The Italian Greyhound — graceful, speedy, and deeply devoted – is the definition of elegance and affection. With a history stretching back thousands of years, these petite sighthounds are playful, always ready for a cuddle, and bring endless joy to their families.
Thinking about bringing one into your home? Get ready for a companion that’s as loving as they are lively. Whether you’re preparing for a new pup or already have an Iggy by your side, this guide will help you give them the happiest, healthiest life possible.
From nourishing real food to keeping their sharp minds engaged, we’ll walk you through all the essentials of caring for an Italian Greyhound.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Italian Greyhounds have an ancient lineage, dating back over 2,000 years to the Mediterranean region. They were favoured by nobility in Greece, Rome, and later Renaissance-era Europe, where they became beloved companions of aristocrats.
Despite their small size, Italian Greyhounds were originally bred for speed and agility, using their keen eyesight to hunt small game. Today, they are cherished as affectionate and graceful companions.
Key characteristics
Italian Greyhounds are sleek, swift, and incredibly loving. They are incredibly loving, often forming deep bonds with their owners. Despite their elegant appearance, they have a playful and sometimes mischievous side.
However, their delicate frame means they need to be handled with care, and they aren’t fans of the cold — expect them to burrow under blankets or seek out the warmest lap in the house. They thrive on human companionship and can be prone to separation anxiety, so they do best in households where they get plenty of love and attention..
Health considerations
Italian Greyhounds are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to dental disease, joint, and eye conditions. A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support strong and supple joints and overall health.
Appearance and size
Italian Greyhounds have a distinctive, elegant silhouette. Their fine-boned frame is covered in a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colours, including fawn, blue, black, and white. They have long, delicate legs, a deep chest, and an arched back, giving them a graceful poise.
Italian Greyhound personality and temperament
Gentle, playful, and deeply devoted, Italian Greyhounds love to be up close and personal with their humans. They’ll be your shadow, following you wherever you go with their endearing high-stepping trot, even to the bathroom!
Iggys are built for speed, not for stamina. Known for short energetic bursts of activity, they’ll often engage in zoomies, especially if next door’s cat has entered the yard. However, most of the time they’re fairly lazy, content to curl up on your lap, lie in a sunny spot, or snuggle under a blanket.
They’re sensitive souls and can be timid around strangers, making early socialisation important. Their gentle demeanour makes them great family dogs that get on well with children and other pets. Their delicate bodies mean they need to be handled with care and may not suit rambunctious young kids.
Italian Greyhound size guide
A full-grown Italian Greyhound weighs between 3-6 kg and can grow between 32-38 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics.
They tend to stop growing in height by 8-12 months of age when they reach adulthood.
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How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
Italian Greyhounds typically live between 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
Periodontal disease is a common concern for dog parents and Italian Greyhounds are no exception – their small mouths can make it tricky to brush their teeth. Long-lasting dental treats, like Lyka’s Busy Beefies, are designed for repeated chewing that can help to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
– Dr Darcy Marshall, Lyka Veterinarian, BSc, DVM
Learn more about Dr Darcy Marshall and his veterinary experience.
What does an Italian Greyhound eat?
Speedy Italian Greyhounds need nutritious food to fuel their minds and bodies.
The best Italian Greyhound diet is made with real food ingredients, like high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for an Italian Greyhound’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect a dog’s joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Italian Greyhound puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Italian Greyhound puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Italian Greyhound health issues
Italian Greyhounds from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Musculoskeletal issues
Italian Greyhounds can be genetically predisposed to developmental conditions like patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap). Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease in dogs (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
All dogs benefit from a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy. Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum): shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
🦷 Dental treats: chews like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
3. Eye conditions
Italian Greyhounds can also be susceptible to eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy: a degenerative disease that impacts the photoreceptor cells in their eyes, eventually leading to blindness.
Although eye problems are often hereditary, you can support your dog’s eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
Italian Greyhound coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Italian Greyhound well-groomed is about more than just a sleek and shiny coat – it’s essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Italian Greyhounds have a short, fine coat that sheds minimally. Their short hair and lean bodies mean they’re not designed for very cold temperatures and will benefit from clothing like a cozy jumper or coat in winter.
Grooming
Iggys have few grooming needs, making them a low-maintenance breed — great for busy households. Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush helps remove loose hair and give them a healthy shine.
They only need a bath every 4-6 weeks unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use mild, dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Italian Greyhound hygiene tips
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and affect how they walk. If you can hear them tap on the ground, it’s time for a quick mani-pedi.
Introduce your pup to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks help to spot early signs of ear infections in dogs, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
Inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Italian Greyhound exercise requirements
Italian Greyhounds are an energetic and agile breed that requires daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. While they are known for their speed, they do not require excessive physical activity. A combination of short walks, gentle play sessions, and occasional sprints in a secure, enclosed area will help them maintain their fitness and mental stimulation.
Due to their slender build, they are not well-suited for rough play or high-impact activities. They love interactive games like fetch, as well as mental challenges such as puzzle toys. Italian Greyhounds also enjoy companionship and will appreciate any activity that allows them to be close to their humans. Always ensure they are protected from extreme temperatures, as their thin coats make them sensitive to both heat and cold.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training an Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are intelligent but can also be quite independent, stubborn, and sensitive. Positive reinforcement training methods work best, using treats and praise to encourage desired behaviour. They respond well to consistency and patience, as harsh corrections can make them fearful or anxious. Obedience classes could be a game-changer, especially for novice dog parents.
Early socialisation is essential to help them feel comfortable around different people, environments, and other dogs. House training can take time, as Italian Greyhounds can be somewhat tricky when it comes to toileting habits. Their sensitivity to temperature and weather means they’re more likely to relieve themselves inside where it’s warm and dry, than venture outside in a storm. Crate training and a consistent schedule will aid in their learning process.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Italian Greyhound breeder
So, you’ve decided that an Italian Greyhound is your perfect petite companion. How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hip dysplasia scoring.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Italian Greyhound breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
Look for ethical breeders who prioritise health, temperament, and responsible breeding practices
How much is an Italian Greyhound puppy?
You can expect to pay around $3,000 to $5,000 for a puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, we’re right behind you. Many breed-specific clubs, rescues and shelters may have Brussels Griffons looking for their forever homes. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Got more questions about Italian Greyhounds? Check out our FAQs below:
Are Italian Greyhounds hypoallergenic?
Italian Greyhounds are not considered hypoallergenic but shed minimally.
When should I desex my Italian Greyhound?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is an Italian Greyhound pregnant?
The Italian Greyhound gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
What’s the difference between a Whippet and an Italian Greyhound?
Italian Greyhounds are tiny, delicate, and extremely affectionate. Whereas Whippets are medium-sized, more robust, and slightly more independent.
What’s the difference between a Greyhound and an Italian Greyhound?
Greyhounds are large, muscular, and surprisingly low-energy indoors. They’re more independent and relaxed, whereas Italian Greyhounds are playful but prone to separation anxiety and fragile bones. Both are intelligent but can be stubborn, with Greyhounds being easier to house-train.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Italian Greyhound comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Italian Greyhounds across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
