| Height | 13-15 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7-14 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 14–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Playful / Sensitive [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | The Mediterranean basin [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 53 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
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. [1]
Grooming
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. [1]
Health issues to budget for
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. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Thyroid Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Italian Greyhound in 1886. [1]
- It ranked No. 53 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 71 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “IG, Iggy.” [1]
- The AKC lists The Mediterranean basin as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 14-15 years.
How big does a Italian Greyhound get?
AKC breed information lists height 13-15 inches and weight 7-14 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Italian Greyhound?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Italian Greyhound, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.