Anyone who has watched a tiny Italian Greyhound sprint across a park knows they pack more personality than a typical lapdog. Bringing one into your home in Ireland means navigating a small but scattered market of breeders, rescues, and online listings — and separating genuine offers from red flags is not always straightforward.

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Average price in Ireland: $1,500–$3,000 USD (€1,200–€2,500) ·
Life expectancy: 12–15 years ·
Weight: 7–14 lbs (3–6 kg) ·
Height: 13–15 inches (33–38 cm) ·
Common colors: Cream, grey, black, fawn, blue ·
Temperament: Affectionate, sensitive, playful

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact current market price in Ireland varies by breeder and season; no central price index exists.
  • Reliable breeder lists for Ireland are not publicly aggregated; many sellers are not registerable.
  • Number of legitimate breeders versus puppy farms in the region is unverified.
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Here are the essential breed specifications every buyer should know before searching for an Italian Greyhound.

Key breed facts at a glance
Attribute Value
Breed group Hound (Sighthound)
Life expectancy 12–15 years
Height (adult) 13–15 inches (33–38 cm)
Weight (adult) 7–14 lbs (3–6 kg)
Coat Short, smooth, no undercoat
Colors All colors: cream, grey, black, fawn, red, blue, isabella
Temperament Gentle, affectionate, sensitive, sometimes aloof
Exercise needs Moderate – 30–40 minutes daily

Where to Find Italian Greyhounds for Sale in Ireland and Europe?

Italian Greyhound for sale in Dublin

Dublin buyers have access to several local classifieds and breeder networks. Pets4Homes, Dogs for Sale Ireland, and Freeads Northern Ireland regularly list Italian Greyhounds in the greater Dublin area. Dogs Trust Ireland (the country’s largest rehoming charity) sometimes has Italian Greyhounds available and invites potential adopters to search online and apply to rehome (Dogs Trust Ireland – breed page).

The trade-off

Classifieds offer speed, but the convenience comes with risk: without a vetting process, buyers may encounter puppy farms or scams. A charity adoption takes longer but includes a health- and temperament-evaluated dog.

Italian Greyhound for sale in Ireland

Outside of Dublin, the pool is smaller. Buyers often expand their search to the UK or mainland Europe. The Italian Greyhound Rescue Charity (UK) reports that many Irish buyers contact them for advice on finding a reputable breeder. For imports, the post-Brexit rules require a pet passport and rabies vaccination; a quarantine-approved transporter can handle the logistics (typically $200–$500 extra).

Confirmed fact: The Italian Greyhound Club in the UK states that a reputable breeder rarely registers more than 2 or 3 litters a year from different brood bitches (The Italian Greyhound Club – UK breed club).

Why this matters

High litter frequency is a red flag – it often signals overbreeding or a puppy farm. Stick to breeders who can show you one litter at a time and who welcome a home visit.

Italian Greyhound for sale in Europe

EU-wide platforms such as EuroPuppy and national sites in Germany, the Netherlands, and France list Italian Greyhounds. Shipping within the EU is simpler than from the UK. However, the Royal Kennel Club (the UK’s primary breed registry) warns that the breed is a miniaturised sight hound sensitive to cold and stress, so transport must be carefully planned (Royal Kennel Club – breed profile).

Bottom line: The pattern: Buyers who prioritise welfare over convenience will invest extra time in vetting, travel, and paperwork. The upside is a healthier, better-adjusted dog.

How Much Do Italian Greyhounds Cost in Ireland?

Italian Greyhound price range

Typical prices for an Italian Greyhound puppy in Ireland fall between $1,500 and $3,000 USD (€1,200–€2,500). Show-quality puppies can exceed $4,000. Rescue adoption fees are significantly lower – usually $150–$400 – and the dog is often already vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered (Italian Greyhound Active Health – cost guidance).

Factors affecting price

  • Pedigree and show titles: Offspring of champion lines cost more. The UK breed club can help verify show claims (The Italian Greyhound Club).
  • Coat color: Rare shades (blue, isabella, red) may command a premium, but the IGCA states color does not affect health or temperament.
  • Breeder reputation: Established breeders who health-test (eyes, patellas, heart) charge more – and are worth the cost.

Additional costs

Beyond the purchase price, expect ongoing costs: food, vet visits, and insurance run roughly £25 per week (~€30). A fractured limb (a common injury in this breed) can cost more than £3,000 to treat (Italian Greyhound Active Health).

The catch

A lower upfront price from an unregistered seller often hides higher future vet bills. The IGCA advises checking OFA health-testing records for the puppy’s parents (Italian Greyhound Club of America).

The implication: The real cost of an Italian Greyhound is not just the sticker price – it’s the total cost of ownership over 12–15 years, including preventative care and potential emergency treatment.

What Varieties of Italian Greyhounds Are Available? (Size, Age, Color)

Miniature Italian Greyhound – fact or fiction?

There is no officially recognised “miniature” Italian Greyhound. Claims of a teacup or miniature variety are marketing gimmicks that often come from breeding runts or underweight dogs, which carries serious health risks. The Italian Greyhound Active Health advisory states that such claims should be treated as red flags.

Adult Italian Greyhound for sale

Adults are sometimes available through rescue organisations at a lower cost. They are often already house-trained and have a known temperament. Dogs Trust Ireland reports that adult Italian Greyhounds make excellent companions for quiet homes (Dogs Trust Ireland).

Cream Italian Greyhound and other colors

The breed standard accepts all coat colors: cream, grey, black, fawn, red, blue, and isabella. Cream and fawn are the most common, while blue and isabella are rarer and may be priced slightly higher – but reputable breeders price by health and pedigree, not color.

Why this matters: Chasing a rare color can lead to less scrupulous sellers. Focus on health and temperament first.

Where to Look for Italian Greyhound Puppies: Breeders, Rescue, or Classifieds?

Reputable breeders vs. backyard breeders

Reputable breeders – those registered with the Irish Kennel Club (IKC) or the Royal Kennel Club – perform health screenings and provide pedigrees. The Italian Greyhound Club of America warns that not every AKC or kennel club registered breeder is responsible; buyers should personally verify health test results (IGCA – find an IG). Backyard breeders often skip health checks and may not let you see the mother.

Using Gumtree and similar sites safely

Gumtree, Pets4Homes, and similar classifieds carry risks: scams, puppy farms, and lack of paperwork. The Italian Greyhound Active Health site gives two non-negotiable rules: never pay a deposit without seeing the puppy with its mother in the home environment, and never complete a sale without a face-to-face meeting (Italian Greyhound Active Health).

Adopting from rescue organizations

Rescue is the safest and most ethical channel. The Italian Greyhound Rescue Charity (UK-based but open to Irish adopters) evaluates each dog’s health and temperament before placement (IGCA – rescue foundation). Fees are low, and the dog is usually already neutered and vaccinated.

“Many people searching for an Italian Greyhound contact us for advice about how to go about finding an Italian Greyhound.”

Italian Greyhound Rescue Charity (UK)

“Italian Greyhounds are small, moderately active dogs and the smallest Sighthound breed.”

Dogs Trust Ireland

The trade-off: Buying from a breeder gives you a puppy with a known lineage; adopting a rescue gives you a pre-vetted adult at a fraction of the cost. Both require due diligence – but the risks are far lower with a registered breeder or charity than with an anonymous online seller.

How to Choose a Healthy Italian Greyhound and Avoid Scams?

Questions to ask the seller

  • Can I see the puppy with its mother and littermates at your home?
  • What health tests have been done on the parents (eyes, patellas, heart)?
  • How many litters do you breed per year? (A reputable breeder: 2–3 max.)
  • Will you provide a written health guarantee and pedigree papers?

Health certifications and pedigree papers

The Italian Greyhound Club of America recommends checking the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) database for the puppy’s parents (IGCA – health testing guidance). In the UK and Ireland, the Royal Kennel Club and Irish Kennel Club maintain breeder registers. Always request a copy of the pedigree before paying a deposit.

Warning signs of online fraud

  • Seller demands immediate full payment or a large deposit via bank transfer.
  • No video call or in-person meeting offered.
  • Photos appear stock or reused – reverse image search them.
  • Price is suspiciously low (under $1,000).
  • Seller claims the puppy can be shipped without you meeting it.
What to watch

The Italian Greyhound Club (UK) explicitly warns that irresponsible breeders cause serious illnesses. If a seller cannot provide clear answers to the questions above, walk away (The Italian Greyhound Club – finding a puppy).

The pattern: Every red flag traced back to a lack of transparency. A trustworthy seller welcomes scrutiny – that is your best protection.

Steps to Buy an Italian Greyhound Safely

  1. Define your budget and lifestyle – Include purchase price, setup costs, and ongoing care (€30/week).
  2. Research breeders and rescues – Start with IKC-registered breeders or Dogs Trust Ireland. Contact the Italian Greyhound Club (UK) for breeder referrals.
  3. Ask for health records – Request OFA or equivalent health test results for the parents.
  4. Visit the breeder’s home – Meet the puppy with its mother. Never buy from a car park or delivery service.
  5. Review the contract – A reputable breeder provides a written health guarantee and a pedigree certificate.
  6. Arrange transport safely – If importing, use a quarantine-approved pet transporter and ensure the puppy has a pet passport.
  7. Prepare your home – Italian Greyhounds are sensitive to cold; have a warm bed, secure garden, and puppy-proofed space.

Upsides

  • Affectionate, low-shedding companion
  • Moderate exercise needs (30–40 min/day)
  • Adapts well to apartment living
  • Rescue adoption is affordable and ethical

Downsides

  • Fragile bones prone to fractures
  • High cost of emergency vet care
  • Difficult to housetrain; sensitive to cold
  • Small supply in Ireland means longer wait times

The trade-off: The upsides appeal to owners who want a quiet, loyal companion; the downsides demand preparedness for higher veterinary costs and patience with training.

Bottom line: The Italian Greyhound is not a beginner’s dog – it’s a delicate, affectionate sighthound that rewards patient owners. For first-time buyers in Ireland: start with a rescue or a kennel-club registered breeder, always meet the puppy in person, and never skip health checks. The commitment is real, but the breed’s charm is unmatched for those who prepare.
Additional sources

petfinder.com, charleychau.com, gooddog.com

For a comprehensive overview of prices and reputable breeders, see our detailed guide on Italian Greyhound for sale in Ireland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I verify a breeder’s legitimacy in Ireland?

Check the Irish Kennel Club (IKC) breeder directory. Ask to see the mother and the puppy’s living conditions. A legitimate breeder will be happy to share health test results and vet references.

What documents should a responsible breeder provide?

You should receive a pedigree certificate, a written health guarantee, vaccination records, and microchipping details. The Italian Greyhound Club (UK) advises asking for proof of eye and patella screening.

Is it safe to buy an Italian Greyhound puppy online?

Not without precautions. Never pay a deposit without a video call or in-person visit. Use PayPal Goods or an escrow service for payment protection.

Can I import an Italian Greyhound from the UK to Ireland after Brexit?

Yes, but you need an EU pet passport, rabies vaccination, and a valid animal health certificate. A quarantine-approved pet transporter can handle the process.

What is the average waiting time for a puppy from a reputable breeder?

3 to 6 months is typical. Reputable breeders often have waiting lists because they breed infrequently – a good sign of ethical practice.

Do Italian Greyhound rescues have puppies occasionally?

Rarely, but it can happen. Most rescue dogs are adults. Check the Italian Greyhound Rescue Charity and Dogs Trust Ireland regularly.

Should I buy pet insurance for an Italian Greyhound?

Yes. With a high risk of fractures and other injuries, insurance can save you thousands. The breed advisory site estimates emergency treatment for a broken leg at over £3,000.

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