Small dogs from the Hound group, and a member of the sighthound subgroup, the Italian Greyhound was once almost exclusively kept by nobility and royalty. They were even kept by both Catherine the Great and Queen Victoria. Their popularity expanded over the years as they found themselves as companions and ratters in both cities and the countryside. Registrations by the American Kennel Club began in 1886. But their past extends much further back.
They are believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, like many sighthound breeds. Earliest artistic depictions place them in and around ancient Greece and Turkey. Later, they were frequently included in Renaissance era paintings.
A total of six of the dogs were shown in 1901. Numbers began to increase only after the First World War. In this post-war period the Italian Greyhound was bred principally in Italy, France, and Germany, and some Italian breeders imported dogs from outside the country. Of the forty-five of the dogs registered in 1926–1927 by the Italian Kennel Club, twenty-eight were born in Italy and seventeen were imported.
The events of the Second World War brought the Italian Greyhound close to extinction, and numbers began to recover only after 1951.
In the nine years from 2011 to 2019, a total of 2,557 new registrations of the Italian Greyhound were recorded across European registries, with a minimum of 213 and a maximum of 333 per year; only slightly fewer than in the US.
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds. It weighs no more than 11 lbs and stands approximately 14 inches at the withers. It is deep in the chest, with a tucked-up abdomen, long slender legs and a long neck. The head is small, elongated and narrow. They have a noticeably unique gait, with flamboyantly forward extension in the trot, and a fast gallop.
A 2024 United Kingdom study found a life expectancy of 14 years for the breed compared to an average of 13 for most other breeds and 12 for mixed-breed dogs. In the United States, the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has found the Italian Greyhound to be the least affected by hip dysplasia of 157 breeds studied, with there being no record in their system of an Italian Greyhound ever being diagnosed with the ailment.
Italian greyhounds are sweet and gentle dogs that can be needy in their desire for affection. Denied attention, they can become shy, hyper, or both. One-person or one-family dogs, they may display an aloof attitude with strangers. Although generally compatible with children, Italian greyhounds tend to shun rambunctious child's play. They typically get along with cats and other dogs of similar size. They can be very goofy.
Although small, Italian greyhounds bark rather than yap, and they will readily do so to alert their owners to approaching strangers.
The Italian greyhound is, without question, an indoor dog. They crave warmth and sometimes resist venturing outside in cold or wet weather. In inclement weather, caregivers should use sweaters or jackets on their Italian Greyhounds. Although they require little exercise, they should be leash walked a few times daily. Housetraining the Iggy can be a challenge, as some are stubborn about it. Doggy doors and paper training facilitate housetraining in the breed rather well. The Italian greyhound sheds, but the hair is so short and fine that they are hardly noticeable. These dogs are prone to dental disease, therefore tooth brushing and supplementation with hard, mildly abrasive foods and chew toys are encouraged to promote dental health in the breed.
Italian Greyhounds are generally long lived, with a normal lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions such as PRA, autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism. Although the IG is not as delicate as he looks, care must be take to avoid hazardous situations that might result in a broken leg. Extensive information about breed health can be found on the website of the Italian Greyhound Club of America.
Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club:
Patella Evaluation
Hip Evaluation
Thyroid Evaluation
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Resources:
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