Italian Greyhound & Chihuahua Mix: Italian Greyhuahua Guide
Everything about the Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua mix (Italian Greyhuahua): size, temperament, health risks, coat types, cost.
The Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua mix — commonly called the Italian Greyhuahua or sometimes the "Greyhuahua" — is a small designer dog that combines the sleek athleticism of the Italian Greyhound with the bold personality of the Chihuahua. Weighing in at roughly 5 to 15 pounds, this cross has carved out a niche among apartment dwellers and companionship-seekers who want a portable, affectionate dog with a bit of edge.
But designer mixes are inherently variable. One Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua mix puppy might inherit the Greyhound's lean build and shy demeanor, while a littermate could look almost entirely Chihuahua with a feisty streak to match. This guide breaks down what you can reasonably expect — and where the surprises tend to show up.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Italian Greyhound Meets Chihuahua
Understanding any mixed breed starts with understanding its parents. Both the Italian Greyhound and the Chihuahua are recognized by the American Kennel Club, and each brings a distinct set of physical and behavioral traits to the table.
| Trait | Italian Greyhound | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Toy | Toy |
| Weight | 7–14 lb (3.2–6.4 kg) | 2–6 lb (0.9–2.7 kg) |
| Height | 13–15 in (33–38 cm) | 5–8 in (13–20 cm) |
| Coat | Short, fine, single coat | Smooth (short) or Long (medium) |
| Energy Level | Moderate — sprint-based | Low to moderate |
| Temperament | Sensitive, alert, reserved with strangers | Bold, loyal, often one-person dogs |
| Shedding | Low | Low to moderate |
| Lifespan | 14–15 years | 14–16 years |
| Trainability | Moderate — responds to gentle methods | Moderate — can be stubborn |
The Italian Greyhound is essentially a miniature sighthound: built for speed, deeply bonded to their people, and notoriously sensitive to cold weather and harsh tones. The Chihuahua, by contrast, is a compact powerhouse of personality — confident, vocal, and fiercely devoted to their chosen person. When you cross them, you get a dog that could lean heavily toward either end of this spectrum.
Size Range: How Big Will an Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua Mix Get?
Because both parent breeds fall into the Toy category, size prediction is somewhat easier than with crosses involving medium or large breeds. Still, there is meaningful variation.
| Measurement | Minimum | Typical | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5 lb (2.3 kg) | 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) | 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| Height at shoulder | 8 in (20 cm) | 10–13 in (25–33 cm) | 15 in (38 cm) |
Puppies that inherit more Italian Greyhound genetics tend to be taller and leaner, with longer legs and a more athletic frame. Those leaning Chihuahua are stockier, shorter, and may have the characteristic "apple head" or "deer head" skull shape. Most Italian Greyhuahuas land somewhere in the middle: a compact but leggy small dog that's easy to pick up but surprisingly quick on their feet.
Practical note: If you're buying from a breeder, ask to see both parents. Their size is the single best predictor of where a puppy will land. A 12-lb Italian Greyhound dam and a 4-lb Chihuahua sire will produce puppies that cluster around 7–10 lb, but outliers happen.
Coat Types, Colors, and Shedding
Coat inheritance in this mix is relatively straightforward because both parent breeds typically have short hair. However, if the Chihuahua parent is a long-coat variety, you may see medium-length, slightly feathered fur on the ears, chest, legs, and tail.
- Short, smooth coat (most common): Inherited when both parents are short-coated. Feels sleek, lies close to the body. Minimal grooming needed.
- Medium-length coat (less common): Possible if the Chihuahua parent carries long-coat genes. Expect soft fringing on ears and a slightly bushier tail.
- Texture: Usually fine and silky like the Italian Greyhound, but can be slightly coarser if Chihuahua genetics dominate.
Colors run the full spectrum: fawn, black, blue (gray), chocolate, cream, red, sable, brindle, and combinations with white markings. The Italian Greyhound's signature blue-gray coloring does appear in some mixes and is particularly sought after.
Is This Mix Hypoallergenic or Low-Shedding?
No designer mix is truly hypoallergenic. The Italian Greyhuahua is generally a low-shedding dog thanks to the short, fine coats of both parent breeds. You'll find minimal hair on furniture and clothing compared to double-coated breeds. However, allergy sufferers react to dander and saliva proteins, not just shed hair. If you have dog allergies, spend time with the specific dog before committing — individual variation in dander production matters more than breed labels.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
Temperament is where mixed-breed variability becomes most apparent. The Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua mix can range from a quiet, velcro-like companion to a vocal, opinionated little dog who rules the household. Here's how the range typically plays out:
A friendly, affectionate dog that bonds deeply with their family, enjoys lap time, plays in short bursts, and adapts well to apartment living. Alert enough to serve as a watchdog without excessive barking. Tolerant of respectful children and other pets with proper socialization.
A timid or reactive dog that barks at every sound, snaps when startled, and struggles with separation anxiety. May refuse to go outside in cold or rainy weather. Resource guarding or one-person favoritism can emerge without early, consistent socialization.
Common temperament traits you're likely to see:
- High attachment: Both parent breeds are companion dogs. Expect a dog that follows you room to room and wants physical contact.
- Alertness: Chihuahuas are famously vocal watchdogs; Italian Greyhounds are visually alert (they'll spot a squirrel three blocks away). The mix tends to be perceptive and reactive to environmental changes.
- Sensitivity: Italian Greyhounds are known for being emotionally delicate — they shut down under harsh correction. This sensitivity often carries into the mix, making positive reinforcement training essential.
- Prey drive: The sighthound heritage means some Italian Greyhuahuas will chase small animals. Keep them on leash or in fenced areas, and be cautious introducing them to cats or small pets.
- Stubbornness: Chihuahua independence can surface as selective listening. This isn't a lack of intelligence — it's a dog that doesn't see the point of complying without motivation.
Training approach: Use high-value treats (small pieces of freeze-dried liver or chicken), keep sessions under 5–10 minutes, and never use punishment-based methods. Force-free, positive reinforcement training works best with sensitive toy breeds. Shock collars, prong collars, and alpha rolls are not only ineffective for this mix — they can cause lasting fear and behavioral damage.
Health Considerations: What This Mix May Inherit
Let's address a common misconception first: "hybrid vigor" does not eliminate health risks. While crossbreeding can reduce the incidence of recessive conditions that are concentrated within a single breed's gene pool, mixed-breed dogs can still inherit any condition that both parent breeds share or that one parent carries dominant genes for.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that mixed-breed dogs had lower rates of some hereditary disorders but comparable rates of others, such as patellar luxation and dental disease. Always consult your veterinarian about screening and preventive care for your specific dog.
| Condition | Inherited From | Prevalence Notes | Screening/Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patellar Luxation | Both breeds | Very common in toy breeds; estimated 5–20% of small dogs affected | Annual orthopedic exam by vet |
| Dental Disease | Both breeds | Extremely common — over 80% of small dogs show signs by age 3 | Daily tooth brushing; professional cleanings every 6–12 months |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Italian Greyhound | Known hereditary condition in the breed | CERF/OFA eye exam; DNA test available |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease | Both breeds | Affects hip joint in young small-breed dogs (typically 4–12 months old) | Veterinary orthopedic evaluation if limping appears |
| Tracheal Collapse | Chihuahua | Common in toy breeds; chronic cough, worsened by excitement or pulling | Use a harness instead of a collar; maintain healthy weight |
| Hypoglycemia | Chihuahua | Puppies and very small adults (under 5 lb) are at risk | Frequent small meals; monitor for lethargy or weakness |
| Seizure Disorders | Italian Greyhound | Idiopathic epilepsy reported in the breed | Neurological evaluation if seizures occur |
Cold sensitivity is a practical health concern, not just comfort. Italian Greyhounds have very little body fat and thin coats. If your mix inherits this build, they can become hypothermic in temperatures below 40°F (4°C). Invest in a well-fitting insulated dog coat for winter walks — brands like Hurtta and Ruffwear offer sizes designed for slender sighthound-type bodies.
Grooming and Daily Care
One of the Italian Greyhuahua's biggest appeals is low-maintenance grooming. Here's a realistic care schedule:
- Brushing: Once a week with a soft-bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt. More for long-coat variants (2–3 times per week to prevent tangles behind the ears).
- Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks, or as needed. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo — their skin can be sensitive.
- Nail trims: Every 2–3 weeks. Small dogs often don't wear nails down naturally, and overgrown nails alter gait and contribute to joint issues.
- Dental care: Daily brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste. This is non-negotiable for toy breeds — dental disease is the number one health problem in dogs under 20 lb.
- Ear cleaning: Check weekly; clean with a vet-recommended ear solution if you see wax buildup. Italian Greyhound-type ears are generally erect and low-risk, but floppy-eared individuals need more attention.
- Exercise: 30–45 minutes daily, split into two or three sessions. A brisk walk plus a short sprint in a fenced area satisfies both the sighthound need for speed and the Chihuahua's moderate energy. Avoid overexertion in heat — toy breeds overheat quickly.
Cost: How Much Does an Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua Mix Cost?
Pricing for designer mixes varies widely based on breeder reputation, location, and whether health testing has been performed on the parent dogs.
| Source | Price Range | What You Typically Get |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible Breeder (health-tested parents) | $800–$2,000 | OFA/PennHIP certifications, genetic screening, early socialization, health guarantee, take-back clause |
| Casual/Backyard Breeder | $300–$800 | Little to no health testing; variable socialization; no guarantee |
| Rescue/Adoption | $50–$400 | Spay/neuter included, basic vet check, vaccinations; adult dogs more common than puppies |
First-year ownership costs beyond the purchase price typically run $1,500–$3,000, including:
- Initial veterinary exam and vaccinations: $200–$500
- Spay/neuter (if not included): $300–$600
- Pet insurance (recommended for toy breeds): $30–$60/month
- Supplies (crate, harness, coat, dental kit, bed): $200–$400
- Food (high-quality small-breed kibble or AAFCO-approved diet): $25–$50/month
- Dental cleaning (may be needed as early as age 2–3): $400–$800
Finding this mix in rescue: Italian Greyhuahuas are not common enough to have dedicated breed-specific rescues in most areas. Check general small-breed rescues, Chihuahua rescues (which often take in Chihuahua mixes), and Italian Greyhound rescue networks like the Italian Greyhound Club of America's rescue program. Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet are reliable search tools — set alerts for both parent breeds.
Who Is This Mix Best Suited For?
The Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua mix thrives in specific living situations and can struggle in others. Here's an honest assessment:
- Apartment or condo dwellers — this dog doesn't need a yard
- Adults or families with older, gentle children (age 8+) — toy breeds are fragile and can be injured by rough handling
- Single-person or couple households — the mix bonds closely and does well with one or two primary people
- Work-from-home owners or those who can arrange midday company — separation anxiety is common in highly attached toy breeds
- First-time dog owners who are committed to positive reinforcement training and patient socialization
- Cold-climate residents who are willing to bundle their dog up for outdoor time
- Families with toddlers or very young children — a 7-lb dog can be seriously injured by a child who falls on them or picks them up improperly
- Owners who work 10+ hour days with no pet care arrangement
- Households with cats or small pets (unless the dog is raised with them and shows low prey drive)
- People seeking an off-leash hiking companion — sighthound instincts mean unreliable recall in open areas
- Anyone unwilling to invest in dental care — this is a dealbreaker for toy breed ownership
Generation Types: F1, F1B, and Multigen Explained
While generation terminology is more commonly discussed in doodle breeds, it applies to any designer cross and affects trait predictability.
- F1 (First Generation): One purebred Italian Greyhound parent + one purebred Chihuahua parent. Maximum genetic diversity; most variable in appearance and temperament. This is the most common generation for Italian Greyhuahuas.
- F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Italian Greyhuahua bred back to one of the parent breeds. For example, breeding the mix back to a Chihuahua produces puppies that are 75% Chihuahua, 25% Italian Greyhound. This increases predictability toward the backcross parent's traits.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Italian Greyhuahuas bred together. This produces the widest variation — puppies in the same litter can look dramatically different from each other. Recessive traits from both breeds can surface unexpectedly.
- Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of Italian Greyhuahua-to-Italian Greyhuahua breeding. Very rare for this particular mix. Traits become more stabilized over generations, but true "breed type" consistency requires many generations of selective breeding — this mix is not there yet.
For most buyers, an F1 from a breeder who can show you both parent dogs and their health clearances is the most transparent option. Be cautious of breeders advertising "multigen" Italian Greyhuahuas — this is an uncommon enough cross that established multigen lines are rare, and the claim may be marketing rather than fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Italian Greyhuahua?
The Italian Greyhound (a toy sighthound originally bred in southern Europe for companionship and small-game hunting) and the Chihuahua (a companion breed originating in Mexico). Both are AKC-recognized Toy Group breeds.
How big will an Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua mix get?
Most adults weigh 8–12 lb (3.6–5.4 kg) and stand 10–13 inches (25–33 cm) at the shoulder. Outliers can be as small as 5 lb or as large as 15 lb depending on which parent they favor.
Are Italian Greyhuahuas good with children?
They can be, but they are best suited for families with children age 8 and older who understand how to handle a small, fragile dog gently. A toddler dropping or squeezing a 7-lb dog can cause serious injury, including broken legs — a known risk for Italian Greyhound-type builds.
Do Italian Greyhuahuas bark a lot?
It depends on which parent's temperament dominates. Chihuahua-influenced individuals tend to be more vocal and may bark at strangers, noises, and other dogs. Italian Greyhound-influenced individuals are typically quieter but will alert-bark at visual stimuli like passing animals. Early training can manage but rarely eliminate barking entirely.
Can this mix live with cats?
Some can, especially if raised together from puppyhood. However, the Italian Greyhound's sighthound prey drive means some individuals will instinctively chase — and potentially injure — a cat. Always supervise introductions and never leave them unsupervised until you're confident in the dog's behavior over several months.
What is the lifespan of an Italian Greyhound and Chihuahua mix?
Both parent breeds are long-lived, and you can reasonably expect 13–16 years with proper veterinary care, dental hygiene, and weight management. The AKC notes that toy breeds generally outlive larger breeds by several years.
Is this a good first dog?
Yes, with caveats. The Italian Greyhuahua's small size, moderate exercise needs, and strong attachment make them manageable for first-time owners. However, their sensitivity, potential for separation anxiety, and dental care requirements mean you need to be prepared for an emotionally and financially committed relationship. This is not a "low-effort" dog despite its small stature.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
