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.
Responsive and intelligent, but easily spooked by harsh tones or chaotic environments. Keep it calm and positive.
Not a match for rowdy households. These dogs do best with adults or calm, older kids who know how to be gentle and quiet.
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.
Loud. Iggies can be surprisingly vocal, especially when anxious or left alone too long.
Not hypoallergenic, but they shed very little. Still, not ideal for severe allergy sufferers.
Start with our First 48 Hours Survival Guide to get your new pup set up for success from day one.
Then dive into the full Puppy 101 Series—your go-to hub for raising a happy, well-adjusted dog.
And if you’re ready to go even deeper, grab a copy of the book: Help! I Got a Puppy. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to know.
Living with an Italian Greyhound is like rooming with a very fast, very affectionate ghost. One minute they’re curled in your lap like a heat-seeking noodle, the next they’ve vanished into a blanket fort or launched into a spontaneous zoomie session across the room.
They’re velcro dogs through and through—deeply bonded, emotionally perceptive, and incredibly sensitive to tone and energy. Yell too loud, leave too long, or break a routine, and they’ll feel it in their bones. But offer gentle affection, a warm lap, and a soft voice, and they’ll give you a kind of love that’s delicate, loyal, and unwavering.
Equal parts cuddlebug and drama queen, they keep life tender, a little silly, and always full of heart.
• 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
Italian Greyhounds thrive in warm, calm homes where gentleness reigns and they’re treated like cherished companions. They’re ideal for apartment dwellers or quiet households that can offer plenty of lap time, light exercise, and a sense of constant presence.
They don’t need a yard—they need your attention, soft surfaces, and a stable routine. Heated blankets, sunlit windows, and cozy nooks are their love language. Loud chaos and long hours alone? Hard pass. A life of peaceful closeness is where they shine.
I may be small, but I come with a lot of feelings. I love with my whole body—and I’ll need you close, often under a blanket. Think of me as part dog, part space heater, part emotionally delicate fashion model. Looking for someone gentle, present, and not prone to slamming doors or skipping cuddle time.
• 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
• 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
Italian Greyhounds are sensitive souls wrapped in elegant, high-speed packaging. They’re not the dog for rough-and-tumble households—but for someone gentle, attentive, and emotionally in tune, they’re magic. Equal parts cuddle buddy, style icon, and quirky best friend, they bring warmth, charm, and quiet devotion to every day.
