Mini Italian Greyhound: the short answer
There is no separate breed or official size called “mini Italian Greyhound”. FCI Standard No. 200 allows a height at the withers of 32–38 cm and a weight of up to 5 kg. A dog under 32 cm carries a disqualifying fault. “Mini”, “micro”, “pocket” and “teacup” are advertising words, not variants of the breed.
What to know:
- An Italian Greyhound is already a small sighthound: it weighs a few kilograms.
- A very small dog is not “cuter” but usually more fragile: the breed has fine bones.
- A puppy is small not because it will be a “mini”: all puppies are small. Adult size depends on breed and parents.
- A seller who charges more for a “mini” should not be trusted.
What the standard says
FCI Standard No. 200 defines size like this:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Height at the withers | 32–38 cm, males and females |
| Weight | no more than 5 kg |
| Under 32 cm or over 38 cm | disqualifying fault |
So a “mini” under 32 cm is listed directly among the faults. The standard does not invent “pocket” variants; it describes one miniature sighthound. More about the standard in our article on FCI Standard No. 200.
The weight in real life can be higher: other sources give a range of 7–14 lb, about 3.2–6.4 kg. But that is the ordinary spread among dogs of normal size, not separate “mini” and “maxi” kinds.
Where the “mini” fashion comes from
History explains a lot. By the early 20th century breeders had become enamoured of very small “toy” Italian Greyhounds. The result was sad: such dogs were fragile. Breeders then began to move away from overly fragile types. The current FCI standard set limits on both sides precisely to stop the race for size. More in our article on the breed’s history.
Today internet advertising has been added to the fashion: the word “mini” draws buyers. But there is no point in it: the breed is already miniature.
Why a very small Italian Greyhound is risky
Italian Greyhound puppies have fine bone structure and a young dog can easily break a leg. The smaller the dog, the smaller its margin of strength: you do not need to be a vet to see that a thinner leg breaks more easily. We found no separate study on “mini” dogs, but the logic is clear and agrees with the breed’s history.
Teeth are also already a weak spot: dental disease is a common problem of the breed. A very small dog has an even smaller jaw, and that is our reasoning, not a measured fact. More in our health article.
How to check an advert for a “mini”
If you are offered a “mini Italian Greyhound”, ask:
- What are the parents’ height and weight? The standard 32–38 cm and up to 5 kg is fine; “pocket” size is a warning sign.
- Is there a pedigree and are there documents for the parents?
- Which health checks have the parents had? (the list is in our health article)
- Why is the puppy a “mini”: are the parents small, or is it simply still little?
- Does the seller charge more for a “rare size”? That is a sign of advertising, not quality.
You can measure an adult dog’s height simply: stand it straight against a wall and measure from the floor to the withers (the highest point between the shoulder blades). It is the same measurement as in the standard.
If your dog is under 32 cm
There is nothing frightening in it: the standard describes an ideal for shows and breeding. For a pet a smaller size is not a fault, but keep a closer eye on its legs and teeth. Do not let it jump from heights, protect its bones, and talk to your vet about weight and feeding. It is best not to breed such a dog: that is how the fashion for fragile types arose.
Mini Italian Greyhound: frequently asked questions
- Is there a mini Italian Greyhound? Officially no. The standard allows 32–38 cm and up to 5 kg.
- How much does a “mini” weigh? If it is up to 5 kg, it is an ordinary Italian Greyhound. Advertising just calls it a “mini”.
- Is it true minis cost more? Often in adverts, but breed quality and health are not tied to size.
- Will a tiny puppy grow? All puppies grow. Adult size depends on the parents.
- Is being too small dangerous? Usually yes: the smaller the dog, the more vulnerable the bones and teeth.
What to remember
- A “mini”, “micro” or “pocket” Italian Greyhound is advertising, not a breed.
- The standard: 32–38 cm and up to 5 kg; under 32 cm is a disqualifying fault.
- Smaller is not better: the breed already has fine bones.
- Check the parents and the documents, and do not pay for a “rare size”.
Sources
References for checking facts and reading further.
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