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Pet Insurance for Italian Greyhounds

Find out all about Italian Greyhounds and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 22nd, 2023       

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Price range

$1,000 –$2,000

Height

32cm - 38cm

Weight

3.6kg - 4.8kg

Personality

Affectionate, gentle, playful

Coat length

Short, hypoallergenic

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

13 - 15 years

Italian Greyhound

Overview

The Italian Greyhound, often called the ‘Iggy,’ is a small, dainty and affectionate little dog that was first recorded in Egypt in ancient times. Mummified remains of the dog have been found in Egyptian tombs of the Pharaohs, so they are an ancient breed of companion dog. Sometime in the 6th Century, it was taken to the Mediterranean area, which is why it is now known as the Italian Greyhound. It looks very similar to its full-size cousin, the racing greyhound, except in miniature. 

Italian Greyhounds are known for their elegant and gentle nature. They are snuggling dogs that are affectionate and love human company. They are highly adaptable and make excellent companions for individuals or families in smaller living spaces like apartments. Unusually for a dog, they enjoy perching on high places similar to a cat, so you may find them on top of your bookcase or resting on a high ledge.   

Italian Greyhounds are sensitive and delicate and thrive on close bonds with their owners. They will follow you everywhere, and want to be with you 100% of the time, so they make good lap dogs for elderly people. They have a short, sleek hypoallergenic coat that requires minimal grooming, so they are low-maintenance dogs. However, they will only want to go outside when it is warm and sunny, as they dislike being cold or getting their feet wet. 

Common diseases and conditions of Italian Greyhounds

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.  
  • Tooth Decay: Italian Greyhounds are known to commonly suffer from tooth decay, which can lead to mouth and gum infections and pain when eating. Therefore, they need to have their teeth brushed regularly. 

Breed-specific issues:  

Their small size and delicate build make them prone to breaking their legs when adolescents, so they should be handled with care and not treated too roughly by children. They dislike getting cold or wet, so may be reluctant to go outside to potty if it is raining. They need to be protected from cold weather, and have their teeth cleaned regularly.  

How much does pet insurance cost for an Italian Greyhound?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Italian Greyhounds

Do Italian Greyhounds bark a lot?

No. Italian Greyhounds are renowned for their gentle and reserved demeanour. They tend to be quiet little dogs and are not prone to excessive barking. While they may occasionally alert their owners or express excitement, they are not considered a yappy dog at all.  

Is the coat of an Italian Greyhound hypoallergenic?

Yes. Italian Greyhounds have short, sleek fur, which generally produces fewer allergens compared to longer-haired breeds. Although no dog can be 100% hypoallergenic, Italian Greyhounds are often tolerated better by individuals with allergies, making them a suitable choice for those seeking a dog that's less likely to trigger allergic reactions. 

Do Italian Greyhounds need a lot of exercise?

No, they do not require a great deal of exercise and can be quite lazy and happy to remain lounging around the home. However, they tend to have short bursts of extreme energy, when they’ll rush around and jump on furniture, so they benefit from short but frequent walks to expend their energy after a period of rest.  

Do Italian Greyhounds get on well with other pets including cats?

No, Italian Greyhounds do not get on well with cats as they love to chase them. They do not tend to enjoy sharing their living space with other breeds of dogs either, and need to be protected from any rough play with larger breeds. They should never be left alone with cats, rabbits or guinea pigs as they have a strong prey drive.  

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
Italian Greyhound

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