The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
The Italian Greyhound is very similar to the Greyhound, but much smaller and more slender in all proportions and of ideal elegance and grace.
Head: Narrow and long, tapering to nose, with a slight suggestion of stop. Skull – Rather long, almost flat. Eyes – Dark, bright, intelligent, medium in size. Very light eyes are a fault. Ears – Small, fine in texture; thrown back and folded except when alerted, then carried folded at right angles to the head. Erect or button ears severely penalized.
Neck is long, slender and gracefully arched. Body is of medium length, short coupled; high at withers, back curved and drooping at hindquarters, the highest point of curve at start of loin, creating a definite tuck-up at flanks. Shoulders – Long and sloping.
Chest – Deep and narrow.
Long, straight, set well under shoulder; strong pasterns, fine bone.
Long, well-muscled thigh; hind legs parallel when viewed from behind, hocks well let down, well-bent stifle
Skin fine and supple, hair short, glossy like satin and soft to the touch.
IGs are Greyhounds in miniature—more slender, but a Greyhound’s equal in grace and elegance. Standing ideally 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder, they present the sleek, curving lines common to all coursing hounds. Distinguishing features are the long, fine-boned legs.
IGs combine the attentiveness of lapdogs with the complexity of ancient, aristocratic hounds. Bred for centuries to be doting companions and jesters, these high-stepping charmers refuse to be ignored. “On the whole,” writes an IG expert, “the breed would much rather be in your lap or bed than on the floor.” They are, though, true sighthounds and will bolt after quick-moving prey at the drop of a cat. A short-coat, low-fat breed, IGs require extra care in cold weather
The Italian Greyhound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).It’s easy to allow these dogs to become overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. On an IG in proper weight, the hip bones should just be seen. Ribs should not be visible but should be able to be felt under a thin covering of flesh. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The most important grooming tip for the Italian Greyhound is that the teeth must be brushed on a regular basis, preferably daily. Dental cleaning by a veterinarian should be done yearly or as needed. Baths are rarely necessary unless the dog has gotten into something that can’t be removed from the very short, smooth coat by gentle brushing. The nails need regular attention, preferably with a grinding tool. They should not be shortened all the way to the quick. This breed has a hare foot, and the two middle nails can be left slightly longer than the other two.
IGs are an active breed and need regular exercise. For the most part, playtime will be sufficient for this, especially if there is more than one dog. Walks on lead are appreciated. Dog parks can be a hazard unless well supervised and having separate areas for small dogs. Even obedience-trained IGs should not be allowed off lead outdoors in unfenced areas, since small, moving animals are a huge incentive to run, possibly into danger.
This breed responds best to reward-based training methods rather than punishment. The trainer should be firm with commands and lavish with praise. Treats used as a reward should be small but immediate when the command is learned and followed. Professional dog trainers should be chosen carefully. Harsh methods just don’t work with these intelligent, sensitive little dogs, even though they can be stubborn.
Italian Greyhounds are generally long lived, with a normal lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions such as PRA, autoimmune problems, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hypothyroidism. Although the IG is not as delicate as he looks, care must be take to avoid hazardous situations that might result in a broken leg. Extensive information about breed health can be found on the website of the Italian Greyhound Club of America.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
The Italian Greyhound is very similar to the Greyhound, but much smaller and more slender in all proportions and of ideal elegance and grace.
Head: Narrow and long, tapering to nose, with a slight suggestion of stop. Skull – Rather long, almost flat. Eyes – Dark, bright, intelligent, medium in size. Very light eyes are a fault. Ears – Small, fine in texture; thrown back and folded except when alerted, then carried folded at right angles to the head. Erect or button ears severely penalized.
Neck is long, slender and gracefully arched. Body is of medium length, short coupled; high at withers, back curved and drooping at hindquarters, the highest point of curve at start of loin, creating a definite tuck-up at flanks. Shoulders – Long and sloping.
Chest – Deep and narrow.
Long, straight, set well under shoulder; strong pasterns, fine bone.
Long, well-muscled thigh; hind legs parallel when viewed from behind, hocks well let down, well-bent stifle
Skin fine and supple, hair short, glossy like satin and soft to the touch.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| Black | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| Blue | Check Mark For Standard Color | 037 |
| Blue Fawn | Check Mark For Standard Color | 036 |
| Cream | Check Mark For Standard Color | 076 |
| Fawn | Check Mark For Standard Color | 082 |
| Red | Check Mark For Standard Color | 140 |
| Red Fawn | Check Mark For Standard Color | 150 |
| Sable | Check Mark For Standard Color | 164 |
| Seal | Check Mark For Standard Color | 261 |
| White & Black | Check Mark For Standard Color | 202 |
| White & Blue | Check Mark For Standard Color | 288 |
| White & Blue Fawn | Check Mark For Standard Color | 334 |
| White & Fawn | Check Mark For Standard Color | 207 |
| White & Red | Check Mark For Standard Color | 214 |
| White & Red Fawn | Check Mark For Standard Color | 293 |
| White & Sable | Check Mark For Standard Color | 215 |
| White & Seal | Check Mark For Standard Color | 294 |
| Black | 007 | |
| Black & Tan | 018 | |
| Blue & Tan | 044 | |
| Brindle | 057 | |
| Chocolate | 071 | |
| White | 199 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| Black Mask | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 004 |
| Blue Mask | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 006 |
| White Markings | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 014 |
| White Markings, Black Mask | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 114 |
| White Markings, Blue Mask | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 113 |
