Italian Greyhound

A Little Rocket in a Cashmere Sweater
Equal parts elegance and chaos, the Italian Greyhound is a cuddly blur who thrives on connection, softness, and style.

Experienced Owner

These dogs aren’t fragile emotionally, but they do need a gentle, attentive hand. Their sensitivity—both physical and social—means they flourish with owners who understand subtlety and consistency.

Tail Of The Tape

Trait
Low
High
Height
13
in
15
in
Weight
7
lbs
14
lbs
Lifespan
12
yrs
15
yrs
Activity Needs
Average
Average
Average
Average
They don’t need miles of hiking—but daily walks, zoomie time, and soft toys to fling around the apartment are essential. They rest hard after they play hard.
Trainability
Average
Average
Average
Responsive and intelligent, but easily spooked by harsh tones or chaotic environments. Keep it calm and positive.
kid compatability
No Kids
No Kids
Not a match for rowdy households. These dogs do best with adults or calm, older kids who know how to be gentle and quiet.
grooming needs
Low
Low
Low
They’re the definition of low-maintenance—just a thin coat over skin—but that also means they get cold easily. Think layers, not clippers.
noise level
Loud
Loud
Loud
Loud. Iggies can be surprisingly vocal, especially when anxious or left alone too long.
Good for Allergies
No
No
Not hypoallergenic, but they shed very little. Still, not ideal for severe allergy sufferers.

What It's Like To Own One

Living with an Italian Greyhound is like rooming with a very fast, very affectionate ghost. They appear at your side silently, curl into your lap like a noodle, and disappear just as quickly to burrow into blankets.

They’re emotionally tuned-in and physically delicate—equal parts cuddlebug and drama queen. You’ll laugh at their zoomies, gasp at their high jumps, and melt when they rest their head on your chest like it’s home. But leave them alone too long, or raise your voice too loud, and you’ll see their fragile side.

They don’t just want love—they require it.

Personality Snapshot

• Velcro-dog level attachment

• Elegant, silly, and prone to shivers

• Apartment-friendly (if you don’t mind sprints down the hallway)

• Not built for chaos or cold climates

• Charming, quirky, and emotionally complex

Breed Embodiment

Timothée Chalamet
Lean, expressive, a little awkward—but stylish and deeply sincere.

Fictional Owners

Amélie Poulain (Amélie)
Delicate, dreamlike, and finds magic in the small moments.
Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)
Quirky, needs structure, easily thrown off by change—but loyal and loving in his own way.
Violet Crawley (Downton Abbey)
Elegant, opinionated, and unapologetically particular about her comforts.

Where They Want To Live

A warm, quiet home where they’re the center of someone’s universe. Apartment living works beautifully if they get their daily exercise and emotional needs met. Bonus points for heated blankets and sunlit windows.

Dating Profile

I may be small, but I have a lot of feelings. I love with my whole body—and I’ll need you close. Think of me as part dog, part space heater, part fashion model. Looking for someone emotionally available and not prone to slamming doors.

Things To Know

• Not ideal for homes with young kids or large, rough dogs

• Cold-sensitive—needs clothes in chillier seasons

• Prone to anxiety and escape artistry (watch doors!)

• Potty training can be a long process

• Requires lots of love and a secure routine

Gear Guide

• Cozy pajamas and warm coats

• Fleece blankets for nesting and naps

• Soft toys for tossing (they love to play gently)

• Gentle harness and long leash for breezy walks

• Window perch to sunbathe and supervise the world

Bottom Line

Italian Greyhounds are sensitive souls in sleek little bodies. They’re not for everyone—but for the right person, they’re the ultimate snuggle companion: stylish, silly, and surprisingly deep.