Italian Greyhound vs Greyhound: Key Differences, Similarities, and Choosing the Right Sighthound
Discover essential insights on size, temperament, and care to match your lifestyle.
Sighthounds are celebrated for their grace, speed, and gentle personalities. Among them, Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds offer unique traits that appeal to different dog lovers and families. While these breeds may look alike at a glance, understanding their distinct differences and lifestyle needs is essential for making the right choice. This detailed guide compares Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds across all key aspectsâsize, temperament, exercise, grooming, health, training, and living situationsâso you can decide which sighthound suits your home best.
Table of Contents
- Origin and History
- Visual Differences
- Size and Weight Comparison
- Personality and Temperament
- Exercise Requirements
- Grooming and Care
- Health and Longevity
- Trainability and Intelligence
- Family Friendliness and Best Home Environments
- Italian Greyhound vs Greyhound Comparison Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
Origin and History
Greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds, with records tracing their ancestry back over 4,000 years to ancient Egypt and Greece. Originally bred for hunting game such as deer and hares, their speed and keen sight made them prized by royalty and hunters. The breed is well-known today for its history in racing and as a gentle companion.
Italian Greyhounds, often affectionately called “Iggies,” may resemble smaller Greyhounds but have a distinct and ancient lineage. Their history dates back over 2,000 years, with depictions in Roman art. Bred as companion animals for nobility, their delicate frame and affectionate nature have always made them popular lapdogs, especially among European aristocracy.
Visual Differences
The most immediate distinction between Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds is their size and physical build. Both breeds share the elegant lines and long legs typical of sighthounds, but their proportions differ significantly.
- Greyhounds are large, powerfully built dogs with muscular bodies designed for speed.
- Italian Greyhounds have a much lighter, more delicate frame, appearing almost fragile in comparison.
Both breeds have narrow heads, deep chests, long tails, and short, low-shedding coats. Their eyes are expressive, often conveying their gentle temperament. Despite being called “miniature Greyhounds,” Italian Greyhounds are not simply a scaled-down version; their build is more refined, and their movement lighter and more agile.
Size and Weight Comparison
| Aspect | Italian Greyhound | Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height (Adult) | 13â15 inches | 27â30 inches |
| Weight (Adult) | 7â14 lbs | 55â88 lbs (up to 100 lbs in some cases) |
| Lifespan | 12â15 years | 10â14 years |
| Coat Type | Short, fine, low-shedding | Short, silky, moderate shedding |
| Colors | Brown, red, blue, gray, white, black (and mixes) | Fawn, blue, gray, red, white, black (and mixes) |
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Personality and Temperament
Both Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds are gentle, intelligent, and affectionate, yet their personalities have key differences that suit different lifestyles and owners.
Greyhound
- Sweet-natured and sensitive: Greyhounds are known for their calm, gentle demeanor and deep bonds with their families.
- Low energy indoors: Despite being bred for high-speed pursuits, Greyhounds are often content lounging on the couch for most of the day.
- Sociable but sometimes aloof: They are affectionate but can be reserved with strangers.
- Good with children and other pets: Their tolerant nature makes them adaptable to a variety of household situations.
Italian Greyhound
- Affectionate âvelcroâ dogs: Highly attached to their owners, Italian Greyhounds are known for following their people everywhere and craving companionship.
- Delicate and sensitive: They can be timid, especially with strangers or in new environments, and often develop strong bonds with just a few people.
- Cat-like temperament: Iggies may be more independent at times, but they’re quick to seek warmth and affection when available.
- May develop separation anxiety: Italian Greyhounds do not tolerate long periods alone and may react with vocalization or destructive behavior.
Exercise Requirements
Both breeds are sighthounds with an inherent love for running, but their daily exercise needs vary due to their size and energy levels.
Greyhound
- Sprinters, not marathoners: Greyhounds excel in short, intense bursts of speed but tire quickly.
- Exercise needs: A Greyhound should have daily access to a securely fenced yard for sprinting, plus several walks per day.
- Relaxed at home: After exercise, they become low-key and calm indoors.
Italian Greyhound
- Active but adaptable: Italian Greyhounds require 30â60 minutes of exercise daily. Their small size means play indoors or short walks can suffice.
- Enjoy games and running: They love to zoom around the yard or home, but don’t need the sustained activity of a standard Greyhound.
- Good for apartment living: Their lower exercise threshold suits smaller spaces.
Grooming and Care
Both Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but their delicate builds call for attentive, gentle care.
- Short, smooth coats shed minimally, requiring weekly brushing to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny.
- Bathing is needed only occasionally unless the dog gets into something dirty.
- Dental care is particularly important for Italian Greyhounds, who are prone to dental issues due to their small jaws.
- Nail trimming should be regular, as both breeds have fast-growing, delicate nails.
- Gentle handling is especially important for Italian Greyhounds, as their thin bones are more susceptible to injury.
Health and Longevity
Both breeds are generally healthy, but each has its own predispositions to certain conditions.
Italian Greyhound Health Concerns
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Hip dysplasia
- Thyroid disorders
- Dental disease
Greyhound Health Concerns
- Bloat (gastric torsion)
- Heart issues (such as cardiomyopathy)
- Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)
- Hypothyroidism
Longevity: Italian Greyhounds live slightly longer on average (12â15 years) compared to Greyhounds (10â14 years). Responsible breeding, regular checkups, and proper care improve life expectancy for both.
Trainability and Intelligence
Sighthounds are intelligent, but their independent streak means training requires different techniques than those used with other breeds like retrievers or herders.
- Greyhounds: Adaptable and generally eager to please; respond well to gentle, consistent training. Quick learners but can lose interest if sessions are too long or repetitive.
- Italian Greyhounds: Bright and curious but may be stubborn or distracted. Often motivated by treats and praise, but housebreaking can be especially slow. Consistency and patience are essential.
Both breeds respond best to positive, reward-based methods and early socialization.
Family Friendliness and Best Home Environments
Greyhounds suit a wide range of families, from singles to those with children and even other dogs. Their sweet, tolerant nature and moderate care needs make them fine companions for calm households. However, their size and prey drive require caution around small animals and young children.
Italian Greyhounds thrive with gentle, attentive owners who can provide the company and safety they crave. They are ideal for apartments and individuals or couples who spend a lot of time at home but may not suit families with rambunctious children or large, energetic pets.
Both breeds do best in homes with secure fencing and attentive care, as their agility and curiosity can make them escape artists.
Italian Greyhound vs Greyhound Comparison Table
| Feature | Italian Greyhound | Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 13â15 inches | 27â30 inches |
| Weight | 7â14 lbs | 55â88 lbs (Up to 100 lbs) |
| Life Expectancy | 12â15 years | 10â14 years |
| Coat & Colors | Short, fine; Brown, red, blue, gray, white, black | Short, silky; Fawn, blue, gray, red, white, black |
| Exercise Needs | 30â60 minutes daily; playful indoors | Multiple walks and sprints daily; high-speed runner |
| Temperament | Affectionate, sensitive, cat-like | Gentle, calm, sweet, sometimes aloof |
| Suitability | Great for apartments and singles; best with soft-management | Suitable for active or calm households; needs space for sprints |
| Trainability | Moderately challenging; responds to positive methods | Moderate; learns basics quickly but independent |
| Common Health Issues | Alopecia, hip dysplasia, dental disease | Bloat, heart disease, cancer |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are Italian Greyhounds just smaller Greyhounds?
A: No. While they share some physical similarities and are both sighthounds, Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds have distinct ancestries, size, and temperament differences. Iggies are not simply miniature Greyhounds but a separate ancient breed.
Q: Do both breeds get along with children?
A: Generally yes, but with considerations. Greyhounds are tolerant and typically do well with children, but supervision is necessary due to their size. Italian Greyhounds are delicate and best suited for homes with older, gentle children.
Q: How much daily exercise do they need?
A: Greyhounds need several walks plus access to safe areas for occasional high-speed sprints. Italian Greyhounds require about 30â60 minutes of playtime and walks; much of their exercise can be satisfied indoors.
Q: Which breed is better for apartments?
A: Italian Greyhounds are more adaptable to apartment living due to their small size and lower outdoor exercise needs. Greyhounds can also do well in apartments as long as they have access to exercise.
Q: Are they easy to train?
A: Both breeds are intelligent but require patience. Greyhounds learn basics quickly, while Italian Greyhounds can be stubborn and slow to house-train, responding best to positive methods and consistency.
Q: Which breed is more suitable for first-time dog owners?
A: Greyhounds are often recommended for first-time dog owners due to their easygoing temperament and trainability. Italian Greyhounds can be more challenging due to their sensitivity and need for constant companionship.
Q: Do Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds get along with other dogs or pets?
A: Greyhounds generally have a strong prey drive and should be carefully tested before being introduced to small pets. Italian Greyhounds are often more sociable with other dogs but are fragile and must be protected during play.
Choosing the Right Sighthound for You
If you seek a laid-back, athletic companion that fits an active lifestyle with secure outdoor space, a Greyhound may be your perfect match. For those wanting a smaller, affectionate “lap dog” with minimal exercise needs and apartment adaptability, the Italian Greyhound shines. Take your time to meet both breeds, consult with reputable breeders or rescues, and consider your own daily routine before making the commitment. Both breeds reward their families with loyalty and gentle companionshipâjust tailored to different homes.
References
- https://a-z-animals.com/pets/dogs/dog-comparison/greyhound-vs-italian-greyhound-differences/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfHEGVm3kRg
- https://articles.hepper.com/greyhound-vs-italian-greyhound/
- https://romprescue.com/2014/02/italian-greyhound-vs-greyhound-differences/
- https://www.rover.com/blog/italian-greyhound-vs-greyhound/
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