Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a slender, elegant sighthound miniaturized into a toy-sized package, typically weighing just 7 to 14 pounds. Do not be fooled by their delicate appearance — they are athletic, fast, and surprisingly stubborn little dogs with a strong prey drive that will send them bolting after squirrels at full speed. They are intensely affectionate with their owners, often to the point of clinginess, and many IG owners describe them as Velcro dogs that must be touching a human at all times. They burrow under blankets instinctively, and cold weather is a genuine health concern — they lack body fat and insulating undercoat, making sweaters and coats a necessity rather than a fashion statement. Housetraining is notoriously difficult with this breed; many experienced IG owners report that it takes a year or more, and some dogs never become fully reliable, especially in cold or wet weather when they refuse to go outside. Their legs are fine-boned and prone to fractures, particularly in puppies and young adults — jumping off furniture is a real injury risk. They thrive in calm, adult-oriented households and can be overwhelmed by rough-playing children. They get along well with other IGs and similar-sized dogs but can be injured by larger, rambunctious dogs during play.
History
The Italian Greyhound has been a companion breed for over 2,000 years, with miniature greyhound remains found in Egyptian tombs and Pompeii excavations. They became especially popular among Italian Renaissance nobility — hence the name — and were favored by figures including Catherine the Great, Queen Victoria, and Frederick the Great of Prussia, who reportedly asked to be buried with his IGs. The breed arrived in America in the late 1800s and was recognized by the AKC in 1886. Numbers declined after the World Wars due to over-refinement in breeding, but dedicated breeders restored the breed's health and soundness through the mid-20th century.
Characteristics
Compatibility
Care Guide
The short, fine coat requires minimal grooming — a weekly wipe-down with a soft cloth and occasional bath suffice — but dental care is critical, as this breed is extremely prone to periodontal disease. Daily tooth brushing and regular professional cleanings are not optional; neglecting dental health leads to tooth loss and systemic infections. They need moderate exercise — 30 to 45 minutes of activity daily — but must be kept on leash or in a securely fenced area, as their sighthound instinct to chase will override any recall training. Protect their fragile legs by providing ramps for furniture access and discouraging jumping. They are cold-intolerant and need insulating garments when temperatures drop below 50°F. Indoor potty options like litter boxes or pee pads are commonly used as backup, especially in inclement weather.
Common Health Issues
- Periodontal diseaseItalian Greyhounds are among the breeds most severely affected by dental disease, with tooth loss beginning as early as age two if dental care is neglected. Daily brushing, dental chews, and annual professional cleanings under anesthesia are essential to preserving teeth and preventing bacterial spread to the heart and kidneys.
- Leg fracturesThe fine, thin bones of the legs — particularly the radius and ulna — are highly susceptible to fracture from relatively minor impacts like jumping off a couch. Puppies under 18 months are at greatest risk; restricting jumping and providing soft landing surfaces significantly reduces fracture incidence.
- Patellar luxationThe kneecap slips out of its normal groove, causing intermittent lameness and a characteristic skipping gait. Grading ranges from 1 (occasional slip, self-correcting) to 4 (permanent displacement requiring surgery); breeding stock should be evaluated before pairing.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)Inherited retinal degeneration causing progressive vision loss, beginning with night blindness and advancing to complete blindness. DNA testing is available for the IG-specific variant, and responsible breeders test all breeding stock before mating.