A miniature sighthound of grace and devotion.
Origin
Italy / Mediterranean
Height
13–15 in (33–38 cm)
Weight
7–14 lb (3–6 kg)
Lifespan
14–15 years
Coat
Short, fine, glossy — low-maintenance
Energy
Moderate
Overview
The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds, a delicate, elegant miniature of the Greyhound bred for centuries as a companion to nobility. Fine-boned and graceful, it moves with a springy, high-stepping gait.
Affectionate, sensitive, and playful, the “Iggy” bonds intensely with its people and loves warmth and comfort. It combines a sighthound's bursts of speed with a strong desire to snuggle, making a devoted but fragile lap companion.
History
Dating back over two thousand years around the Mediterranean, the Italian Greyhound was a favorite of Renaissance aristocracy and appears in countless old paintings. Bred purely as a companion, it has changed little over the centuries.
Where it comes from
Italy / Mediterranean
Highlighted in the Italian Greyhound's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Italian Greyhound is loving, gentle, and attached to its family, often shy with strangers. It is sensitive to cold and rough handling, has a strong prey drive, and thrives on warmth, comfort, and close companionship.
Health to watch
The fine legs are prone to breaks, especially in young dogs; prevent jumping from heights and handle carefully.
Crowded small mouths make dental problems very common; regular dental care is essential.
Kneecap slipping and progressive retinal atrophy occur; screening and regular exams help catch them.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
Guard against jumps and falls that can fracture the fragile legs, especially in puppies.
With little body fat and a thin coat, Iggies feel cold easily and need warmth and coats in cool weather.
Brush teeth and schedule cleanings to prevent the dental disease this breed is prone to.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.