DachshundVSItalian Greyhound

The Dachshund is known for being clever, stubborn, playful, 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 Dachshund is more vocal with a barking level of 4/5, while the Italian Greyhound is quieter at 2/5. If you prefer a calmer household, the Italian Greyhound may be the better choice.

The Dachshund is a small breed standing 20–23 cm (8–9 in) tall and weighing 7–15 kg (15–33 lbs). In comparison, the Italian Greyhound is a small breed at 33–38 cm (13–15 in) and 3–5 kg (7–11 lbs).

The Dachshund is somewhat larger, though the difference isn't dramatic. Both breeds are manageable for most owners, but the size gap does affect food portions and space requirements.

The Dachshund has a short coat available in red, black and tan, chocolate, cream, dapple, 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 Dachshund has moderate energy (3/5) with moderate exercise needs (3/5). The Italian Greyhound has moderate energy (3/5) and moderate exercise needs (3/5).

Both breeds have similar exercise requirements, so your daily activity routine won't change much regardless of which you choose. Plan for regular walks and play sessions to keep either breed content.

For apartment dwellers, the Italian Greyhound is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the Dachshund's 4/5. The Dachshund generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the Dachshund 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.

The Dachshund demands more grooming attention with a score of 2/5, while the Italian Greyhound is lower-maintenance at 1/5. The Dachshund's short coat requires regular brushing and professional grooming sessions, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

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

The Dachshund has a lifespan of 12–16 years, while the Italian Greyhound lives 14–15 years. The Italian Greyhound generally has a longer lifespan.

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

Common health issues for the Dachshund include intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental issues, patellar luxation. 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 $500 for the Dachshund 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 Dachshund'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 Dachshund'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 Dachshund 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.

For families with children, the Dachshund is the stronger choice, scoring 3/5 for kid-friendliness compared to the Italian Greyhound's 2/5. The Dachshund's clever nature makes it a natural fit for households with young ones.

If you have other pets, the Italian Greyhound tends to get along better with other dogs (4/5) than the Dachshund (3/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Italian Greyhound is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The initial purchase price for a Dachshund ranges from $500–$2,000, 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 $1,020 for the Dachshund and $850 for the Italian Greyhound. The Dachshund is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $35 for the Dachshund 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.