Iggys 101

Toy group

Don't let their size fool you: The Italian Greyhound, or Iggy, is built like a coursing hound and can run like one, too. Developed as the lap dogs of Italian aristocrats, they love snuggling as much as they love running. As much as they love kids, Iggys are delicate dogs, so teaching young children to be very gentle can help keep them safe. As with lean-bodied dogs, the Italian Greyhound tends to get cold easily and may spend most of the year in a sweater, happily.

What we love about Iggys

The grace and sweetness of a Greyhound in a portable package

Energy level

50% energy level

Energy level: 50% (Moderate)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

13 to 15 inches tall
Toy breed size

Size: 13 to 15 inches tall. This is a Toy sized Dog.

Lifespan

14 to 15 years

Lifespan: 14 to 15 years average

Weight

7 to 15 lbs

Weight: 7 to 15 lbs typical range

Energy level
Moderate (50%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
13 to 15 inches
Lifespan
14 to 15 years
Weight
7 to 15 lbs

The Italian Greyhound stands 13 to 15 inches tall and weighs 7 to 15 lbs. Italian Greyhounds have a lifespan of 14 to 15 years. They are known for a moderate (50%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Italian Greyhounds get?
Italian Greyhounds stand 13 to 15 inches tall and typically weigh between 7 and 15 pounds.
How long do Italian Greyhounds live?
The average lifespan of a Italian Greyhound is 14 to 15 years.
Are Italian Greyhounds good for first-time dog owners?
Italian Greyhounds have moderate energy levels and can be suitable for first-time owners who are committed to regular exercise and training.
Do Italian Greyhounds bark a lot?
Italian Greyhounds are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

We want to see pictures of your Iggy!

Tag @NationwidePet on social media!

My pet’s health plannerSM

This Italian Greyhound health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Iggy

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

Mid-life Italian Greyhounds should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Seizures and Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Seizures
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Iggy

10+ years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

Senior Italian Greyhounds face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Valvular heart disease and Liver and gallbladder cancer and Seizures pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Seizures
Very High Risk

Iggy puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

Italian Greyhound puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Trauma
Moderate Risk

Young adult Iggy

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

As Italian Greyhounds grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and Seizures are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Seizures
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Toxicity
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Iggy

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

Mid-life Italian Greyhounds should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Seizures and Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis are at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Seizures
High Risk
70% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Iggy

10+ years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

Senior Italian Greyhounds face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Valvular heart disease and Liver and gallbladder cancer and Seizures pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Liver and gallbladder cancer
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Seizures
Very High Risk

Iggy puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

Italian Greyhound puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastroenteritis poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Trauma
Moderate Risk

Young adult Iggy

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

As Italian Greyhounds grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and Seizures are at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Seizures
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Toxicity
Above Average Risk
Italian Greyhound standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Italian Greyhound's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk, Trauma: Moderate Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 5 years)
Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: Moderate Risk, Seizures: Moderate Risk, Toxicity: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
Seizures: High Risk, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis: High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk
Senior (10+ years)
Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk, Liver and gallbladder cancer: Very High Risk, Seizures: Very High Risk
Italian Greyhound funfact

Italian Greyhounds can be seen in the paintings of the Italian Renaissance masters, owing to their popularity among the wealthy.

Italian Greyhound coat care and colors

Coat care couldn't be easier for Iggys. They simply require regular brushing to remove loose fur and nail trims and baths as needed.

Iggy exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

While they love a good sprint in a safe, enclosed area, the Italian Greyhound will do fine with regular walks.

Trainability

Trainability

Italian Greyhounds are able to wrap their people around their tiny paws. Whether they do or not is up to the level of consistent, positive training they get. Because they tend to be shy, early socialization is a must.

Iggy fun facts

Top girl names for Iggys

100%

of Iggys are female

0%

of Iggys are male

Top boy names for Iggys

Nationwide loves Italian Greyhounds of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Italian Greyhound gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Italian Greyhounds insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Italian Greyhound statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Iggys

Best. Italian Greyhound insurance. Ever.SM

  • Pet insurance premiums starting at $25/mo.
  • Visit any licensed veterinarian, anywhere
  • Cancel at any time, risk-free