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Italian Greyhound: Size, Weight & Temperament

A delicate, highly sensitive sighthound with paper-thin skin; visible ribs and a pronounced pelvis are normal at ideal weight, not a sign of malnourishment.

~ Some experience
Italian Greyhound dog breed portrait
Photo: christina · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Resized and recompressed
Weight male3–5 kg
Weight female3–5 kg
Shoulder height32–38 cm
Size classSmall (under 12 kg)
Fully grownat approx. 12 months
Life expectancy14–15 years
Activity levelModerate
OriginItaly
ClassificationFCI Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 3 (Short-haired Sighthounds)

Italian Greyhound: temperament & character

Affectionate, cuddly, and closely bonded to its owner, while reserved toward strangers. Sensitive to harsh handling and learns best through gentle, consistent motivation.

How much exercise does a Italian Greyhound need?

Needs daily free-running opportunities with short sprints but is otherwise no endurance athlete. At home it is remarkably calm and happily lies under a blanket for hours.

Italian Greyhound: grooming & shedding

The short coat is low-maintenance but requires a coat in cold or wet weather, as the breed is highly sensitive to cold. Teeth should be checked regularly, as tartar buildup is common in the breed.

Is the Italian Greyhound suitable for beginners?

Suited to calm, sensitive owners who provide cold protection and don't let the dog jump off furniture, since its legs fracture easily. Not a dog for boisterous children or rough handling.

Italian Greyhound health problems

Prone to leg fractures (thin, long bones), dental problems, and in some lines patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. A health test of the parent dogs before purchase is advisable.

Is a Italian Greyhound right for you?

With childrenWith reservations
SheddingLittle
Grooming effortLow
BarkingLittle
Home alonePoor
Other petsWith reservations
TrainabilityDemanding

The Italian Greyhound sheds little and is therefore considered comparatively well tolerated by allergy sufferers. No breed is truly hypoallergenic, though: the allergy is triggered by the protein Can f 1 in saliva and dander, not by the hair itself.

Good with: quiet households, singles, older children

Is your Italian Greyhound at a healthy weight? Calculate the ideal weight and the right portion size for free in the Souldog app.

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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.