The smallest of the sighthounds is the speedy Italian Greyhound. This little pup looks very similar to its Greyhound cousin but is actually a completely separate purebred dog. The “IG”, as they are often referred to, is a muscular dog that has incredible athletic abilities. These dogs have a strong prey drive and will chase after just about anything that moves. Make sure that any off-leash area that you take your Italian Greyhound to is well-secured, as they can run up to 25 MPH. If they see a squirrel run by and manage to escape, it will not be easy to catch them! 

This dog breed is ancient and has been popular among many different cultures throughout their existence. Artifacts, and skeletons of this dog have been discovered in Turkey and Greece that date back about 2,000 years. These dogs made their way to European countries in the middle ages and were very popular companion dogs among the nobility. They were especially popular among Italian nobility in the 1600s, and this is where their name is derived. 

While they only weigh between 6-15 pounds, the IG is very energetic and loves to run. If they are well-socialized as puppies, they tend to get along well with other dogs and are very playful. The Italian Greyhound is mostly relaxed within the house, but you can be sure to expect some serious zoomies every now and then. They will bounce off the walls for a few minutes and then just go back to relaxing. These dogs have a unique cat-like trait in which they enjoy sitting on elevated surfaces. Don’t be surprised if you see them napping up on the refrigerator!

The Italian Greyhound is a sensitive dog that will form a very close bond with its family. They will have difficulty being left alone and will even follow their people around the house wherever they go. If you are the type of owner that enjoys bringing your dog everywhere, the Italian Greyhound might be the perfect match. While they can sometimes be a bit reserved around strangers, they are super affectionate and playful with their family. This doggo will become your new sidekick from the moment you bring them home, and they will certainly become the most devoted friend you’ve ever had.