Italian Greyhound Overview
Origin: Italy
A miniature sighthound dating back over 2,000 years to ancient Greece and Turkey. Popular among Italian Renaissance nobility, the breed was a companion to royalty including Frederick the Great of Prussia.
The Italian Greyhound originated in Italy during the Renaissance, bred as a companion dog for Italian nobility. Despite their name, they descended from small Greek and Roman greyhounds adapted for court life. They are recognised by the ANKC as elegant toy dogs combining Greyhound features in miniature form, weighing just 3–5 kg.
Italian Greyhounds have niche popularity in Australia among apartment dwellers and retirees. They are ANKC-recognised and represented by breed clubs. Their tiny size, minimal exercise requirements (30 minutes daily), and low-shedding coat suit urban living perfectly. They adapt to various climates but dislike extreme cold due to their thin coat. They are unsuitable for homes with young children given their fragile bones and delicate nature. Grooming is minimal but regular ear checks are important.
Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, sensitive companions suited to quiet households with gentle handling. Their small size makes them ideal for renters and those seeking minimal exercise commitment. However, they are prone to separation anxiety and require patient, consistent training. Their delicate nature demands careful supervision around rough play.
Italian Greyhound Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Italian Greyhound temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Affectionate, sensitive, playful, elegant, loyal, gentle
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Italian Greyhound scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Italian Greyhound Right for You?
Separation Anxiety: High — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Italian Greyhound Size & Appearance
Size
Toy
Weight M
3–5 kg
Weight F
3–5 kg
Height
33–38 cm
Coat
Short, smooth
Colours
Black, blue, red, cream, fawn
Variations
None (toy only)
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Italian Greyhound Health & Lifespan
14 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Kneecap dislocation
Est. treatment: 1500–2500
Small jaw space
Est. treatment: 200–800
Hip joint deterioration
Est. treatment: 1500–2500
Recommended Health Tests:
Ophthalmologist evaluation, thyroid evaluation, patella evaluation
Pet Insurance for Italian Greyhound
Avg Annual Insurance: $650
Monthly Estimate: Estimated 20–40/month
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Italian Greyhound
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Italian Greyhound Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,500 - $3,500 |
| Food |
$1,200 |
| Vet |
$500 |
| Grooming |
$200 |
| Insurance |
$650 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$1,988 |
| Monthly |
$99 |
| LIFETIME (14 yrs) |
$27,832 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$27,832
Estimated lifetime cost (14 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Italian Greyhound Grooming Guide
Frequency
Every 8–12 weeks
Brushing
N/A
Professional Cost
30–50
Coat
Short, smooth
Shedding
★☆☆☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Italian Greyhound Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
30 minutes
Type
Gentle walks, indoor play
Energy
★★☆☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
High
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Italian Greyhound
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★★★☆/5
N/A
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Finding a Reputable Italian Greyhound Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC
• ABA
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Italian Greyhound in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Italian Greyhound Rescue Australia
• Toy Dog Rescue
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Italian Greyhound — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Italian Greyhound cost in Australia?
ANKC-registered Italian Greyhound breeders charge 1500–2500. Breeding costs are substantial relative to litter size. Rescue organisations occasionally have Italian Greyhounds available at 200–400.
Are Italian Greyhounds good for apartments?
Yes, Italian Greyhounds are ideal apartment companions. Their tiny size (3–5 kg), minimal exercise needs (30 minutes daily), and quiet nature suit unit living perfectly. They require no yard and adapt to limited space.
Do Italian Greyhounds shed a lot?
Italian Greyhounds shed minimally. Their short coat requires weekly brushing. They are suitable for owners with mild dog allergies, though not hypoallergenic.
How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
Italian Greyhounds typically live 12–15 years, sometimes longer. Their small size contributes to longevity. Regular veterinary checks and appropriate nutrition support healthy ageing.
Are Italian Greyhounds good with children?
Italian Greyhounds are unsuitable for homes with young children. Their fragile bones (easily broken), delicate nature, and sensitivity to rough handling make them risky with kids under 10. They suit quiet, gentle families or child-free homes.
How much exercise does an Italian Greyhound need?
Italian Greyhounds need just 30 minutes of gentle daily exercise including indoor play and short walks. Their tiny stature and fragile build make them unsuitable for vigorous activity or jumping.
What health problems do Italian Greyhounds have?
Patellar luxation, dental issues (small jaw space), eye problems (progressive retinal atrophy), and Legg-Perthes disease occur. Bone fragility makes injuries a concern. Request health screening from breeders.
Where can I find an Italian Greyhound breeder in Australia?
Contact the Italian Greyhound Club of Australia or ANKC-registered breeders. Verify credentials and request health screening certificates. Toy breed rescue groups occasionally have Italian Greyhounds.
Is pet insurance worth it for Italian Greyhounds?
Pet insurance (20–40/month) is valuable given their predisposition to patellar luxation and dental disease. Treatment costs (1000–2500 for surgery) justify coverage.
Are Italian Greyhounds prone to cold?
Yes, Italian Greyhounds dislike cold due to their thin coat and low body fat. In winter or cooler climates, sweaters or coats are necessary for outdoor time. They prefer warm, sheltered living environments.
