Featured Image Credit: maui_the_greyhuahua / Instagram
Small dog, big personality — this is the Italian Greyhuahua in a nutshell. And because of their characteristics, this unique mix is slowly gaining popularity in the world of designer dogs.
Any dog owner would see them as a potential addition to their homes. However, there is more than meets the eye with this companion dog. If you like low-shedding, small pups, you might want to get to know this mix.
Continue reading this guide as we introduce you to the Italian Greyhuahua, its appearance, history, personality, health issues, and more.
What Is an Italian Greyhuahua?
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The Italian Greyhuahua, otherwise known as Greyhuahua or Italian Chihuahua, is a crossbreed between the Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua. Greyhuahuas are small dogs with huge personalities. Despite being quite aloof and timid, they are incredibly loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and playful pups.
The biggest selling point of Greyhuahuas is their size and coat type. They are suitable for apartment living and have moderate grooming requirements.
Despite their size, they are extremely active dogs that thrive in agility training. They are a unique mix and a good balance of their parent breeds’ personalities and looks. With all these traits, their popularity is on the rise.
Italian Greyhuahua Origin and History
A relatively new breed, the Italian Greyhuahua originated in the 2000s. They were bred as companion dogs. But apart from these facts, little information about this designer breed is available.
Nevertheless, looking at the origins of its parent breeds could help you understand Greyhuauhuas. To begin, the Italian Greyhound parent of this mix dates back to 2,000 years ago in Italy, as its name suggests.
The breed was brought to Europe by the Phoenicians to serve as companion and hunting dogs. Italian Greyhounds survived extinction after the World Wars. Nowadays, they are known to be generally calm and easy-going dogs.
The other parent of the Greyhuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed, the Chihuahua, which has Mexican roots.
For this reason, Chihuahuas were believed to be spirit guides and served as sacrificial dogs during the old times.
At present, they are bred as companion pups. They are also one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Many people fall in love with their size, adorable features, as well as their affectionate, loyal, and energetic nature.
Italian Greyhuahuas may not have an established history as a designer breed, but by understanding the origin of their parent breeds, we can somehow learn what to expect when owning one.
Italian Greyhuahua Appearance
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Italian Greyhuahua pups have sturdy and slightly long limb body structures and round heads. Their legs are skinny and long, combined with rabbit feet. They have round and bulging eyes that are typically brown.
Their snout is shorter than that of the Italian Greyhound but quite longer than that of the Chihuahua. They have brown or black-colored noses. Their perky, triangular ears can either be upright or folded.
A Greyhuahua has many possible coat colors, including black, white, brown, cream, blue, and brindle. Depending on the type of coat its Chihuahua parent has, it may have short or long hair that is smooth to the touch.
Watch this video to see an Italian Greyhound mix Chihuahua in action:
Kitten vs Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mix.<a href="https://youtu.be/zimg8mkK7jg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fzimg8mkK7jg%2F0.jpg" alt="Kitten vs Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mix." width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Italian Greyhuahua Size and Weight
An adult Italian Greyhuahua weighs between 6 and 18 pounds and stands 8 to 15 inches tall. It is a small pooch that is in between its parents’ size — larger than a Chihuahua but smaller than an Italian Greyhound.
Small breeds like this mix tend to grow faster than their larger counterparts. At six months, the height of a Greyhuahua pooch ranges from 10.5 to 11.5 inches, with its weight ranging around 4.5 to 6.5 pounds.
In its first year, it stands between 11.5 and 12.5 inches tall and weighs from 9 to 11 pounds. By its 18th month, an Italian Greyhuahua would be around 12.5 to 13.5 inches tall, weighing between 10.5 and 12.5 pounds.
However, these numbers may vary from dog to dog. Factors such as diet, genetics, and overall health will determine the growth rate of your Italian Greyhuahua.
Italian Greyhuahua Temperament and Personality
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Italian Greyhound Chihuahuas are intelligent and independent dogs. Since they can be stubborn, training can be challenging. It is important to consistently train them from puppyhood to establish obedience.
Socialization is a part of training that is also crucial to pups from this mix. They are aloof in the presence of strangers and can easily get scared due to their size. Without early socialization, this might progress to aggression.
Otherwise, they are good family dogs. They tend to get attached to one or a couple of family members and often follow them wherever they go. Given this, some Italian Greyhuahuas develop separation anxiety.
They can get along well with younger children, provided they are always under adult supervision. They also get along fine with other animals at home or outdoors, although they might be prone to jealousy.
Italian Greyhuahua Lifespan and Health Issues
Greyhuahuas have a lifespan of 13 to 16 years. Depending on their quality of life, they can even live up to 20 years like their Chihuahua parent. But for this to happen, caring for their health and well-being is necessary.
Much like other mixed breeds, they tend to be healthier than their parent breeds. However, the possibility of inheriting their parents’ health issues is still present.
The following are the most common health problems in Italian Greyhuahuas:
Luxating Patella: Patellar luxation happens when the patella or kneecap pops out of alignment with the femur or thigh bone. Almost half of the patellar luxation cases affect both knees of an Italian Greyhuahua. It has four grades, with the fourth grade considered the most severe.
Dental Problems: Small dogs like Italian Greyhuahuas are prone to dental diseases. With their parent breeds notoriously affected by dental problems such as periodontal disease, this makes them all the more susceptible. Due to this, it is recommended to brush their teeth daily to prevent teeth and gum issues.
Eye Diseases: Owners should watch out for a few eye diseases affecting Greyhuahuas, including cataracts and glaucoma. These are usually caused by many factors like inflammation, tumors, and diabetes. Some eye diseases are often painful and may need surgery, depending on severity.
Other health problems this mix could inherit from its parents are hip dysplasia, seizures, obesity, and heart problems like mitral valve disease (MVD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
How to Take Care of Your Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mix
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Routine veterinary visits may help in monitoring the health of your pooch; however, it is not always enough. Overall health and well-being mostly rely on the amount and quality of care you provide your pup on a regular basis.
Caring for an Italian Greyhuahua includes proper food and diet, cleaning and grooming, and training and exercise. By taking the proper measures, you’re sure to keep your pooch happy and healthy in all aspects.
Food and Diet
Knowing how much to feed Italian Greyhuahuas is significant to their health, especially since they are prone to weight gain. Food intake depends on their age, size, activity level, and lifestyle as well.
Puppies should be fed more than three times a day, giving the same dog food the breeder fed them. Adult Greyhuahuas can be given up to one cup of high-quality dog food daily. Split this amount into two to three meals.
Also, consider that dogs differ individually. They may have food allergies and a certain diet to follow, given they are prone to food-related health issues. Seek the advice of a veterinarian to know how and what to feed your pooch.
For more info, head over to our Chihuahua feeding guide, where you will gain more insights into how much and how often to feed your Italian Greyhuahua.
Cleaning and Grooming
Italian Greyhuahuas could have short to medium coat lengths, depending on their Chihuahua parent. If they have longer hair, they must be brushed at least once every two days and once weekly if they have short coats.
Bathing them only when necessary is recommended so they would not be stripped of their natural oils, retaining their coats’ natural luster. It also helps avoid skin irritations that may occur as a result of frequent bathing.
It is also worth noting that they are more prone to dental diseases than other breeds, so brushing their teeth is required daily or a few times a week. Keep their ears clean as well with an ear-cleaning solution and cotton balls.
Lastly, their nails would need to be trimmed regularly. As soon as their nails touch the ground, it is time to clip them. Take them to a professional groomer if you don’t feel comfortable doing this by yourself.
Training and Exercise
Early training and socialization are necessary for Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mixes since they can be stubborn pups. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are effective tools in training them.
Obedience training is also required for them to be on their best behavior, whether at home or outside. Expose them to other people and pets earlier on for them to get along well even with strangers and mitigate aloofness.
In terms of exercise, though they are small dogs, they are also active pups. They should have at least 60 minutes of daily activity. While this can be met by playing indoors, short walks outside are also recommended.
They also excel in agility exercises. Such exercises help keep them stimulated not only physically but mentally as well. Outdoor activities are also a good chance to socialize with people and other animals alike.
How Much Does an Italian Greyhuahua Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
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An Italian Greyhuahua puppy costs around $600 to $1,100 on average. Compared to its parent breeds, the Greyhuahua has a lower price tag. For instance, the Chihuahua ranges from $400 to $1,500.
Meanwhile, the Italian Greyhound averages $1,400. However, because of the low supply of these designer dogs, Greyhuahuas may cost up to $3,000, depending on the breeder.
On top of that, you also need to purchase the following items for your Greyhuahua puppy:
As shown on the table, you are likely to spend around $525 to $1,995 for a Greyhuahua’s essential needs. Keep in mind that this amount is on top of the cost of the puppy and excludes recurring costs.
Places to Find Italian Greyhuahua Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Given its rarity, finding Italian Greyhuahua puppies can be difficult. It gets even more challenging when you have to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills claiming to sell healthy puppies.
To help you in your search, below is a list of sites where you may find responsible breeders that offer Greyhuahua puppies for sale:
Ridgewood Kennels Puppies – For nearly 50 years, Ridgewood Kennels has been specializing in small dog breeds. Their store offers puppies for sale in Pennsylvania. They have purebred and mixed small breeds like Chihuahua mixes available, which may occasionally include Italian Greyhuahua puppies.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies serves as an online advertising source for owners to connect easily with breeders. They do not house or raise the puppies themselves. This online source also offers stud services. Many different mixed-breed puppies, like the Italian Greyhound Chihuahua, are available on this website.
Greenfield Puppies (GFP) – GFP is committed to connecting healthy puppies with caring families. For more than two decades, they have been helping owners find responsible breeders on their website. With Chihuahua mixes available on this site, you might be able to find a Chihuahua Greyhound mix puppy every once in a while.
You may also find our Chihuahua breeders article helpful in your search. Meanwhile, let our puppy-buying guide show you how to safely purchase a pooch online.
Also, you can consider adoption as an alternative. Not only does it cost less, but you can also help shelters and give a pup a second chance to experience a loving home as well.
To get you started, here are some rescues where you can possibly find an Italian Greyhuahua:
Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue – Since its foundation, this rescue has helped many dogs in New Mexico. Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue has a mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and nurturing Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes under their care. You might find an adoptable Chihuahua Italian Greyhound mix in this organization.
PuppyFinder – PuppyFinder is an online source for puppies for sale and adoption. Wherever you are in the United States, you can easily find an available pooch near your location. You can find purebred and mixed breeds on this site, including Italian Greyhuahuas.
Italian Greyhound Place – Based in New York, Italian Greyhound Place provides rescue, adoption, rehoming, and foster services to Italian Greyhounds in need. They also welcome Italian Greyhound mixes in their care. This non-profit organization may, at times, have an Italian Greyhound mix with Chihuahua available for adoption.
Furthermore, you might want to check out our article on Chihuahua rescues for adoption for additional options. And don’t forget to read our ultimate adoption guide to prepare you for the adoption process.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mix
Owning an Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mix seems fun. Whereas, for the most part, this can be true, it’s not always the case. In this section, you’re going to learn the pros and cons of owning a Greyhuahua.
Here are some advantages of having a Chihuahua Italian Greyhound mix in your home:
Low-shedding coat: If you are looking for a low-shedding pooch, then the Italian Greyhuahua is the right dog for you. Unlike most dog breeds, it has a short to medium coat and sheds minimally throughout the year. Consequently, it is also considered a less-allergenic breed, making it ideal for owners with mild allergies.
Ideal for apartment living: Given their size, Italian Greyhuahua pups fit well with apartment living. They only bark occasionally as well, so barking won’t be an issue with the neighbors. Although they still need exercise, they don’t need much, as over-exercising can harm their small bodies.
Suitable for active owners: While they are small in size, Greyhuahuas are active dogs. Needless to say, they will need owners that can keep up with their energy. Unlike larger breeds, though, activities like playtime inside the house and short walks outside will suffice.
On the other hand, here are the cons you can expect if you get an Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mix:
Prone to separation anxiety: Italian Chihuahuas may be timid when it comes to strangers, but they are deeply attached to their owners. For this reason, they are likely to develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. To avoid this, make sure you spend time with them or bring them with you if possible.
Difficult to train: Chihuahua Italian Greyhound mixes are intelligent dogs, but they also have a stubborn nature. Since they are independent-minded, getting them to listen to commands can be tricky. That’s why it is important to start training them at an early age, so their stubbornness can be kept under control.
Sensitive to cold temperatures: These designer breed pups have easy-to-maintain thin coats, and this advantage is one of their best-selling points. However, this is the same reason Greyhuahuas have a low tolerance to cold temperatures. They need to wear sweaters during colder days to keep them warm.
Disadvantages come with dog ownership. As always, education about the breed is key in managing the cons one entails. If you still see yourself owning a Greyhuahua after learning these, then you can now start looking for one.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Italian Greyhuahuas Good Dogs?
Italian Greyhuahuas are generally good dogs. They may have a stubborn nature, but continuous training and socialization from puppyhood can mitigate this, as well as other undesirable behaviors they might have.
Notably, most dogs without training are likely to develop negative habits and behavior. Otherwise, they are great dogs for families with older children and other pets. They are devoted and affectionate toward their owners, too.
Do Italian Greyhuahuas Shed?
Yes, Italian Greyhuahuas shed. However, they are easy to maintain as they have short to medium coats. Some breeders even choose specially-bred Italian Greyhound parents with low-shedding coats to create less-allergenic pups.
They do not shed seasonally as well. As such, most Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mixes only shed lightly throughout the year.
Are Italian Greyhuahuas Hypoallergenic?
No, Italian Greyhuahuas are not hypoallergenic dogs. While they are thought to be hypoallergenic, it should be noted that there is no such thing as hypoallergenic dogs.
They shed dander, the main cause of allergies in people. But since they are minimal shedders, they are among the less allergenic breeds. Due to this, they are suitable for owners with mild pet allergies.
Do Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mixes Bark a Lot?
Typically, Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mixes only bark occasionally. However, like other dogs, they are also prone to certain factors that may cause them to bark excessively, including separation anxiety and fear.
Training, socialization, and exercise can be beneficial to Greyhuahuas as well. Since barking may stem from boredom, training and physical activities are essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
Final Thoughts: Is an Italian Greyhuahua the Right Dog for You?
The Italian Greyhuahua is a special breed, to say the least. While this article might have highlighted some of its not-so-good traits, there are ways to prevent them. What’s most important is how they are raised.
That said, if you wish to own a Greyhuahua, you will be responsible for the behavior and well-being of your pooch in the long run. Start them young, as they say, and you’re sure to raise a well-rounded Greyhuahua in the future.
Did this article make you want to adopt this hybrid dog? Let us know your thoughts about the Italian Greyhuahua in the comments below!
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