The Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mix (Italian Greyhuahua) is a designer breed that originated from a cross between the Chihuahua and the Italian Greyhound.
This hybrid came about due to the designer dog movement that started in the late 20th century.
The Italian Greyhuahua is a bit rare in the United States due to the rarity of its parent breed, the Italian Greyhound.
Nevertheless, pet parents who love the unusual and the tiny are drawn to this breed.
Combining those pure pooches sure has its advantages, but not without some setbacks.
For example, the Italian Greyhuahua doesn’t have the finesse and beauty of its parent breeds, unless one gene completely dominates (rather than a combination).
This may make some buyers go for a purebred Chihuahua or Italian Greyhound rather than the mixed breed.
That said, the designer breed has a lot to offer as household pets and makes good companions for those who can handle its excesses. It is also smart, which is an asset for training.
All these and more will be revealed in the following sections.
Italian Greyhuahua Mixed Breed Information
| Height | 10 to 14 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 20 years |
| Coat | Short, straight |
| Colors | White, fawn, red, brindle, black, brown, and blue |
| Temperament | lively, curious, active, wary, sensitive |
| Ideal For | Active people, homes with a need for small dogs |
| Puppy Price | About $500 |
Italian Greyhuahua Characteristics
| Health | High |
| Grooming | Low |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
The Parent Breeds
Italian Greyhound
This breed played the dual role of a hunter and a companion in past centuries. It is an old breed, having existed for some millennia.
It got into the Western world through England in the 17th century and became famous amongst the noble class.
Fans of this breed include Princess Anne of Danemark, Charles I, and Queen Victoria.
Like many other breeds, the major World Wars endangered the survival of the Italian Greyhound.
Before then, the breed had gotten into American shores. The American canines were instrumental in saving this breed from extinction.
It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886.
The Italian Greyhound continues to be a devoted companion in our days.
With a feline fascination for heights and energy that surpasses its size, the Italian breed is a fun fella who can be found anywhere.
These dogs are affectionate and loving with their families but don’t extend that same courtesy to strangers.
On one hand, it makes them good watchdogs. On the other hand, they risk developing fear-based aggression if not properly socialized.
The Italian Greyhound shouldn’t be underestimated. It is a sighthound and has a strong prey drive, coupled with speed. It’ll be hard for you to catch one if it runs.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one breed that comes to mind when dogs are mentioned.
Even those who aren’t pet owners will nod in recognition at this breed. Needless to say, it is popular.
It is believed that the Chihuahua was developed in Mexico and has the reputation of being the smallest dog breed in the world.
Its size, lovely coat, and affectionate nature contribute to its charm and popularity.
Chihuahuas were bred to be companions, and they play that role to a T.
They often have favorites and tend to be clingy, which is good for people who suffer from acute loneliness.
They also make good watchdogs and will notify you if a stranger approaches.
This breed is also suspicious of strangers, but often portrays more confidence than the Italian Greyhound.
The Chihuahua was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 and is one of the most popular breeds under the AKC.
Important Facts About Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mix You Should Know
1. They act like big dogs
Some small dogs have big personalities, they seem to forget about their size. The Italian Greyhuahua is one such breed.
Due to the parent breeds, it comes with a lot of spunk!
This does mean they shouldn’t be overpampered or they will become unbearable.
Pet parents of this breed should train them like any other dog breed. You should also be careful when the Greyhuahua is with a bigger dog.
2. Training isn’t easy
While they’re intelligent and small, do not assume training will be easy. Novice parents may get frustrated if they don’t know what to expect from this breed.
Greyhuahuas get this from their parents, particularly the Italian Greyhound. Hounds are known to be stubborn, and our little friend is no exception.
While getting this designer breed, prepare for the training challenges.
3. They come in a variety of colors
The Chihuahua is a breed with many colors, and this makes the hybrid not have constant coloring.
Even in a particular litter, you’re bent to find the pups with many different colors.
Some of the colors are black, blue, brown, red, gray, white, red, and silver.
4. They tend to be hypoallergenic
Italian Greyhuahuas tend to shed low, especially when they’re well-fed. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the Greyhuahua comes close.
This makes them a recommended pet for those who are allergic or who have a family member that is.
5. They don’t cope with extreme temperature
The little fat and short coat of the Greyhuahua makes it hard for this breed to protect itself against extreme weather.
You can help by covering your pet during winter and keeping him more indoors when the sun is raging.
Italian Greyhuahua Appearance
General Appearance
The Italian Greyhuahua has a fine structure, slim limbs, and a round skull. The ears stand erect and the breed may have the charming brown eye of the Chihuahua.
There is no standard though, so you may find that two dogs of this breed don’t look the same.
However, they generally have the aforementioned physical traits.
Size
As the parents, this breed is a small-sized breed. It is often bigger than the Chihuahua but may not reach the size of the Italian Greyhound.
It typically has a height of 10 to 14 inches with a weight of 8 to 15 pounds.
This size makes the Greyhuahua fit the role of a little companion like its parent, the Greyhuahua.
Colors and Coat Type
The Greyhuahua’s coat is short and straight with many fanciful colors that endear it to buyers.
White, fawn, black, red, brown are some of the common ones. Color choices often have to do with personal preference.
Thus, while some pet parents may prefer a black Greyhuahua mix, others will want a red Greyhuahua mix. What makes this breed special are the many options.
Temperament, Behavior, & Intelligence
The Greyhuahua’s temperament can either swing to one end of the spectrum or fall right into the middle.
Generally, when it combines the trait, you get a dog who’s both brave and sensitive like its parent.
Fortunately, the differences aren’t overt. The Chihuahua and Italian Greyhound have many traits in common, so there are behaviors you can expect of the offspring.
One such behavior is suspicion of strangers. Coming from watchdog parents, the Italian Greyhuahua is wary of strange faces and may even be timid if not properly socialized.
This breed also loves human companionship and is not the type that should be left alone.
Separation anxiety is a problem that may be passed down by the parents, so do well to provide your Greyhuahua with companionship.
Proper socialization will also make them get along with pets, though you should be careful lest the hunting instinct kicks in when your dog sees a rodent.
They are adventurous, intelligent, and highly curious. There are no dull moments when you have one of this breed members by your side.
Are Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mix Good Family Dogs?
Greyhuahuas were developed from two adorable and excellent family companions.
This lineage works well for them as they are great family dogs who devote themselves to their loved ones.
They also get along well with kids, though may not be the best with younger children who may injure them.
They do have some difficulties every owner should be aware of. These problems aren’t impossible to overcome though.
Are They Good With Other Dogs & Pets?
With good and early socialization, Greyhuahuas will relate with other canines you own and may take them as playmates.
They may not be so accepting of outside dogs though, irrespective of the socialization.
With other pets, it may be hit-or-miss. They may coexist in peace with cats and rodents, or see the latter as prey.
Also Read:
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How Much do Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mix Puppies Cost?
These dogs are harder to find than their more popular parents, so be ready to do some research before getting one.
It may even require that you make some travels, which could be worth it if this is your preferred dog breed.
They are cheaper than their parents, so when you find one you won’t spend as much as you would to get a Chihuahua or an Italian Greyhound.
An Italian Greyhound Chihuahua Mix puppy can cost about $500 from a breeder.
Ensure that the breeder is reputed before getting a pup. This would help forestall future problems.
Adoption shelters are another alternative that is less costly and may be more trustworthy as these shelters aren’t after the profit.
Most shelters offer their dogs for as low as $50 to $300. Ask questions to know where the dogs come from, their medical records and if they’ve had any history of abuse.
Caring for an Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua Mix
Food & Nutrition
Not much is known on the specific feeding requirements of this breed, except that these dogs don’t eat much.
This is an advantage for pet parents as they can get high-quality dog food at a lower quantity.
While you should visit a vet or a nutritionist to help you establish a feeding plan, we have some recommendations that could put you on the right path.
Canines need protein more than any other nutrients, especially energetic ones. Thus, this breed’s diet should contain meat.
Whole meat and specified meat meals are excellent sources of protein.
Like we said, these dogs don’t eat much. However, you shouldn’t leave them hungry either.
Frequent hunger can lead to hypoglycemia, a condition that can cut short your dog’s life span.
We suggest you feed a Greyhuahua at least twice a day to avoid hypoglycemia.
Exercise
The Italian Greyhuahua is an energetic breed, getting that from its sighthound side.
However, this breed doesn’t need as much exercise as large energetic dogs. Their size is a limiting factor, one you should bear in mind.
Generally, a couple of walks in a day is enough to meet the exercise need of this breed.
In addition to walks, you can spice up exercise time with games like fetch. Games that make your Greyhuahua chase after an object are recommended.
Also, add some mental games that can stimulate its intellect. Puzzles and other mind games are good for an intelligent breed like the Greyhuahua.
Like other dogs, the exercise need of this breed goes with age. Do not exercise a puppy like you would an adult. The same applies to seniors.
The most important aspect of training a Greyhuahua is socialization.
Due to its inherent suspicion of strangers gotten from both parents, introduce your pup to new people and animals from that young age.
You should also take trips to unfamiliar places so your pet will get used to novelty.
Puppy classes will be of benefit to this breed too. There, these pups will get acquainted with other ones and learn to live at peace with other pooches.
The next important form of training for this breed is obedience training. Like other dogs, Greyhuahuas should learn to obey simple commands.
The problem is, sometimes they don’t want to. Like their parent the Italian Greyhound, they may not want to listen. It takes a lot of patience and consistency to get them to learn.
Their selective listening may get you frustrated, but that shouldn’t push you towards using harsh methods to get your pet to cooperate.
This breed is a sensitive one, so punishments may leave a negative mark. Positive reinforcements are the best ways you can succeed.
One last point to note is that it is difficult to potty train this breed. This is not because of stubbornness.
Rather, these dogs have tiny bladders and may be unable to hold urine for a long time.
Grooming Needs
Grooming this breed is an easy task, one that can be done by any pet parent, even a novice.
You do not need to hire the services of a groomer. With the right tools and adequate information, you’re good to go.
Remember what we said about Greyhuahuas being hypoallergenic? The breed is a low shedder, so you will not worry about combatting dead fur.
Brushing should be done at least once a week to straighten the hair and remove any debris or dirt. The best tool to use for this is a slicker brush.
Bathing should be regular with this breed. Overbathing risks removing the oil on a dog’s skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
Only bathe a Greyhuahua when necessary and with a skin-sensitive shampoo.
The only time you may need to visit a groomer is if you’re not confident in nail trimming, especially for a small dog breed.
It is risky to make mistakes, so if you can’t trim the nails, hire a groomer. The same applies to the ears and eyes.
Health and Conditions
With an admirable life span of 12 to 20 years, the Greyhuahua has long life potential. It is a healthy breed, especially when taken care of.
That said, it isn’t impervious to illnesses. These illnesses may not affect every member of the breed, but you should have them in mind.
Here are some of them:
Epilepsy
Epilepsy affects both dogs and humans. It is defined by seizures which may be either mild or severe.
Some of these seizures have triggers, while others don’t. Epilepsy has no cure, which makes it more serious.
Once your dog experiences the first seizure, get him to the vet. Epilepsy isn’t the only illness that causes seizures, so a diagnosis is necessary.
Periodontal Disease
This disease affects both the Chihuahua and the Italian Greyhound. This makes the designer breed prone to it too.
This is an oral disease that affects a dog’s teeth and gums. It is often engendered by bacteria.
Early detection of this disease is important as it can reach a stage when it can no longer be cured. During the early stages, maintaining good oral hygiene goes a long way.
Patellar Luxation
This is a joint-related condition that occurs when the knee cap is not in its right position.
When a dog starts hopping around rather than walking, it is a common sign. The affected dog will also be stiff or move unusually.
Some cases can be managed with the right medication. Others require surgery for the dog to be well.
What is the smallest greyhound breed?
The Italian Greyhound is a slender, agile, and alert sighthound. It is the smallest sighthound currently and is smaller than the other Greyhound dog breed. The latter is a bigger dog breed.
Can a Greyhound mate with a Chihuahua?
The Italian Greyhuahua is a mix, gotten from the crossing of an Italian Greyhound and a Chihuahua. During the process, a Chihuahua mates with an Italian Greyhound. Both are usually purebred.
Wrap Up
The Italian Greyhound Chihuahua mix is one interesting designer breed around and the type of dog you’d like if you don’t want the common.
It is rare in the United States but still finds its way into people’s homes, where it warms the heart of owners with its devotion and loyalty.
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