Italian Greyhound vs Labrador Retriever
Toy · Small vs Sporting · Large
Italian GreyhoundSmall
A playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility.
Weight: 7–14 lbsLifespan: 14–15 years
Labrador RetrieverLarge
America's most popular dog — a friendly, outgoing, athletic retriever bred to fetch waterfowl.
Weight: 65–80 lbsLifespan: 11–13 years
Quick take
- • Labrador Retriever is the larger breed at 65–80 lbs (males) vs 7–14 lbs for the Italian Greyhound.
- • The Italian Greyhound typically lives longer (14–15 years).
- • The Labrador Retriever has higher daily energy needs.
- • The Italian Greyhound sheds less.
- • The Labrador Retriever is generally more trainable.
Side-by-side traits
| Trait | Italian Greyhound | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
Group | Toy | Sporting |
Size | Small | Large |
Origin | Italy | Canada |
Height (male) | 13–15" | 22.5–24.5" |
Height (female) | 13–15" | 21.5–23.5" |
Weight (male) | 7–14 lbs | 65–80 lbs |
Weight (female) | 7–14 lbs | 55–70 lbs |
Lifespan Average expected lifespan. | 14–15 years | 11–13 years |
Energy level Daily activity needs. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Trainability How quickly the breed learns commands. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Intelligence Problem-solving ability. | High (4/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Exercise needs Daily physical activity required. | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Shedding Lower = less hair around your home. | Very Low (1/5) | High (4/5) |
Grooming effort Brushing, bathing, professional grooming. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Drooling Lower = drier face and furniture. | Very Low (1/5) | Low (2/5) |
Barking How vocal the breed is. | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) |
Good with kids | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with other dogs | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Good with strangers | Moderate (3/5) | Very High (5/5) |
Protectiveness Watchdog tendencies. | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) |
Adaptability Apartment / new environment tolerance. | High (4/5) | High (4/5) |
Coat length | short | short |
Hypoallergenic Lower-shedding, less dander. | No | No |
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About the Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a playful, alert, sensitive miniature sighthound — Renaissance lapdog favored by Italian nobility. Originally from Italy, this small toy breed typically weighs 7–14 lbs and lives 14–15 years. Breeders describe them as playful, alert, sensitive.
About the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is america's most popular dog — a friendly, outgoing, athletic retriever bred to fetch waterfowl. Originally from Canada, this large sporting breed typically weighs 65–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, active, outgoing, even-tempered.
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Italian Greyhound health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Leg fractures
- • Dental issues
- • Hypothyroidism
- • PRA
Labrador Retriever health
Common health concerns reported in this breed:
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Elbow dysplasia
- • Obesity
- • Progressive retinal atrophy