Greyhound vs Italian Greyhound NZ: The Full-Size and the Miniature Sighthound Compared

The Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound look like scaled versions of each other — both have the same elegant, narrow-headed, deep-chested sighthound build. But they're separate breeds with very different sizes, temperaments, and practical considerations for New Zealand owners.

The short version

A Greyhound is a large (27–32 kg), gentle ex-racing dog that makes a surprisingly calm apartment companion — NZ has excellent adoption pathways through retired racing dog programmes. An Italian Greyhound is a delicate miniature sighthound (3–6.5 kg) suited to warmer NZ homes and calmer, adult households.

Side-by-side overview

*Scores from PetMall breed profiles (1–5).*

The most important NZ-specific point: Greyhound adoption

New Zealand has an established pathway for adopting retired racing Greyhounds through Greyhounds As Pets (GAP) — operated by Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ). Retired racers are typically 2–5 years old, have already passed a temperament assessment, and are ready for home life.

This makes the Greyhound one of the few large breeds with a readily available, affordable, adult-dog adoption option in NZ. Adoption fees are significantly lower than purchasing a pup from a breeder. GAP dogs are assessed for suitability with cats, children, and other dogs before placement — you know what you're getting in terms of temperament before you bring the dog home.

For NZ buyers considering a large sighthound, exploring GAP before contacting breeders is well worth the time.

Italian Greyhounds do not have an equivalent adoption programme in NZ — they must typically be purchased from a registered breeder with a waitlist.

The "couch potato" reputation — and the reality

Greyhounds are famously described as the world's fastest couch potato. This characterisation is mostly accurate — despite being capable of reaching 70 km/h in a sprint, retired racing Greyhounds are calm, low-energy house dogs that sleep 16–18 hours a day. They need a 20–30 minute off-lead run in a securely fenced area daily plus regular walks, but they do not need hours of exercise like a Border Collie or Kelpie.

Important safety note: Greyhounds must never be let off-lead in unfenced areas. Their prey drive and sprint speed mean that a rabbit or bird can trigger a chase response that takes the dog hundreds of metres away before it can be called back. A standard dog park without full perimeter fencing is not suitable. Secure, fully fenced areas are essential. See our dog recall training guide — recall work helps but should never be relied upon for a sighthound near prey.

Italian Greyhounds are equally couch-oriented but also need daily exercise — short, brisk walks and play sessions. Their small size makes them easy to exercise in a small garden or apartment.

Temperament differences

Both breeds are gentle, quiet, and sensitive dogs. Neither is a guard dog; both greet visitors calmly.

Greyhounds are gentle and patient with children (★★★★★), but their size means young toddlers can be knocked over unintentionally. They can be sensitive to sudden movements and loud noises — a hangover from the high-stimulation racing environment. Most ex-racers adapt well to home life within a few weeks. They're generally non-aggressive.

Italian Greyhounds are more fragile emotionally and physically. They bond intensely with their owners and can suffer separation anxiety if left alone frequently. They can also be shy with strangers and may not enjoy rough handling — they're better suited to households with older children or adults than homes with very young children (★★★☆☆ with kids reflects this). Physically, their slender legs are vulnerable to fractures from falls or rough play.

NZ winter and cold management

Both breeds have short, thin coats with minimal body fat — they feel the cold acutely. In New Zealand:

• South Island winters require coats or jumpers for both breeds inside and outside, even in a heated home
• Wellington, Christchurch, Otago: Both breeds need a dog jacket for outdoor walks in winter
• Italian Greyhounds are particularly vulnerable to cold due to their smaller body mass — they often shiver at temperatures that wouldn't affect other dogs

Look for close-fitting fleece or lined dog coats for these breeds. Buying a well-fitting jacket is not optional for an Italian Greyhound in most NZ regions. See our NZ winter pet safety guide.

Grooming

Both breeds have the easiest possible grooming needs:

• Italian Greyhound: ★☆☆☆☆ — minimal coat, almost no shedding. Wipe down with a damp cloth; occasional bath. Only regular commitment is nail trims (nails grow fast on a small dog with limited outdoor wear).
• Greyhound: Short smooth coat, minimal shedding. Weekly brush, occasional bath. Easy.

Both breeds are among the lowest-maintenance coats of any dog.

Who each breed suits in NZ

Greyhound suits you if:

• You want a large, calm, gentle companion dog
• You're open to adoption (GAP NZ is an excellent pathway)
• You have a securely fenced section or access to enclosed off-lead areas
• You want a genuinely low-maintenance large breed (coat, exercise, personality)

Italian Greyhound suits you if:

• You live in an apartment and want a small, elegant, minimal-exercise dog
• You have a warm home (or are prepared to buy good coats)
• You want a deeply bonded companion that stays close to you
• You don't have very young children or large, boisterous dogs

Neither suits you if:

• You want a dog to run off-lead in open unfenced parks — sighthound prey drive prevents this safely
• You want a breed that tolerates cold without extra care

Use our Find a Breed tool to compare more sighthounds and other breeds. See also best dog breeds for apartments NZ.

See also

• Greyhound breed profile
• Italian Greyhound breed profile
• Best dog breeds for apartments NZ
• Dog recall training NZ
• NZ winter pet safety
• Find a Breed

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References

• American Kennel Club — Italian Greyhound breed standard, checked 2026-07-08: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/italian-greyhound/

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*This guide provides general information for NZ dog owners. Consult a registered NZ vet and the GAP adoption team for personalised breed advice.*