Toy Group
Italian Greyhound
Champion Pedigree
Graceful
Affectionate
Sighthound
A miniature sighthound bred purely for companionship since antiquity, the Italian Greyhound combines a Greyhound’s elegant build with a fraction of the size. Affectionate and sensitive, it was a favorite of Italian nobility and European royal courts for centuries.
Lifespan
14–15 years.
Did You Know?
Miniature greyhound-type dogs closely resembling the Italian Greyhound appear in artwork and artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, suggesting the type is thousands of years old.
Breed Traits
Size
13–15 in. tall, 7–14 lbs.
Energy Level
Moderate — enjoys short bursts of sprinting and calm indoor time.
Coat & Grooming
Very short, smooth coat; low grooming needs, minimal shedding.
Good With Families
Affectionate and sensitive; best with gentle handling given its delicate build and small size.
Registry Record
Also Known As
Iggy
Origin
The Mediterranean, an ancient miniature sighthound.
Typical Litter Size
1 to 4 puppies.
Club Recognitions
AKC, FCI, KC (UK), CKC
Disposition
Gentle, affectionate, and sensitive; can be reserved with strangers and prefers calm, predictable households.
Coat Colors
Any color except brindle or the tricolor Saint Bernard pattern.
Working Roles
Historically and today, exclusively a companion breed.
Health & Wellness
Its delicate, slender legs make it especially prone to fractures — a significant consideration around stairs, furniture, and rough play.
Notable Italian Greyhounds
Renaissance Portraiture
Frequently depicted alongside European nobility in Renaissance-era paintings.
Ancient Mediterranean Artifacts
Miniature sighthounds resembling the breed appear in artifacts from several ancient civilizations.
Registry Champions
A graceful, consistent presence in the toy group at major dog shows.
Related Reading
Italian Greyhound Gifts
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