Italian Greyhound

Exercise by Age

1. Puppy (under 1 year)

   5 min per month of age, twice a day

   Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.

2. Adult (1-11 years)

   11,500 steps

   Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.

3. Senior (11+ years)

   8,000–9,200 steps

   Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.

Exercise Needs

An active breed that requires 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.

About the Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small and slender breed of dog that was originally bred for hunting small game. They are gentle, intelligent, and affectionate, and make excellent companion dogs.

Facts about the Italian Greyhound

• Exercise

  Small body, big personality — 20–30 min walk plus indoor play covers toy breeds without overexertion.

  AKC

• Behavior

  Toy breeds need socialization early or they can become reactive to larger dogs. Puppy classes help.

  VCA

• Health

  Dental disease is the #1 toy-breed health issue — tooth-cleaning routine from puppy age is essential.

  VCA

• Training

  Don’t skip training thinking they’re “too small” — toy breeds need boundaries as much as any dog.

  The Kennel Club UK

• Did You Know

  Many toy breeds have ancient companion roots — Pekingese were Chinese imperial dogs for over 2000 years.

  AKC

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Italian Greyhound need?

A Italian Greyhound needs about 11,500 steps a day. An active breed that requires 60-90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise.

How big does a Italian Greyhound get?

Adult Italian Greyhounds typically weigh 3–5 kg and stand 33–38 cm at the shoulder.

How long do Italian Greyhounds live?

A Italian Greyhound usually lives 12–15 years.

What is a Italian Greyhound's temperament?

Italian Greyhounds are typically Mischievous, Affectionate, Agile, Athletic, Companionable, Intelligent.