How much exercise does an Italian Greyhound need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Italian Greyhounds need about 30–45 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus some play.

ModerateEnergy

1–2 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

LowCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Italian Greyhound's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Italian Greyhounds need this much exercise

Italian Greyhounds are miniature sighthounds, companions to Renaissance nobility, and still built to sprint.

Italian Greyhound exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	30–45 min	2 walks, plus some play
Senior (10+ years)	15–35 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Italian Greyhound puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
8 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
10 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
12 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a toy breed.

Best exercise for Italian Greyhounds

Short leash walks
Sprints in a fenced area
Lure coursing
Indoor play

Walking tips for Italian Greyhounds

IGs love a chance to sprint in a safe, fenced space.
Their slender legs are fragile. Avoid jumps from furniture and rough play with big dogs.
Very little body fat means they need a coat in cool weather.

Italian Greyhounds in hot and cold weather

Heat: Italian Greyhounds handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Italian Greyhounds feel the cold. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks. Check today's cold risk.

Italian Greyhound exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Italian Greyhound?

A healthy adult Italian Greyhound needs about 30–45 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus some play. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can an Italian Greyhound walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 1–2 miles (1.5–3 km) a day for a healthy adult. For Italian Greyhounds, time and sniffing matter more than distance, so keep the pace comfortable.

When can an Italian Greyhound puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 9–12 months for a toy breed like the Italian Greyhound. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Italian Greyhounds handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Italian Greyhounds need a coat in winter?

Usually, yes. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.