Difference Between Greyhound and Italian Greyhound

Greyhound vs Italian Greyhound

Greyhounds, in general, with or without adjectives, are swift runners with a cheetah-like body, which features a bow-like backbone and long legs. However, there are differences exhibited within breeds of greyhounds. This article explores the most interesting differences between Greyhound and Italian greyhound.


Greyhound is also known as the English greyhound, which is a breed of sight hound. Greyhounds were believed to be descended from ancient Egyptian or Persian dog breeds, but the modern DNA analyses have rejected those suppositions. They are tall and slim in general appearance, but the deep chest, distinctively small waist, powerful and extra-long limbs, and the flexible backbone like a bow are the most important features about greyhounds. Usually the male greyhounds are taller and heavier than the female greyhounds. The standard heights at withers are 68 – 71 centimetres and 71 – 76 centimetres in females and males respectively. Despite their heights give a picture of tall dogs, greyhounds are not heavy, but the maximum standard weight is 40 kilograms for a male. The ability to bend their backbone like a bow enables them to stretch themselves for a large stride, which is accompanied with a powerful and long pair of legs. Therefore, greyhounds are able to run as fast as 70 kilometres per hour (20 metres per second); it is incredible to know that this speed is reached within six strides. They have a large heart that pumps a lot of blood into the organs so that these dogs keep their agility at a high level. Despite their athleticism, greyhounds are not aggressive but very friendly with the owner as well as with others. They are available in any colouration and can live about 10 – 15 years.

Italian Greyhound

Italian greyhounds are believed to be originated in Greece and Turkey about 4000 years ago, as a breed of the sight hounds. The Italian greyhound is well known as the smallest of the sight hounds with about 33 – 38 centimetre (at withers) tall body. However, these dogs are very light weighted with only about 3.6 – 8 kilograms, and this weight falls in the Toy category of the dogs. Almost all the features of Italian greyhounds such as slender body, long and powerful limbs, flexible backbone, and the small waist are similar to those with English greyhounds, but the size is small. Therefore, the Italian greyhound is sometimes termed as the Miniature Greyhounds. However, it is interesting to know that these are the true genetic greyhounds with traceable bloodlines extending more than 2000 years. According to different kennel club standards, the accepted colourations of this breed vary.

Italian greyhounds are excellent companions who love being around humans most of the time. Their desire to run is never fading, and they reach their maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour. They need daily exercises, unlike the English greyhounds. These companion animals do not demand their living environment with certain particulars, but can live in any place. Italian greyhounds, however, live only nine years averagely.

Greyhound vs Italian Greyhound

• Greyhound is much larger and heavier than the Italian greyhounds. In fact, the Italian greyhound falls in the Toy dog category for their very lightweight.

• Greyhounds can live more time than the Italian greyhounds.

• Italian greyhounds need daily exercise, but greyhounds do not demand that.

• Greyhounds can run faster than Italian greyhounds.

• Any colouration is accepted for greyhounds, whereas the colouration patterns are differently recognized by different kennel clubs for Italian greyhounds.