The Italian Greyhound (or IGgie, as fans call them) is the smallest of the sighthounds — a delicate, fine-boned little shadow dog that’s equal parts elegance and eccentricity. Bred initially in Italy centuries ago to chase hares and entertain noble families, today they’re more likely to be found stealing your spot on the sofa than hunting in the fields.
Don’t let their dainty looks fool you ,though. These little whippets-in-miniature are equal parts cuddle bug and chaos gremlin.
Owner insight: “The combination of delicacy and insanity leads to an awful lot of injuries… serious issues with risks of fractures and not easy to train. Not good if you have cats. Don’t like being left alone.”
Still not sure if you’re cut out for an IGgie? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz to find out.
Great Names for an Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds wear their names like accessories — chic, playful, and a little bit extra. For more inspiration, try our Dog Name Generator.
- Italian-inspired: Bella, Dante, Roma, Sienna, Vito
- Elegant nods: Grace, Pearl, Hugo, Bijou, Silvio
- Playful picks: Noodle, Twiglet, Zoomie, Pogo, Bambi
- Quirky divas: Drama, Couture, Diva, Espresso, Valentino
Pickles’ Aside: “Name them Espresso and don’t be surprised if they do zoomies at 6am.”
Exercise
IGgies may be small, but they’re still sighthounds at heart. They love short bursts of speed followed by long naps. Think sprinter, not marathon runner.
They need:
- At least 30–60 mins of daily activity — walks + zoomies.
- Off-lead runs in safe, enclosed areas.
- Warm coats in winter — these little noodles feel the cold.
Owner insight: “They look very tiny to even take a rabbit! Good-looking little dogs though.”
A Note on Fragility
Italian Greyhounds are notorious for breaking legs. Their bones are delicate, and rough play or jumping off furniture can lead to costly vet trips.
Owner insight: “The combination of delicacy and insanity leads to an awful lot of injuries.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Imagine a ballerina on a trampoline — that’s an IGgie indoors.”
Temperament
Italian Greyhounds are charming, sensitive, and just a little bit dramatic. They adore their humans and often demand to be the centre of attention.
- Affectionate shadows — happiest glued to your side.
- Sensitive souls — harsh voices or being left alone can upset them.
- Playful divas — love attention, naps in the sun, and stylish coats.
Owner insight: “They are utter divas and want to be the centre of attention, and will demand it.”
Training
They’re clever, but don’t expect obedience on par with a Labrador. Italian Greyhounds can be wilful, easily distracted, and surprisingly stubborn.
Training tips:
- Positive reinforcement only — they’re too sensitive for harsh methods.
- Consistency is key — don’t let cuteness win.
- Patience with house-training — IGgies are notoriously tricky.
Need backup? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for custom training tips.
Pickles’ Aside: “Yes, they can sit… if the sofa’s comfy enough.”
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
Don’t count on your IGgie to guard the house. They’ll bark at strangers, but they’re far too refined to get their paws dirty in guard duty.
- Alert and yappy at times.
- Quick to warm up if socialised well.
- Happier hosting than guarding.
Other Animals
IGgies have prey drive in their DNA. Small furries like rabbits and hamsters aren’t safe. Cats may be tolerated if raised together, but many owners warn against the mix.
Owner insight: “Not good if you have cats.”
Pickles’ Aside: “Neighbourhood squirrels? Consider them personal enemies.”
Grooming
Good news — Italian Greyhounds are low-maintenance in the coat department. Bad news — they shiver like twigs in winter.
- Short, smooth coat — just occasional brushing.
- Minimal shedding.
- Warm jumpers and coats are essential in cold weather.
- Dental care is a must — IGgies are prone to dental disease.
Health
IGgies are delicate, so health issues often stem from their fine bones and sensitive systems.
Common problems include:
- Leg fractures from jumps or rough play.
- Dental disease is common in toy breeds.
- Epilepsy in some lines.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Lifespan is usually 12–15 years with proper care. Choose a responsible breeder who health-tests — see our Best in Breeder Guide before you commit.
Cost of Ownership (UK)
Italian Greyhounds aren’t cheap to buy or keep — vet bills for broken legs alone can be eye-watering.
- Puppy price: £1,200–£2,500
- Food: £20–£40/month
- Insurance: £25–£50/month (higher if claims history)
- Routine vet care: ~£250–£400/year
- Extras: jumpers, coats, blankets (lots of them).
Famous Owners & Moments
Italian Greyhounds have been the dogs of aristocrats and celebrities for centuries. Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great of Prussia, and Queen Victoria all adored them. More recently, Kylie Jenner has shared her love of IGgies on Instagram.
Myth-Busting
Let’s sort out some IGgie legends.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They’re handbag dogs | False. They’re small but still sighthounds. |
| They’re easy to train | Not really — patience required. |
| They’re robust | No — they’re delicate and prone to injury. |
| They don’t need exercise | Wrong — they love zoomies and walks. |
Italian Greyhound FAQs
- Do they shed? Hardly at all.
- Are they easy to train? Not particularly — sensitive and stubborn.
- How much exercise? 30–60 mins daily.
- Are they good with kids? Fine with gentle, older children. Too fragile for rough play.
- How long do they live? 12–15 years.
Thinking of Bringing Home an Italian Greyhound?
If you’re after a sensitive, elegant shadow dog with a flair for drama, the Italian Greyhound could be perfect. They’re affectionate, stylish, and endlessly entertaining — but also fragile, sensitive, and not the easiest to train.
Before you commit, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner. And once your IGgie is settled, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?
Pickles’ Aside: “Fragile? Maybe. Fabulous? Always.”
Breed Stats
- Origin: Italy
- Weight: 3–5 kg
- Height: 32–38 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best Trait: Affectionate, elegant, loving
- Challenging Trait: Fragile, stubborn, prone to injury
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Italian Greyhound: The Pocket-Sized Diva
Meta Description:
Discover the Italian Greyhound, a tiny sighthound with elegance, energy, and attitude. Learn about their temperament, training, grooming, health, and costs to see if this dramatic little dog is right for you.