Breed Group: Toy

Size: Small

Height: 13-15 inches

Weight: 7-14 pounds

Coat Type: Short, Smooth, Sleek; easy to maintain but offers little insulation from cold or rough surfaces

Coat Colors: Black, Blue, Cream, Fawn, Red, White, and combinations including pied and sable patterns

Temperament: Gentle, Affectionate, Sensitive, Loyal, Playful indoors, Reserved with strangers

Energy Level: Moderate. Loves short sprints and playful bursts but equally enjoys snuggling on the couch

Good with Children: Yes

Good with Other Pets: Yes

Trainability: High (intelligent and eager to please, responds well to calm, positive reinforcement and consistency)

Barking Tendency: Low (usually quiet, though may alert when startled or excited)

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Health Issues: Dental disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation, Hypothyroidism, Fragile bones especially in puppies—care needed with jumping and rough play

Exercise Requirements: Moderate; enjoys short walks, fenced-in running time, and play sessions—careful not to overexert on hard surfaces due to thin frame

Hypoallergenic: No

History: The Italian Greyhound is one of the oldest companion dog breeds, with roots tracing back over 2,000 years. Beloved in ancient Greece and Rome, they were admired not only for their delicate beauty and swift movement but also for their warmth and loyalty. During the Renaissance, they became fashionable among European nobility and were depicted in paintings, sculptures, and royal portraits. Though originally used for hunting small game, today's Italian Greyhound is valued as an elegant lap dog and devoted companion, blending athletic grace with a deeply affectionate personality.