Temperament: Here we see an eager and affectionate dog, which is intelligent and well mannered. This dog will want to please their owner, and are very sensitive to the tone of voice used. The Italian Greyhound does not respond well to harsh negative discipline. As an owner you need to be calm and have natural authority and good leadership, to gain the best from this dog. Socialising this dog well, will help it not be nervous around strangers and new situations. This is not a hard dog to train, providing you are consistent. This breed can be highly strung and show signs of being timid, if they are not treated as a normal dog and given plenty of exercise, including daily walks.

They prefer a quiet house, although they get on with children and other dogs. It is probably wise to have an Italian Greyhound with older children. With this breed it is sensible to learn how to handle a dog that is timid, to enable them to cope with situations. Being a good leader, means this dog needs to be treated as a dog and not be allowed to develop small dog syndrome, as this can cause them to be more timid, resulting in problems such as being snappy. This dog is extremely fast, and love nothing more than to have a good run in a safe area, they are also able to climb.

Health issues: The Italian Greyhound can have epilepsy, fractures, PRA, slipped stifle. Puppies are more fragile in this breed until about 18 months old, and a balance has to be met between being careful with them and not treat them like a human baby.

Grooming: Grooming for an Italian Greyhound is easy and all you have to do is give the dog a rub down with a piece of towelling. Bath, only when necessary, remembering this dog needs to be keep warm and dry thoroughly. This is a low shedder.

Living conditions: This breed will be fine in an apartment and will do okay without a garden, but do need good exercise and space to allow them to run free when outdoors.