for - brush weekly Exercise Moderate - needs to walk or play every day Training Eager to please, Teach manners Temperment Affectionate, Calm Challenges Notoriously difficult to housetrain, too delicate for small children. Height 13 to 15 inches Weight 8 to 12 pounds Life 13 to 15 years Home Alone Not often or for long - wants to be where you are With Kids Fine with older kids With Strangers Reserved Availability Available, so choose your breeder carefully
© Copyright 2025 LifeLearn Inc. Used and/or modified with permission under license. This content written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written consent of LifeLearn. This content does not contain all available information for any referenced medications and has not been reviewed by the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine, or Health Canada Veterinary Drugs Directorate. This content may help answer commonly asked questions, but is not a substitute for medical advice, or a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian. Please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health. Created on May 29, 2014.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Search Articles
Filter By Language
View All
We always welcome questions or feedback and look forward to your call or text. You can reach us by calling or texting us.
505-469-0615 – Español 505-489-0020 – English
Monday: 8am – 5pm Tuesday: 8am – 5pm Wednesday: 8am – 5pm Thursday: 8am – 5pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Euthanasia appointments only. Please call for availability.
If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please click here:
Emergency Information© 2025 Gonzales Veterinary Services. Provided by Patterson | Powered by LifeLearn WebDVM