Science & Nature • Dog Breed

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound breed from Italy, also known as the Piccolo Levriero Italiano.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Italian Greyhound is a small sighthound breed from Italy, also known as the Piccolo Levriero Italiano. It was historically used for hunting hare and rabbit, but today it is kept mainly as a companion dog. The breed is recognized as the Italian Sighthound by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and belongs to the Toy group in some kennel clubs.

History

The breed is described as ancient, with roots in small sighthounds associated with ancient Egypt and later development in the Roman period and Mediterranean Europe. It gained its current name through popularity in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Appearance

Italian Greyhounds are small, elegant dogs with a slim build, long neck, fine muzzle, and short coat. Sources describe them as resembling a miniature Greyhound.

Temperament and purpose

The breed was developed as a hunting dog for small game such as hare and rabbit, but it is now mostly kept as a companion. Modern breed descriptions emphasize affection, playfulness, and an instinct to pursue moving objects.

Breed recognition

The breed is recognized in different kennel-club systems under related names. The FCI uses Italian Sighthound, while the UKC recognized the breed in 1948 and the AKC recognized it in 1886.

Key facts

The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthounds.
It is a miniature, slender dog with a short, smooth coat and a narrow head.
The breed’s origins are ancient, with references and depictions tracing back more than 2,000 years.
It was historically valued by nobility in Italy and other Mediterranean regions.
Modern Italian Greyhounds are mainly kept as affectionate companion animals.

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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter the breed under the English and French-influenced international names used by kennel clubs and breeders, but the dog itself has no specific Canadian origin or uniquely Canadian role in the sources provided.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Italian Greyhound?

A small sighthound breed from Italy, also called the Piccolo Levriero Italiano.

Is the Italian Greyhound the same as a Greyhound?

No. It is a much smaller breed, often described as a miniature Greyhound.

What was the Italian Greyhound bred for?

It was bred to hunt small game, especially hare and rabbit.

What is the breed called by the FCI?

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale uses the name Italian Sighthound.

Is the Italian Greyhound a toy breed?

Yes, some kennel clubs classify it in the Toy group.

What are common nicknames for the breed?

Common nicknames include IG and Iggy.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Greyhound
Supports: Breed name, origin as a small sighthound, historic hunting purpose, and FCI English-language name.
United Kennel Club — https://www.ukcdogs.com/italian-greyhound
Supports: Ancient origins, development in Italy and the Mediterranean, nobility association, companion role, and UKC recognition in 1948.
American Kennel Club — https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/
Supports: Description as a miniature Greyhound, temperament, and recognition status.
Good Dog — https://www.gooddog.com/breeds/italian-greyhound
Supports: AKC recognition in 1886 and Toy group classification.
The Spruce Pets — https://www.thesprucepets.com/italian-greyhound-dog-breed-profile-4781785
Supports: Size, appearance, and general breed description.
Purina UK — https://www.purina.co.uk/find-a-pet/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound
Supports: Physical description, coat, and movement traits.
Italian Greyhound Active Health — https://italiangreyhoundactivehealth.org.uk/all-about-italian-greyhounds/
Supports: Toy breed classification, companion role, and common nicknames.