Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Italian Greyhound
A miniature sighthound with the elegance of a Greyhound in a toy-sized package. Italian Greyhounds are affectionate lap dogs that love to sprint, cuddle, and bask in warm sunlight.
VS
Japanese Chin
A dainty, aristocratic toy breed with a cat-like personality. Japanese Chin are elegant, charming lap dogs that were treasured by Japanese royalty for centuries.
Quick Answer
Choose Italian Greyhound if you want less shedding. Choose Japanese Chin if you want a great companion.
Quick Comparison
Italian Greyhound
Attribute
Japanese Chin
small
Size
small
3–5 kg (7–11 lbs)
Weight
2–5 kg (4–11 lbs)
33–38 cm (13–15 in)
Height
20–27 cm (8–11 in)
Better14–15 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Energy
2/5
2/5
Good with Kids
2/5
Better1/5
Shedding
3/5
Better1/5
Grooming
3/5
5/5
Apartment
5/5
3/5
Health
3/5
$1,200–$3,000
Price
$1,000–$2,500Better
Attribute Comparison
Grooming and Shedding: Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin sheds more; Italian Greyhound is easier to maintain.
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Shedding
Better1/5
vs3/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs3/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Japanese Chin's 3/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Health and Lifespan: Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Lifespan (years)
Better14–15
vs10–12
Health Robustness
3/5
vs3/5
Life expectancy favors the Italian Greyhound: 14–15 years versus the Japanese Chin's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the Italian Greyhound.
Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin: Temperament Compared
Japanese Chin is calmer; Italian Greyhound is more energetic.
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Playfulness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
2/5
vs2/5
Energy
3/5
vs2/5
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Italian Greyhound is typically affectionate, agile and playful, making them well suited for apartment living, singles and seniors.
Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin: Daily Exercise Demands
Italian Greyhound needs more exercise; Japanese Chin is lower-maintenance.
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Energy Level
3/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
3/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
5/5
vs5/5
The Italian Greyhound needs slightly more exercise (3/5) than the Japanese Chin (2/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have moderate to low energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Italian Greyhound.
Total Cost of Ownership: Italian Greyhound and Japanese Chin
Italian Greyhound is less expensive to own annually.
Italian Greyhound
Avg. Purchase$2,100
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$50
Annual Total$850 ✓
Japanese Chin
Avg. Purchase$1,750
Annual Food$300
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$950
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $1,200–$3,000 for a Italian Greyhound and $1,000–$2,500 for a Japanese Chin. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Size Differences: Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin
Both breeds are similar in size.
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Weight (kg)
3–5
vs2–5
Height (cm)
33–38
vs20–27
The Italian Greyhound (3–5 kg (7–11 lbs), 33–38 cm (13–15 in)) and Japanese Chin (2–5 kg (4–11 lbs), 20–27 cm (8–11 in)) are very close in size. You won't need different-sized equipment, and food costs will be comparable.
Training Differences: Italian Greyhound and Japanese Chin
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Trainability
3/5
vs3/5
Intelligence
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 3/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are moderately responsive and benefit from consistent training sessions.
Family Life: Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Italian Greyhound
Japanese Chin
Good with Kids
2/5
vs2/5
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs4/5
Strangers
3/5
vs3/5
Both breeds score 2/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Proper supervision and training around children is recommended for both.
Italian Greyhound vs Japanese Chin: Summary and Verdict
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Italian Greyhound if you value less shedding (1/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Italian Greyhound and Japanese Chin are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Japanese Chin sheds considerably more. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Italian Greyhound if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Italian Greyhounds tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Japanese Chin if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Japanese Chins tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Italian Greyhound or Japanese Chin?
The Italian Greyhound scores 2/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Japanese Chin at 2/5. Both breeds can be great family dogs with proper training and socialization.
Is a Italian Greyhound or Japanese Chin easier to train?
The Italian Greyhound is equally easy to train with a score of 3/5, matching the Japanese Chin. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Italian Greyhound or Japanese Chin?
A Italian Greyhound puppy costs $1,200–$3,000 while a Japanese Chin costs $1,000–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $850 for the Italian Greyhound and $950 for the Japanese Chin. The Japanese Chin costs more to maintain annually.
Do Italian Greyhounds or Japanese Chins live longer?
The Italian Greyhound lives 14–15 years on average, while the Japanese Chin lives 10–12 years. The Italian Greyhound generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Italian Greyhound or Japanese Chin live in an apartment?
The Italian Greyhound is equally suited for apartments (5/5) as the Japanese Chin (5/5). The Italian Greyhound is one of our top picks for apartment living.