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.

Nationwide Outline Icons Vibrant Blue Heart 24x24pxWhat we love about Iggys

The grace and sweetness of a Greyhound in a portable package

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
13 to 15 inches tall
Group Size Toy
Lifespan
14 to 15 years
020
Weight
7 to 15 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Iggy

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Seizures

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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

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Dental disease

Senior Iggy

10+ years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Valvular heart disease

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Liver and gallbladder cancer

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Seizures

Iggy puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Dental disease

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Trauma

Young adult Iggy

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

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Seizures

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Toxicity

Mature adult Iggy

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Seizures

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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

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Dental disease

Senior Iggy

10+ years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Valvular heart disease

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Liver and gallbladder cancer

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Seizures

Iggy puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Dental disease

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Trauma

Young adult Iggy

7 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Iggy conditions

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Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis

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Seizures

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Toxicity

Italian Greyhound image

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

Get your Italian Greyhound’s health information in a free report

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.

How often should I groom my Italian Greyhound?

Bathing as needed and weekly go-over with a hound brush or glove will keep your Italian Greyhound's coat in good shape. Trim or grind nails as needed to keep them short.

Should I bathe my Italian Greyhound?

Italian Greyhounds can be bathed monthly, weekly or as needed (if they roll in mud, for example!). Use a pet-specific shampoo and conditioner or an all-in-one product. If your dog’s coat or skin isn’t looking healthy, check with your veterinary healthcare team to see what might be causing the problem.

Should I brush my Italian Greyhound?

Italian Greyhounds don't need much in the way of brushing. A weekly go-over with a hound brush or glove is all you need.

Iggy exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

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

Independent study

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

Other breeds like Iggys

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