10 essential facts about Italian Greyhounds before buying
The Italian greyhound is a petite, finely boned sighthound breed often mistaken for a whippet. Despite their delicate appearance, they are a unique breed with a long history dating back over 2,000 years, cherished for their elegance, affectionate temperament, and suitability for owners who want a smaller sighthound companion.
Choosing an Italian greyhound involves careful consideration of their special characteristics, health issues, and care requirements to ensure a happy, healthy relationship for years to come.
1. The smallest sighthound breed with amazing speed and sight
Italian greyhounds are the smallest of the sighthound family, standing just 32-38cm tall and weighing between 3.6-4.5kg. They rely heavily on keen eyesight to spot prey and can sprint after it with remarkable speed, making their high prey drive a key trait owners must understand and manage carefully. Their agility and speed mean they require safe, enclosed spaces or a lead outdoors to prevent chasing and injuries.
2. Included in the Kennel Club’s Toy Group but retain sighthound traits
While classed within the Kennel Club’s Toy Group due to their size, Italian greyhounds retain a strong prey drive uncommon in many toy breeds. This means owners must protect smaller pets like cats and keep them safely confined or leashed when outside. Their toy categorisation reflects their companionship history rather than their hunting instincts.
3. Delicately built with fragile bones
These dogs have a slender, lean build with very fine bones, making them prone to fractures especially in younger dogs or if allowed to jump or climb unsafely. Providing a stable environment with supervision during play helps prevent injuries, as does gentle handling from puppies onwards. Their delicate frame also means they are sensitive to rough play or harsh living conditions.
4. High-maintenance in companionship and attention
Italian greyhounds do not like being left alone for long periods. They crave companionship, are often described as lively and 'fizzy', and happier with lots of owner interaction. They can become anxious or stressed if ignored or isolated, so prospective owners should plan for plenty of quality time with their pet.
5. Cost considerations when buying and owning
Purchasing an Italian greyhound can be costly, with typical prices for Italian Greyhound puppies for sale averaging around £1,200-£1,300 for pedigree dogs in the UK. While they are economical to keep compared to larger breeds, owners should be prepared for potential veterinary costs relating to their fragile health and dental care.
6. Moderate intelligence but capable of learning basics
Ranked 112th out of 138 breeds in canine intelligence, Italian greyhounds are not the quickest learners but respond well to patient, positive reinforcement training. They can master basic commands but may be stubborn or slow with complex tasks. Understanding their sensitive nature helps foster better communication and training success.
7. Lifespan and health challenges
With an average lifespan of 12-15 years, Italian greyhounds often outlive many similarly sized breeds but do face particular hereditary health challenges. These include a high risk of bone fractures, dental disease, and alopecia. Prospective buyers should ensure breeders conduct thorough health testing and be vigilant about regular veterinary care.
8. Essential dental care to prevent periodontal disease
Due to their susceptibility to dental problems, regular teeth brushing and professional dental check-ups are crucial for Italian greyhounds. Neglect can lead to periodontal disease which affects their overall wellbeing. Owners should incorporate dental hygiene into their routine care from puppyhood.
9. Sensitive to temperature and environment
The breed’s thin coat offers little protection against cold weather, necessitating warm clothing such as dog sweaters or snoods in cooler months. Indoor living with limited exposure to harsh weather helps keep them comfortable and health risks low. Their delicate skin also requires safe environments free from sharp objects or rough surfaces.
10. A rewarding but specialised pet choice
Italian greyhounds are a distinctive choice for those seeking a small, elegant companion with sighthound characteristics. They require owners who understand their unique needs: protection from injury, dental care, gentle training, and lots of attention. Responsible breeding and adopting from reputable breeders or rescues ensures a healthy start for this special breed.
Before purchasing, research extensively, meet breeders or rescue organisations, and consider whether your lifestyle suits the care demands of this sensitive, lively dog. With the right environment and commitment, Italian greyhounds make affectionate, loyal companions deserving of the attention and care they require.
Barking and noise levels
Barking tendencies vary significantly between breeds and are worth considering, particularly for those living in flats or terraced houses with close neighbours. Some breeds are naturally vocal — guardian breeds, many terriers, and herding dogs can be prone to alerting barks — while others are notably quiet by temperament. No dog will be completely silent, but understanding a breed's typical vocal tendencies helps set expectations.
Excessive barking is nearly always a symptom of an unmet need rather than an inherent character flaw. Boredom, lack of exercise, separation anxiety, or insufficient socialisation are the most common root causes and can typically be addressed through training, enrichment, and consistent routines. Early socialisation — exposing puppies to a wide range of sounds, environments, and experiences during the critical developmental window — significantly reduces anxious or reactive barking in adulthood.
Training an Italian Greyhound: realistic expectations
Italian Greyhounds are intelligent dogs but are not particularly biddable — they tend to do things on their own terms. Positive reinforcement with high-value food rewards is far more effective than repetitive drilling or harsh corrections. Short training sessions of five to ten minutes, repeated a few times daily, hold their attention far better than long formal sessions.
Recall is notoriously unreliable in the breed once a sighthound instinct is triggered, and their speed means they can cover enormous distances in seconds. Most owners exercise Italian Greyhounds only in fully enclosed, secure areas off-lead. A well-fitted sighthound collar or H-harness — designed to prevent slipping from conventional collars — is essential for on-lead safety, as their narrow skulls can allow a standard collar to slide off.
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