Italian Greyhound Price NZ: Buying Costs & Fragile-Bone Budgets

What drives the price

Italian Greyhounds (often called "IGs" or "Iggy") are in high demand in New Zealand as compact, affectionate indoor companion dogs. The price of a puppy is driven by their popularity and the cost of health screenings.

First, ethical breeders perform genetic health tests to ensure parent dogs do not pass on hereditary conditions. Key tests include annual eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), DNA screening for Familial Enamel Hypoplasia (FEH, which causes weak tooth enamel and decay), and screening for patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps).

Second, because the breeding pool in New Zealand is small, responsible breeders frequently import new bloodlines from Australia to prevent inbreeding. The cost of quarantine, veterinary clearance, and flights increases the overall cost of local breeding programs, which is reflected in the puppy purchase price. Due to this scarcity, waitlists for registered puppies in New Zealand are often 6 to 18 months long.

Third, buyers should be wary of backyard breeders selling "teacup" or unregistered puppies. Buying an untested puppy increases the risk of genetic diseases and joint instability, which can lead to expensive veterinary bills later in life.

Ongoing costs — the real number

The purchase price of an Italian Greyhound is only the start of the financial commitment. Due to their unique physical characteristics, they have specific ongoing costs.

In the first year, expect to spend $1,500 to $2,500 NZD on routine setup costs, including puppy vaccinations, microchipping, council registration, desexing, and basic supplies.

A major cost consideration for Italian Greyhound owners is the breed's extremely fragile bones, especially during puppyhood (up to 12-18 months). Their long, slender legs have very little muscle or fat protection. Jumps from a sofa, bed, or stairs can easily result in a fractured radius and ulna. In New Zealand, veterinary orthopedic surgery to repair a broken leg with plates and screws costs between $3,500 and $6,000 NZD. Because of this high risk, comprehensive pet insurance is highly recommended, costing $50 to $90 NZD per month.

Other ongoing costs include winter clothing. Italian Greyhounds have low body fat and a very thin single coat, meaning they cannot tolerate cold weather. Owners must purchase warm winter coats and raincoats, costing $100 to $300 NZD per year.

Additionally, due to their predisposition to early periodontal disease, daily teeth brushing and regular professional veterinary dental cleanings (costing $500 to $1,200 NZD per session) are essential. Plaque builds up very rapidly in their tiny mouths, and without preventative care, they can lose teeth at a very early age.

Furthermore, they have a high chase drive (lure coursing) and must be kept on a lead in unfenced areas to prevent them from running after small animals or into traffic. Enrolling in positive-reinforcement based dog training classes is highly recommended to manage their recall, which typically costs $150 to $250 NZD for an introductory course.

Cost of owning an Italian Greyhound vs other breeds

Compared to other small breeds like Cavoodles or French Bulldogs, Italian Greyhounds have much lower grooming costs because their short coat requires only minimal brushing at home. However, their veterinary costs can be much higher due to the high risk of bone fractures and dental issues.

Compared to large breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Italian Greyhounds cost significantly less to feed, consuming only about $40 to $70 NZD of premium food per month. However, they require a warmer environment and more indoor protection, making them best suited for indoor living. House training can be a challenge during New Zealand's damp winters, as they dislike going outside in the rain.

Adoption: the $150-$450 alternative

Adopting an Italian Greyhound is a rewarding alternative. Because of their fragile bones and high-energy puppy phase, some IGs are surrendered to shelters by owners who were unprepared for their care.

Organisations like the SPCA NZ and specialised sighthound rescue networks occasionally have adult Italian Greyhounds or IG-crosses available. The adoption fee typically ranges from $150 to $350 NZD, covering desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, and initial vet checks. Adopters must be prepared to provide a warm, safe indoor environment with minimal jumping hazards.

Avoiding scams and puppy farms

Due to their popularity and premium price, Italian Greyhounds are a target for online scams. Scammers often post fake listings of puppies and demand immediate deposits.

To protect yourself:

• Always visit the breeder's premises and meet the mother dog.
• Confirm the breeder's registration status with Dogs NZ.
• Ask for copies of the parents' eye clearance and FEH certificates.
• Never pay a deposit before verifying the breeder's credentials.

Related reading

• Italian Greyhound Breed Profile
• Dog Breed Prices NZ Tool
• Cost of Owning a Dog in NZ
• NZ Vet Costs Guide

Sources

• Merck Veterinary Manual, Patellar Luxation in Dogs and Cats, checked 2026-07-20: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/musculoskeletal-system/arthropathies-and-related-disorders-in-small-animals/patellar-luxation-in-dogs-and-cats
• Merck Veterinary Manual, Disorders of the Retina, Choroid and Optic Disk in Dogs (progressive retinal atrophy; DNA tests detect carrier and affected dogs), checked 2026-07-20: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/eye-disorders-of-dogs/disorders-of-the-retina-choroid-and-optic-disk-ocular-fundus-in-dogs
• Dogs New Zealand, Health Testing & Official Schemes, checked 2026-07-19: https://www.dogsnz.org.nz/health/health-testing-forms

Important notice

*Indicative ranges only — prices vary by breeder, lines and region. Always verify current pricing directly. General food-safety and cost information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against local veterinary and breeder resources (July 2026).*