Dog Breed Guide NZ
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound, often affectionately called an 'IGgy', is the smallest and most elegant of the sighthound family. Despite their athletic build and impressive speed, these slender beauties are primarily devoted lap dogs, thriving on human companionship and warmth. Prized in New Zealand for their stylish appearance and gentle nature, they make exceptional apartment companions, particularly in urban centres like Auckland or Wellington. However, their delicate bone structure and thin coat mean they are physically fragile and feel the cold intensely, requiring thoughtful care and protection from the elements, especially during chilly Kiwi winters or on exposed walks.
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Breed Snapshot
- Size
- 3-6.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 14-15 years
- Origin
- Being enriched
- Temperament
- Affectionate, gentle, playful, alert, intelligent
- NZ Price
- $2,000 - $4,000 NZD from registered breeders; $150-$350 NZD adoption via SPCA (when available)
- Annual Vet Cost
- Estimated annual vet costs for an Italian Greyhound in NZ range from $600 - $1,200 NZD. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, worming, and flea/tick prevention. However, due to breed-specific health issues, costs can be higher. Dental care is often needed, with professional cleans potentially costing $400-$800 NZD. Fractures, common due to their delicate bones, can incur emergency vet bills upwards of $1,500 - $5,000+ NZD depending on severity and required surgery. Patellar luxation, if severe, may also require surgical intervention costing $1,000 - $3,000 NZD per knee. Regular health insurance is highly recommended for this breed.
Personality Scores
NZ Lifestyle Fit
The Italian Greyhound is a fantastic fit for many New Zealand households, particularly those in urban environments. For apartment living in Auckland, their small size and relatively low impact make them ideal. Auckland's humid summers are generally manageable for their short coats, but ensuring access to shade and water during peak heat is crucial. A house with a section (yard) is great, provided the fencing is secure to prevent escapes during their bursts of speed, and the outdoor area offers shelter from sun and cold. They are not suited for rural NZ farm life; their delicate build makes them vulnerable to larger animals, rough terrain, and the intense cold of South Island winters. Owners in colder regions must invest in quality warm clothing and ensure their homes are well-heated. High UV in New Zealand means sun protection, like doggy sunscreen or protective clothing, is vital for their thin skin during summer. MPI has no specific restrictions on Italian Greyhounds, but general dog ownership bylaws apply, varying by council.
Origins & History
Despite their name, the Italian Greyhound's true origins are believed to trace back over 2,000 years to ancient Egypt and Greece, where small sighthounds were revered companions and hunters. Evidence of their existence is found in art and archaeological discoveries from these civilisations. They arrived in Southern Europe, particularly Italy, by the Middle Ages, gaining immense popularity among nobility and royalty during the Renaissance. Italian aristocrats cherished them as symbols of status and elegance, often depicting them in portraits alongside their owners. The breed's popularity waned and waxed over centuries, facing near extinction at various points, but dedicated breeders preserved their delicate beauty and gentle temperament. Today, they remain a beloved companion breed worldwide, including here in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Appearance
The Italian Greyhound is the epitome of canine elegance and grace. They are miniature versions of their larger Greyhound cousins, built for speed and agility. Standing typically between 33-38 cm at the shoulder and weighing a mere 3-6.5 kg, they possess a fine-boned, slender frame, a deep chest, and a distinctly arched back. Their short, smooth, fine coat comes in a variety of colours, including black, blue, fawn, red, and various shades of brindle, often with white markings. Their large, expressive eyes and delicate rose ears contribute to their intelligent and alert expression. Their overall appearance is one of refined athleticism and fragile beauty, making them instantly recognisable and admired.
Temperament & Personality
Beneath their refined exterior, Italian Greyhounds are deeply affectionate, gentle, and playful dogs. They form strong bonds with their families and thrive on close physical contact, often seeking out laps and warm blankets for snuggles. While they possess the typical sighthound instinct for a good chase, particularly when spotting small, fast-moving objects, they are equally content to lounge indoors. They are intelligent and can be quite sensitive, responding best to positive reinforcement training. Their alert nature makes them good watchdogs, though they are rarely aggressive. They generally get along well with respectful children and other pets, provided they are introduced carefully and supervised, especially given the IG's delicate build.
Life in New Zealand
Italian Greyhounds are well-suited to many New Zealand lifestyles, particularly those in urban or suburban settings. Their small size and low exercise requirements (beyond short bursts of energy) make them excellent apartment or flat dwellers. However, their thin coats mean they are highly susceptible to the cold, making warm coats, jumpers, and heated beds essential during our cooler months, especially in areas like the South Island. They are also sensitive to harsh sun, so protection from high UV is important during summer. While they enjoy supervised runs in securely fenced areas, their fragility means they are not suited for rugged tramping or extensive outdoor adventures. Their need for companionship means they thrive in homes where they are not left alone for long periods, fitting well with owners who work from home or can take their pet to work.
Is This the Right Breed for You?
An Italian Greyhound could be your perfect companion if you're looking for an elegant, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance (grooming-wise) dog that thrives on companionship. They are ideal for individuals or families living in apartments or smaller homes who can provide a warm, safe environment. You'll need to be prepared for their sensitivity to cold and their delicate nature, which requires vigilance against accidental injury. Owners should also be committed to consistent, positive training and early socialisation. If you appreciate a dog that loves to cuddle, enjoys short bursts of play, and brings a touch of refined charm to your home, the Italian Greyhound might just be your ideal Kiwi companion.
Fun Facts
Fact 1
Italian Greyhounds were once considered a symbol of status and elegance among European nobility during the Renaissance.
Fact 2
Despite their small size, they can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h over short distances, showcasing their sighthound agility.
Fact 3
They are known for their 'IGgy 500' – sudden, energetic bursts of running and playing, often in circles, around the house.
Fact 4
Their thin skin and low body fat mean they shiver easily and are highly sensitive to cold, often seeking out warm laps or blankets.
Fact 5
Many Italian Greyhounds have a unique 'roach back' or arched back, which is a characteristic feature of the breed standard.
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