Last Updated: 23/03/2026
Italian Greyhound Breed Guide
Learn about the elegant Italian Greyhound. Our breed guide covers facts, health, and care.
Author: Dr Kes Holliday DVM
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
The Italian Greyhound, affectionately known as the 'Iggy', is a miniature sighthound, known for its sleek body and affectionate nature. Despite their fragile appearance, they are lively and playful, requiring careful handling and warm bedding.
All about Italian Greyhounds
Place of origin
Italy
Weight range
3.5-5kg
Breed size
Small
Height range
33-38cm
Breed group
Toy
Life expectancy
12-15 years
Coat colours
Blue, Fawn, Black, Cream, Red, White markings
Grooming needs
Low
Coat type
Short/Fine
Health issues
Fractures; Dental disease
Shedding factor
Low
Exercise needs
Moderate
Play style
Sprints/Chase
Housing needs
Apartment friendly/Indoor focus
Trainability
Moderate
Social needs
High
Family suitability
High
Tendency to bark
Low
Nutrition
Providing a high-quality, balanced diet is fundamental for the Italian Greyhound to maintain their lean muscle mass and support their remarkably fine bone structure. Proper nutrition also plays a vital role in managing their sensitive skin and maintaining oral health.
Best food for adult Italian Greyhounds
For adult Italian Greyhounds, the focus should be on a calorie-dense, small-breed specific kibble that supports their fast metabolism without causing unnecessary weight gain, which can stress their fragile joints. Look for formulas enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish their thin skin and keep their short coat glossy. High-quality animal proteins are necessary to maintain their athletic, sighthound physique. Since dental health is a primary concern, choosing a kibble with a specific shape and texture designed to provide a mechanical scrubbing effect on the teeth can help reduce the accumulation of plaque and tartar between professional cleans.
What to look for adult food
Small-sized kibble specifically designed to help mechanically reduce plaque and tartar buildup on teeth.
High levels of omega fatty acids to support a healthy skin barrier and coat shine.
Balanced calcium and phosphorus ratios to support long-term bone density and skeletal health.
Best food for Italian Greyhound puppies
Italian Greyhound puppies grow rapidly and require a specialised diet that provides controlled energy levels to ensure steady, healthy bone development. A diet rich in DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is crucial for supporting their brain and vision development during these early months of learning. Because they have very fine bones, it is vital to avoid over-nutrition that could lead to excessive weight or growth spurts that stress the growth plates. Small, easy-to-chew kibble sizes are necessary for their tiny mouths, ensuring they can comfortably consume all the nutrients needed for a strong immune system and healthy start to life.
What to look for puppy food
High levels of DHA from fish oil to support healthy brain and cognitive development.
Controlled mineral levels, particularly calcium, to ensure steady and safe bone growth.
Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics to support a sensitive young digestive system.
Flea & worming
Due to their thin skin and lack of body fat, Italian Greyhounds are often more sensitive to environmental changes and parasites. Regular, consistent flea and worming prevention is non-negotiable to keep them comfortable and protected from preventable diseases.
Best flea and worming for Italian Greyhounds
When selecting flea and worming products for Italian Greyhounds, owners should prioritise comprehensive, easy-to-administer solutions that cover heartworm, intestinal worms, and external parasites like fleas and ticks. Topical applications or oral chews are both effective, but given their thin coats, some owners find oral treatments more convenient. It is important to ensure the dosage is precisely matched to their lightweight frame, as Italian Greyhounds typically fall into the smallest weight categories.
What to look for
Comprehensive protection covering heartworm, intestinal worms, fleas, and mites in one treatment.
Accurate weight-based dosing specifically for small dogs under 5kg.
Fast-acting formulas that kill fleas quickly to prevent skin irritation and flea allergy dermatitis.
Health
Because Italian Greyhounds are predisposed to dental issues and fragile bones, incorporating specific health products into their daily routine is a key part of preventative care.
Best health products Italian Greyhounds
Dental hygiene is the most important area for health product intervention in this breed; water additives, dental gels, and specialised toothbrushes are excellent for daily maintenance. To support their fine bones and joints, high-quality supplements containing glucosamine and green-lipped mussel can be beneficial, especially as they age. For those prone to anxiety or nervousness, calming pheromone diffusers or supplements can help create a more relaxed environment. Additionally, because they lack body fat, skin-soothing balms can be useful for protecting their thin skin from dryness or minor abrasions during outdoor activity.
What to look for health
Daily dental care products such as enzymes, gels, or water additives to combat tartar.
Joint support supplements with glucosamine to maintain mobility in their delicate limbs.
Skin-soothing topical treatments to protect their fine, thin skin barrier.
Training and activity
Choosing the right toys and walking equipment is about more than just fun; it is about providing mental stimulation while keeping their fragile bodies safe.
Best toys for Italian Greyhounds
Italian Greyhounds love to chase, so lightweight, soft toys that they can easily carry in their mouths or "prey" upon are ideal. Soft plush toys are excellent for indoor fetch and satisfy their urge to batt and pounce without risking injury to their teeth or limbs. Interactive puzzle toys that dispense small treats are also great for keeping their intelligent minds occupied when they are indoors. Avoid heavy or very hard rubber toys that might be too difficult for their small jaws to grip or could cause dental damage if chewed too vigorously.
What to look for toys
Lightweight, soft plush toys that are easy to carry and "kill" during play.
Small-sized interactive puzzles that encourage foraging and mental stimulation.
Indoor-safe fetch toys that satisfy their sighthound urge to chase in a controlled environment.
Best walking accessories for Italian Greyhounds
A harness is often the safest choice for an Italian Greyhound, as their necks are very slender and they can easily slip out of a traditional collar. A well-fitted, padded harness distributes pressure across the chest, protecting their delicate trachea and preventing them from backing out when startled. Because they are sighthounds, a "Martingale" style collar is also a popular choice for safety, as it tightens slightly when pulled to prevent escape without choking. Given their lack of body fat, walking accessories should always include a warm coat or jumper for any outings in temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
What to look for walking accessories
Padded, escape-proof harnesses designed specifically for the deep chest and narrow waist of sighthounds.
Martingale collars to prevent the dog from slipping their head out during walks.
Lightweight, retractable or long-line leads that allow for safe "zoomie" bursts in open areas.
Grooming
While their short coats are low maintenance, using the right grooming tools is essential for keeping their thin skin healthy and their home hair-free.
Best grooming for Italian Greyhounds
For the Italian Greyhound, grooming is more about skin health than hair management. A soft rubber curry brush or a grooming mitt is perfect for gently removing loose hair and stimulating natural skin oils without scratching their sensitive skin. Because they are prone to dental disease, a soft-bristled toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste are the most important "grooming" tools in an owner's kit. Regular nail trims are also vital, as overgrown nails can affect their gait and put unnecessary stress on their fine toes.
What to look for grooming
Soft rubber brushes or grooming mitts that are gentle on thin skin and fine coats.
Pet-safe dental kits including small-headed toothbrushes and flavoured toothpaste.
Quiet nail grinders or small, sharp clippers to maintain short, healthy nails.
Sleep and home
Creating a warm, supportive, and safe home environment is crucial for a breed that feels the cold and is prone to injury.
Best beds for Italian Greyhounds
Italian Greyhounds are notorious "nesters" and often prefer beds with high sides or hooded tops where they can burrow and stay warm. A soft, plush "donut" bed or a cave-style bed provides the warmth and security they crave. Because they have very little natural padding over their bones, memory foam or supportive orthopaedic bases are ideal to prevent pressure sores and support their joints. It is also a good idea to have several soft blankets available in their sleeping areas, as they love to cover themselves up to maintain their body temperature throughout the night.
What to look for beds
Burrowing or "cave" style beds that allow the dog to nestle and stay warm.
Supportive orthopaedic or memory foam bases to protect delicate joints and pressure points.
Washable, soft fabrics that are gentle on their fine skin and easy to keep clean.
Italian Greyhound FAQ
