Italian Greyhounds are not just small Greyhounds. They're a distinct breed with very specific needs when it comes to bedding. Weighing just 7 to 14 pounds with virtually no body fat and a single-layer coat, Iggies get cold faster than almost any other breed. They're also delicate, with fine-boned legs that can be injured by jumping in and out of tall beds.
If you also have a full-sized Greyhound or Whippet, you might find our Greyhound and Whippet bed guide useful. Italian Greyhounds share some traits with their larger sighthound cousins, but their tiny size creates different challenges.
What Italian Greyhounds Need in a Dog Bed
Warmth Is the Top Priority
Italian Greyhounds have almost no natural insulation. Their short, single-layer coat and lean body mean they lose heat rapidly. A cold Italian Greyhound is an uncomfortable Italian Greyhound. They're famous for burrowing under blankets, seeking warm laps and shivering at the slightest breeze. Their bed needs to help them retain body heat, not dissipate it. Look for self-warming beds that reflect body heat, cave beds that trap warmth, or heated beds for particularly cold climates.
Low Entry Point
Italian Greyhounds are prone to leg fractures, especially in their front legs. Beds with high bolsters or raised platforms that require jumping can put unnecessary stress on those delicate bones. Choose beds with a low entry point, a dipped front edge, or no raised sides at all. This is especially important for puppies and senior Iggies.
Snug, Not Spacious
Unlike larger breeds that need room to sprawl, Italian Greyhounds prefer to feel enclosed. An oversized bed makes them feel exposed and insecure. A small bed (20 to 25 inches) that fits their compact frame works far better than a medium that swallows them up. See our small dog bed guide for more options in this size range.
Soft Surface Material
Italian Greyhounds have very little padding on their bodies. Their bony elbows, hips and spine press directly against whatever surface they're lying on. A bed with plush, cushioned material is kinder to their joints than firm or rough fabrics. Faux fur and fleece surfaces are popular choices for Iggies.
Our Top Picks for Italian Greyhounds
Best Overall: Best Friends by Sheri Calming Donut Bed (Small, 23 inches)
The donut bed design is almost purpose-built for Italian Greyhounds. The raised edges create a cosy, enclosed space that traps warmth and provides the security Iggies crave. The faux fur surface is soft on bony joints, and the 23-inch small size fits their frame without being oversized. Machine washable, which matters because these dogs spend a lot of time in their beds.
Best for Burrowers: Snoozer Cozy Cave Bed
Italian Greyhounds are burrowers by nature. Given the chance, most will tunnel under blankets, cushions or anything they can find. The Snoozer Cozy Cave satisfies this instinct with a built-in cover they can crawl inside. It's like a sleeping bag for dogs. The interior stays warm even in cool rooms. For more hooded and enclosed options, see our cave beds guide.
Best for Cold Climates: K&H Thermo-Snuggly Sleeper
For Italian Greyhounds in particularly cold homes or climates, a gently heated bed can make a significant difference. The K&H Thermo-Snuggly uses a low-wattage heater to maintain a comfortable temperature. The small size is perfect for Iggies, and the bolstered edges give them something to lean against. Always supervise heated beds and ensure the cord is out of chewing reach.
Best Budget: Amazon Basics Round Bolster Bed (Small)
A simple, affordable option that does the basics well. The small round shape suits curling Italian Greyhounds, the fleece lining provides warmth, and the low price means you can place one in multiple rooms (Iggies follow their humans everywhere). Not as durable as the premium options, but at the price point, it's easy to replace. Check our cheap dog beds guide for more budget-friendly picks.
Best for Crates: MidWest Bolster Crate Pad (24 inches)
If your Italian Greyhound sleeps in a crate, the MidWest pad fits 24-inch crates perfectly. The bolstered edge provides head support and a slight sense of enclosure. Machine washable and reasonably priced. For more crate bed options, see our dedicated guide.
Italian Greyhound Sleeping Habits
Understanding how Italian Greyhounds sleep helps explain why bed choice matters so much for this breed.
They sleep a lot. Italian Greyhounds can sleep 14 to 18 hours per day. They're sprinters, not endurance athletes, so they alternate between short bursts of energy and long periods of rest. Multiple beds around the house make sense for a dog that naps this much.
They curl up tightly. Most Iggies sleep in a tight ball with their nose tucked under their back legs. This conserves body heat and makes them feel secure. Round and oval beds suit this natural posture better than rectangular ones.
They burrow. Given blankets, Italian Greyhounds will tunnel underneath them. This behaviour is normal and should be accommodated rather than discouraged. A cave bed or a regular bed with a loose blanket both work well.
They want to be near you. This breed is famously clingy. They'll follow you room to room and prefer to sleep wherever you are. Having a portable, lightweight bed that you can move around the house is more practical than one heavy bed in a fixed location.
Health Considerations for Italian Greyhound Beds
Patellar luxation. This kneecap condition is common in Italian Greyhounds. Beds with low entry points reduce strain when getting in and out. Avoid elevated beds or anything that requires jumping.
Leg fractures. Italian Greyhounds have fine, thin leg bones that are surprisingly fragile. They can break a leg jumping off furniture or from high beds. Keep bed height low, especially for young dogs and seniors.
Dental issues. While not directly bed-related, Italian Greyhounds with dental pain may avoid pressing their face against hard bed edges. Soft, plush bolsters are more comfortable than firm ones for this breed.
Italian Greyhound Bed Sizing
Italian Greyhounds weigh 7 to 14 pounds and stand about 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Their ideal bed size is 20 to 25 inches. Despite being sighthounds, they're small enough that standard small dog beds work well. Don't size up to medium unless you have a particularly large Italian Greyhound or one that likes to stretch fully rather than curl. For more detail on sizing smaller dogs, see our small dog bed guide and dog bed size guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Italian Greyhounds need heated beds?
Not necessarily, but they benefit from warmth more than most breeds. In a well-heated home, a self-warming bed that reflects body heat is usually sufficient. In cooler homes or climates, a gently heated bed makes a noticeable difference to their comfort.
Why does my Italian Greyhound shake on their bed?
Sighthound shaking is common and can mean several things: cold, excitement, anxiety or anticipation. If they're shaking while resting, they're most likely cold. Adding a blanket or switching to a warmer bed type usually solves it.
Should I let my Italian Greyhound sleep in my bed?
Many Iggy owners do. It's a personal choice and there's nothing wrong with it. If you'd rather your Italian Greyhound had their own sleeping space, make sure it's warm, soft and close to where you sleep. A cave bed or donut bed beside your bed works well. If they resist using their own bed, our guide on why dogs won't use their bed has practical tips for encouraging them.
How many beds does an Italian Greyhound need?
One bed is enough, but two or three is practical. Italian Greyhounds follow their humans around the house and nap frequently throughout the day. Having a bed in the living room, bedroom and any other room where you spend time means your Iggy always has a warm spot nearby.
Italian Greyhounds are one of the breeds that benefit most from a well-chosen bed. Their lack of body fat and insulation means they depend on their bedding for warmth in a way that most dogs don't. Invest in something warm, soft and snug, and your Iggy will thank you with hours of contented napping. For related guides, check our recommendations for Chihuahuas (another cold-sensitive small breed), Dachshunds (fellow burrowers), and Greyhounds and Whippets (sighthound cousins).
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