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Italian Greyhound
Complete Breed Guide

"I’ll fit right in with your big, fun-loving, laid back family!"

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Reviewed by
Puppies.com Editorial Team
Breed experts since 2003
Last updated: May 2026
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Italian Greyhound breed photo

Quick Facts About Italian Greyhounds

toy
Breed Group:
Toy
Weight
Adult Weight:
7–14 lbs
Height
Adult Height:
13–15"
Hypoallergenic
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Italian Greyhound Average Price
$1,741

Based on current listing prices on Puppies.com. Results may vary.

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Overview

The Italian Greyhound is extremely slender and barely over a foot tall, but they have all the grace and sweetness of his taller Greyhound relatives. They love to be with their owner and are very active. Running and playtime are essential for this breed along with daily walks.

The Italian Greyhound is extremely slender and barely over a foot tall, but they have all the grace and sweetness of his taller Greyhound relatives. This breed is adaptable to both city and country life. Their coat can be any color, except brindle and classic black and tan. Lovers of attention and affection, these peaceful pups are a gentle friend to adults and children. While uncomplicated and laid-back, Italian Greyhounds are an active breed that love to run, play, and go for daily walks.

Puppies.com
Reviewed by
Puppies.com Editorial Team
Breed experts since 2003

Temperament and Behavior

Italian Greyhounds are social creatures who get along well with other dogs and cats. Their sweet, good natured demeanor also means they get along with children, provided that they know not to treat the dog as a toy. Because they dislike being alone, it’s often a good idea to adopt them in pairs so they have steady canine companionship.

Coat & Grooming

The Italian Greyhound coat is made up of of fine, short hair, most often colored in slate, black, or greyish yellow, occasionally with white on the chest and feet. Very little grooming is required; you can wipe down your pup with a cloth to make their coat shine and bathe them monthly.

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Playful and intelligent, Italian Greyhounds are generally easy to train and prefer to spend most of their time with their favorite humans. They love attention and affection and are peaceful, gentle friends to adults and children. Because of their small size, they can make great apartment companions, as long as you can get them outside for plenty of activity each day.

Exercise & Activity

This breed needs frequent opportunities to run freely in a large enclosed area. They're highly intelligent and will likely wish to have their own way  and occasionally will be naughty, so consistency is necessary.

Characteristics at-a-glance

Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.

Affection
Playfulness
Trainability
Intelligence
Exercise Needs
Grooming
Good w/ Kids
Good w/ Dogs
Good w/ Cats
Watchdog
Barking Level
Space Needs
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Italian Greyhound FAQs

Common questions about the Italian Greyhound breed, answered by our editorial team.

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