The italian greyhound is described in the ancient greek and roman cultures, and was often depicted in the breed's typical poses, such as standing with a foreleg lifted high under the chest, with a curved back and bent hind legs. It was known under the current name by the 1800's and has been a typical fashion-breed.
The italian greyhound should be a long-legged, square-shaped, agile and gracile dog. The head is elongated with little stop, pointed muzzle and thin lips. The eyes are large and expressive. The ears are set high, small rose-type ears. The neck is as long as the head, arched and dry. The body is as long as it is tall, with curved topline and good amount of tuck up. Rather straight frontlegs with well angulated hind. The tail is set low, rather long and thin, with the last third carried bent back slightly. The coat is short, fine and close-laying.