Italian Greyhound: fine hair with substantial dental and nail attention
The Italian Greyhound has a slender, curving outline and very short hair. Body brushing is a smaller job than routine dental and nail care. Regular activity also needs suitable surroundings and supervision, rather than being judged from the dog’s fine build alone.
Ranges, ideals and a slight arch
The FCI gives both sexes 32–38 cm at the shoulder and a maximum weight of 5 kg. The earlier UK description gives the same heights as ideal, with ideal weight 3.6–4.5 kg. Keep that ideal range separate from the FCI maximum.
The FCI outline fits within a square, with body length equal to or just below height. The UK description adds a deep, narrow chest and slight arch over the loin. Hair is short, fine and silky, without feathering.
Teeth and nails need their own time
The AKC places particular emphasis on regular tooth brushing, preferably daily, and professional dental attention. Body baths are rarely needed unless gentle brushing cannot remove what is on the very short coat. A small coat job leaves time for other routine handling.
The same guide recommends regular nail attention, preferably with a grinder, and notes the hare-shaped foot. Ask for a demonstration suited to the actual feet rather than shortening every nail to one uniform length.
Activity in suitable surroundings
The UK exercise category is up to one hour, with a small house and small or medium garden in either setting. The AKC suggests play and lead walks, with loose activity in secure areas. Its guidance highlights supervision and separation from much larger dogs in shared exercise spaces, so consider where outings can take place comfortably.
Compare other short-coated small dogs
The English Toy Terrier has a different compact outline and its own club handling checklist. The Miniature Pinscher has a square frame and weekly soft-brush care. Similar short hair does not establish identical dental work, foot handling or outdoor routines.
Sources and further reading
Italian Greyhound at a glance
These earlier UK breed guides are starting points for comparison. Details may have changed, and individual dogs vary.
- Breed group
- Toy
- Size
- Small
- Daily exercise
- Up to 1 hour per day
- Grooming frequency
- Once a week
- Coat length
- Short
- Sheds
- No
- Suggested home size
- Small house
- Town or country
- Town or country
- Garden recommendation
- Small / medium garden
- Lifespan
- Over 12 years
FCI breed standard
Standard guidance describes the breed ideal; individual dogs vary.
- Origin
- Italy
- Group
- 10 - Sighthounds
- Section
- 3 - Shorthaired sighthounds
- Height
- Both sexes: 32–38 cm
- Weight
- Both sexes: Up to 5 kg
Official FCI standard (PDF)
Standard effective from 2015-11-13; checked 2026-10-15
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