Italian Greyhound
ih-TAL-yun GRAY-hownd
Playful, Sensitive, Alert, Affectionate. Originally bred for companionship and small game coursing.
An adult Italian Greyhound weighs 7-14 lbs (male) or 7-14 lbs (female), needs 200-450 calories daily, and lives 14-15 yrs. As a toy breed, every calorie and every ounce of body weight matters proportionally more. The breed's primary health watch is leg fractures. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Italian Greyhound needs 200 to 450 calories per day. An average male (10 lbs / 4.8 kg) needs around 320 kcal; a female (10 lbs / 4.8 kg) roughly 320 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Italian Greyhound. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
Smaller breeds generally live longer than large breeds, and the Italian Greyhound benefits from this with a life expectancy of 14-15 yrs. Their compact frames create their own set of vulnerabilities. The breed's primary health concerns are leg fractures and dental disease, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
Moderate; short walks and indoor play. Love to sprint in short bursts but tire quickly. Need warmth; they shiver in cold weather. Despite their small size, Italian Greyhounds have real exercise needs. Short walks, indoor play sessions, and training activities all count. Their small bodies tire more quickly than large breeds, so several short activity bursts throughout the day work better than one long session.
Care and traits
Italian Greyhounds have a short, fine, glossy coat. Origin: Italy (ancient Mediterranean).
Their delicate legs fracture easily, especially in puppies. Not suitable for rough play or homes with young children who might accidentally injure them. Notoriously difficult to housebreak. They need sweaters in cold weather and are often described as the most cat-like of all dog breeds.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Italian Greyhounds. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living, but they still need daily outdoor exposure and socialization. Small dogs are vulnerable to injury from rough handling, falls from furniture, and confrontations with larger animals. Supervision around young children is essential.
Tools for Italian Greyhound owners
Frequently asked questions
Adult Italian Greyhounds typically need 200 to 450 calories daily. A 10-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Small stomachs mean frequent meals work better than one or two large ones. Three meals daily is ideal for most toy breeds. Indoor-only dogs need less; those with yard access and regular play need more. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
The breed standard calls for 7-14 lbs (3.2–6.4 kg) regardless of sex.2–6.4 kg). At this size, even a few ounces of extra weight is proportionally significant. A toy breed a pound over ideal weight is like a human carrying 15-20 extra pounds. The best home assessment is the rib test: place your thumbs on the spine and spread your fingers across the ribs. You should feel each rib individually. If you have to press to find them, the dog is carrying extra weight.
Health records for the breed show leg fractures as the most prevalent concern in Italian Greyhounds. Talk to your vet about screening options and early detection strategies for leg fractures. Other conditions seen in the breed include dental disease, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy. Awareness of these breed tendencies allows for early intervention, which often improves outcomes significantly.
Plan for 20 to 30 minutes of exercise daily for your Italian Greyhound. Good activities for this breed include indoor fetch, short walks, interactive toys. Indoor play and training sessions count as legitimate exercise for dogs this size. While not as demanding as high-energy breeds, a Italian Greyhound that gets no exercise will gain weight and may develop behavioral issues.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026