Get free expert help with your dog’s training or behaviour.
Italian Greyhound
The full scoop on Italian Greyhounds
On this page..
How to pronounce Italian Greyhound: uh·ta·lee·uhn gray·hownd
Italian Greyhounds are small, moderately active dogs and the smallest Sighthound breed. They have a short, smooth coat that can be any colour.
Many behaviours come naturally to all dogs. Whether that’s a desire to dig or a love of lazing, these can be influenced by different factors like genetics or personal experience.
We’re bringing you the important facts and considerations about Italian Greyhounds. Could you become an Italian Greyhound parent and give one a forever home?
Caring for Italian Greyhounds
Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Italian Greyhound.
Health issues
It’s important before becoming an Italian Greyhound parent to consider any possible health issues. Not every dog suffers with them, but it’s good to be prepared.
Speak to your vet to find out which conditions yo...
Show more
It’s important before becoming an Italian Greyhound parent to consider any possible health issues. Not every dog suffers with them, but it’s good to be prepared.
Speak to your vet to find out which conditions your Italian Greyhound might be at risk from. Some vets offer ‘pre-purchase consultations’ which can advise on health risks, management, and related costs.
They can also help you find a responsible breeder if you’re buying a puppy, or advise on testing for genetic diseases.
Speak to your vet if there’s anything you’re unsure of, or for more expert advice.
Condition 1 of 3
Signs your dog may be under the ideal body condition
Ribs, vertebrae (spine) and pelvic (hip) bones are prominent or visible and very easy to feel
Not able to feel any fat layer over the ribs
Possible loss of muscle mass
Obviously thin waist
Ideal body condition
Ribs can be felt easily
Minimal or thin layer of fat covering the ribs
When viewed from above, the waist is obviously narrower than the rest of the body
When viewed from the side, the belly tucks in rather than being rounded
Signs your dog may be over the ideal body condition
Ribs are hard or impossible to feel under body fat
Waist is not obvious when viewed from above
Fat deposits at the base of the tail, the neck and on their legs
Rounded abdomen
How much exercise does a Italian Greyhound need?
Italian Greyhounds are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore...
Show more
Italian Greyhounds are usually moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them physically and mentally healthy.
They need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play. Like all dogs, they need training and benefit from daily enrichment.
If you enjoy regular time outdoors, this breed could be a great match for you. Italian Greyhounds need training like any other dog, as well as daily enrichment.
When exercising your Italian Greyhound, think about their:
age
health
personality.
Young, growing dogs may need a few shorter walks. Whereas older, ill or injured pooches may need an exercise plan tailored by your vet. Some may need quiet, calm walks while others benefit from more sociable strolls.
Check with your vet for advice on exercising your dog.
Italian Greyhounds’ short coats shed very little. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way. This will help your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your ...
Show more
Italian Greyhounds’ short coats shed very little. Introduce handling and grooming slowly and in a positive way. This will help your pooch feel more comfortable with it. Grooming is more enjoyable for everyone if your dog feels relaxed and confident.
What crate size do you need for a Italian Greyhound?
When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:
stand up at their full height
turn around without touching the sides
lie down and stretch out
wag their tail.
Show more
When in their crate, your dog should be able to comfortably:
stand up at their full height
turn around without touching the sides
lie down and stretch out
wag their tail.
Slowly build up the time your dog spends in their crate to help them feel positive about it. They should associate it with good things happening.
Even if you think you know about Italian Greyhounds, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.
What's the temperament of a Italian Greyhound?
Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.
Two Italian Greyhounds, for example, will have very different ways of reacting to certain situa...
Show more
Each dog has their own personality and individual experiences of the world. So, each dog has their own temperament.
Two Italian Greyhounds, for example, will have very different ways of reacting to certain situations. They also have different likes and dislikes.
Some dogs might love socialising with other puppy pals while others may not. One might crave excitement while another finds a more relaxing atmosphere enjoyable.
Introducing your new dog or puppy to your current dog
Are Italian Greyhounds easy to train?
You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can us...
Show more
You really can teach any dog new tricks. The key is positive learning. Find out what gets your dog’s tail wagging with excitement. Snacks or toys are popular choices, or even lots of praise. Whatever it is, you can use it as a reward during training to help them enjoy the learning.
Make sure to work on useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking and settling with your dog. This will help you both feel relaxed and confident in tackling your daily life together.
