ChihuahuaVSItalian Greyhound

The Chihuahua is known for being sassy, charming, graceful, while the Italian Greyhound is typically described as affectionate, agile, playful. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 4/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

Noise-wise, the Chihuahua is more vocal with a barking level of 5/5, while the Italian Greyhound is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Italian Greyhound may be the better choice.

The Chihuahua is a small breed standing 15–23 cm (6–9 in) tall and weighing 1–3 kg (2–7 lbs). In comparison, the Italian Greyhound is a small breed at 33–38 cm (13–15 in) and 3–5 kg (7–11 lbs).

These two breeds are quite similar in size, so space and food requirements will be comparable for either choice.

The Chihuahua has a short coat available in fawn, black, white, chocolate, cream, blue, while the Italian Greyhound sports a short coat in gray, blue, fawn, red, cream, black. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The Chihuahua has moderate energy (3/5) with low exercise needs (2/5). The Italian Greyhound has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

You'll need to dedicate more time to exercising the Italian Greyhound, which thrives on vigorous daily activity. The Chihuahua is less demanding in this regard and settles more easily into a relaxed routine.

When it comes to shedding, the Chihuahua drops more fur with a shedding level of 2/5, while the Italian Greyhound is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Italian Greyhound will be easier to live with.

Both breeds have similar grooming demands at 1/5. Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming visits will keep either breed looking their best.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the Chihuahua and $50 for the Italian Greyhound. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The Chihuahua has a lifespan of 14–18 years, while the Italian Greyhound lives 14–15 years. The Chihuahua tends to live longer on average.

Both breeds score 3/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the Chihuahua include patellar luxation, heart disease, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia. The Italian Greyhound is prone to leg fractures, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the Chihuahua and $500 for the Italian Greyhound. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

Training comes more naturally with the Italian Greyhound, which scores 3/5 for trainability. The Chihuahua's score of 2/5 means you may need more patience and consistency to see results.

The Italian Greyhound ranks higher in intelligence (4/5 vs 3/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

The Italian Greyhound is the more intelligent of the two, scoring 4/5 to the Chihuahua's 3/5. This means the Italian Greyhound generally picks up new commands faster and is better at figuring things out independently. On the flip side, their sharp mind needs regular engagement through puzzle toys, training games, and varied activities to prevent behavioral issues.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The Chihuahua leans toward instinctive intelligence — naturally excelling at the tasks their breed was designed for, like guarding or herding. The Italian Greyhound, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The Italian Greyhound's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (3/5 vs 2/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Italian Greyhound edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 2/5 with children versus the Chihuahua's 1/5. The Italian Greyhound's affectionate temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Italian Greyhound tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Chihuahua (2/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Italian Greyhound is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Italian Greyhound is more welcoming to strangers (3/5), while the Chihuahua tends to be more reserved (2/5). If you frequently have guests, the Italian Greyhound's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a Chihuahua ranges from $400–$1,500, while a Italian Greyhound typically costs $1,200–$3,000. The Italian Greyhound is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $790 for the Chihuahua and $850 for the Italian Greyhound. The Italian Greyhound costs more annually, largely because of higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $20 for the Chihuahua and $25 for the Italian Greyhound. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.