Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of all sighthound breeds, an elegant and ancient miniaturised greyhound type that has been kept as a companion by European royalty and nobility for at least two thousand years. Examples of fine-boned greyhound-type dogs appear in ancient Roman mosaics and artefacts, and the breed became a treasured luxury companion in the courts of Renaissance Italy before spreading across European royal households. Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great and Queen Victoria were among the breed's most prominent admirers, and miniature greyhound types appear in portraits of European nobility throughout the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Despite its toy classification and ornamental history, the Italian Greyhound retains the athletic build, speed and hunting instincts of its larger sighthound relatives in miniature form. Registered by the Kennel Club in the Toy Group, it is a popular and well-established companion breed in the United Kingdom.

The Italian Greyhound is a slender, finely boned and elegantly proportioned dog with a short, smooth coat, deep chest, tucked abdomen and the characteristic arched back of the sighthound family. Adults typically stand 32 to 38 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 3.6 to 5 kilograms. Colours include blue, fawn, cream, red, black and various combinations with white markings.

The character is intensely devoted and emotionally sensitive. The Italian Greyhound forms extremely deep bonds with its own people and can struggle significantly with separation from them. It is gentle, quiet and refined indoors and playful in quick, athletic bursts outdoors. It is reserved with strangers but becomes comfortable in time. It is highly sensitive to the emotional tone of its household and does not cope well with raised voices, tension or rough handling.

The fragile bone structure is a significant practical consideration that owners must take seriously. Leg fractures - particularly in young dogs jumping from furniture or being dropped - are a documented risk, and the domestic environment must be managed to minimise falls. The breed is also highly sensitive to cold and damp conditions, requiring warm bedding, indoor living and protective clothing in cold or wet weather.

Dental disease is the most significant long-term health concern. The breed is prone to tartar accumulation and periodontal disease, and daily tooth brushing from puppyhood is strongly recommended to minimise the need for veterinary dental intervention.

Purchase prices from KC-registered breeders range from £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs average £70 to £120. The Italian Greyhound Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Elegant, sensitive, deeply devoted and affectionate - the Italian Greyhound is one of the most intensely bonded of all companion breeds. Velcro-like attachment to its owner. Can be anxious. Gentle and quiet indoors. Playful in bursts. Reserved with strangers. Sensitive to raised voices.

Italian Greyhounds are intelligent but sensitive and can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement with patience and gentleness is essential. Harsh methods cause anxiety. Recall is unreliable off-lead. House training can be challenging - they dislike cold and wet weather. Generally manageable for patient owners.

Italian Greyhounds need 30-45 minutes of daily exercise but enjoy the opportunity to sprint in a safely enclosed area. They are fast and agile despite their size. They are sensitive to cold and wet - waterproof coats and warm bedding are necessities. Not suitable for off-lead exercise in open areas.

Dental disease is a major health concern - dental care from puppyhood is essential. Leg fractures are common given the fine bone structure - falls from furniture must be managed carefully. Epilepsy occurs in the breed. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) has been documented. Colour dilution alopecia affects blue and fawn individuals. Lifespan 13-15 years.

High-quality small breed complete food. Adults typically need 80-140g dry food daily across two meals. Monitor body condition carefully. Fresh water always available. Dental chews can assist dental health.

The coat is extremely short and smooth - minimal grooming required. Wipe down occasionally. The breed is clean and odour-free. Dental care is critical - daily tooth brushing is strongly recommended from puppyhood. Nails need regular trimming.

Italian Greyhound puppies from KC-registered breeders typically cost £1,000-£2,500. Annual ongoing costs average £800-£1,400. Dental treatment can be a significant recurring veterinary cost.

Gentle, experienced owners in calm households. Not suitable for families with very young children given the fragile build. Needs warmth - very sensitive to cold. Modest exercise needs. Velcro dog - deeply devoted and prone to separation anxiety. Low-maintenance coat.