Italian Greyhound for Sale: Puppies, Prices & Breed Guide

If you’ve been searching for an Italian Greyhound puppy, you know the market is thin. Ireland has only a handful of active listings, and prices swing widely depending on pedigree, registration, and location. This guide lays out what’s actually available right now, what you’ll pay, and how to avoid the most common traps when buying a small sighthound in Ireland or the UK.

Puppies listed on Pets4Homes: 23 · Ads on dogs.ie: 0 · Smallest sighthound breed: Yes · Short smooth coat: Any colour · Moderately active: Yes

How Much Do Italian Greyhounds Cost?

Irish buyers face a narrower market than UK shoppers, but prices are comparable. Listings on DogsForSaleIreland.ie show puppies ranging from €1,200 to €1,800, with some advertised as negotiable.

Factors Affecting Price

Registration matters. IKC (Irish Kennel Club) papers appear in most Ireland listings, and puppies described as having “super pedigree” command higher prices. A Dublin 18 listing advertises a playful male puppy, pad-trained, at €1,200 (negotiable), while IKC-registered puppies in Blanchardstown with exceptional pedigrees are listed at €1,800.

Ireland and UK Listings

Across the Irish Sea, the UK market is more active. Pets4Homes lists 23 Italian Greyhound puppies, with an average price of approximately £1,415. That roughly translates to €1,650–€1,700 depending on exchange rates, putting Irish prices in a similar range — though with far fewer options locally.

Dogs.ie showed zero active listings at time of search, though a previously listed black male puppy (5 months old, IKC registered, fully vaccinated and microchipped) demonstrates the platform has hosted Italian Greyhound stock before.

Are Italian Greyhounds Good House Dogs?

The breed fits apartment living well. Standing just 13–15 inches and weighing 7–14 pounds, Italian Greyhounds are the smallest sighthound breed, with a short smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Their activity level is moderate — they enjoy sprints but are not high-endurance dogs.

Temperament Overview

Italian Greyhounds are gentle and affectionate, bonding closely with one person rather than spreading attention widely. Petfinder describes them as sensitive and delicate, noting they are “not ideal family dogs” for households seeking a dog that bonds with everyone equally. They tend to be quiet, which suits apartment settings.

Suitability for Homes

For the right owner — someone home often, comfortable with a dog that prefers laps to long hikes — Italian Greyhounds adapt well. Dogs.ie describes them as ideal indoor pets, though they do need protection from cold due to their minimal coat.

What Is the Lifespan of an Italian Greyhound?

Italian Greyhounds typically live 12–15 years with proper care. Their lifespan aligns with other small breeds, though they are prone to dental issues and bone fractures due to their slender build.

Health and Care Factors

Dental care is critical for this breed — Italian Greyhounds often need regular cleanings to prevent periodontal disease, which is common in small dogs. Their fine bones make them vulnerable to injuries, particularly leg fractures from jumping off furniture or landing awkwardly.

PetMD Insights

According to PetMD, Italian Greyhounds are generally healthy but require vigilant monitoring for hypothyroidism and eye conditions. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and careful exercise management help maximise their lifespan potential.

Whippet vs Italian Greyhound: Which Is Better?

Both breeds are small sighthounds, but they differ in size, temperament, and care needs. Choosing between them depends on your living situation, activity level, and how much grooming you want to handle.

Key Differences

Whippets are larger — typically 18–22 inches tall and weighing 25–40 pounds — compared to Italian Greyhounds at 13–15 inches and 7–14 pounds. Whippets have more energy and need more exercise, while Italian Greyhounds are calmer indoor companions. Both have short coats, though Whippets are slightly more robust and tolerate cold better.

Temperament-wise, Italian Greyhounds bond more intensely to one person, while Whippets tend to be more adaptable family dogs. If you want a devoted lap dog, the Italian Greyhound wins. If you need a dog that fits into an active household with children, a Whippet may be the better fit.

Comparison Table

Ten breeds show clear patterns: the Italian Greyhound is the smallest, lightest, and most apartment-friendly of the sighthounds reviewed.

The implication: size dictates most of the practical difference — Italian Greyhounds fit on a lap, Whippets do not, and that single fact shapes vet bills, travel requirements, and cold-weather gear needs for owners.

Do Italian Greyhounds Like to Cuddle?

Yes — they often choose laps over laps. Despite their sleek appearance, Italian Greyhounds are notorious for seeking warmth and closeness, curling up against their owner’s legs or burrowing under blankets.

Character and Temperament

The breed’s character leans toward the clingy side. Pedigree UK notes that Italian Greyhounds are “gentle, affectionate, quiet” — they tend to follow their preferred person from room to room and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. This is not a dog that tolerates being ignored; they want to be part of whatever you’re doing.

Affection Levels

If you want a dog that constantly wants to be near you, the Italian Greyhound delivers. However, this intensity can be overwhelming for some owners. They are not independent dogs — expect to be constantly accompanied by a 10–14 pound shadow.

“Good things come to those who wait.”

— The Italian Greyhound Club (UK Breed Club)

“Responsible breeders very rarely advertise puppies for sale on websites.”

— The Italian Greyhound Club (UK Breed Club)

“Due to rising kennel and breeding costs, puppies are now priced higher than previous years.”

— Wild Irish Italian Greyhounds (US-Based Breeder)

The implication: Irish buyers willing to wait for a responsible breeder may secure a healthier puppy at a fair price, while those rushing to available listings risk paying inflated costs or dealing with substandard breeding practices.