Levriero Sardo

Also called Sardinian Greyhound, Cani de lèpori, Vertreddru

A gentle dog with its own people, but reserved and independent, keeping some of the wild streak of a dog that long hunted for itself.

Size	Large
Weight	17 to 25 kg (37 to 55 lb)1 2
Height	60 to 70 cm (24 to 28 in)1 2
Coat	Short, smooth coat
Origin	Sardinia, Italy.1 2
Last checked	2026-09-30

Rare breedShort profile

sweet-natured

independent and self-reliant

very tough and enduring

Personality what they are like

A gentle dog with its own people, but reserved and independent, keeping some of the wild streak of a dog that long hunted for itself. It has a strong urge to chase.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Levriero Sardo. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A lean sighthound with a short, sleek coat, a small head and a long muzzle, large eyes and ears that are either folded back or fully upright.2

Colourssandblackparti-colourwhitebrindlegrey2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A hunting sighthound built for coursing hares, so it needs chances to run freely in a safe, enclosed area.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, smooth coat needs very little grooming.2

The story where it all began

A traditional hare-hunting sighthound of Sardinia, shaped by hard selection into a very hardy dog. Only a few remain, and a handful of Sardinian breeders are working to save it.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
In Sardinian it is called 'cani de lèpori', the hare dog.1
2
Locally it is also known as vertreddru, meaning 'little hunting dog'.1
3
Its muzzle is almost twice as long as its skull.2
4
Sand is the most common and most prized coat colour.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is called Levriero Sardo in Italian, which translates to 'Sardinian Greyhound'. Locally, it is also known as 'Cani de lèpori' (Sardinian for 'hare dog') and 'vertreddru', which roughly translates to 'greyhound'.1

Name ideas for your new friend

VentoLunaSoleFrecciaOmbraStellaRaggioNeroBiancaCorsaGrigioAria

A day in the life told by a Levriero Sardo

I wake slowly, stretching my long legs. My human opens the door and I slip out, tasting the wind. I run across the field, chasing a scent, my body a blur. I stop at the gate, looking back. We walk home together. I lie on the cool stone, watching the world. It's enough.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

None: Not recognised by the FCI or any other major kennel club.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

1 cooking pumpkin
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

1 egg
170g boiled chicken breast
100g cooked plain rice
60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Levriero Sardo, and at what times?

Feed your Levriero Sardo at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. A consistent schedule helps their digestion, and you can ask your vet for the best times.3

What should a Levriero Sardo eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced dog food suitable for a sighthound is a good start. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these away from your dog.4

How often should I bathe a Levriero Sardo?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe at least once every three months. Their short coat doesn't need frequent baths unless they get dirty.5 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Levriero Sardo need brushing?

Brush your Levriero Sardo weekly to keep their short, smooth coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which is easy and quick.2 5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Levriero Sardo's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and ask your vet or a groomer if you're unsure.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Levriero Sardo need?

This hunting sighthound needs daily chances to run freely in a safe, enclosed area. Daily walks and play are essential to meet their activity needs.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Levriero Sardo's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears every 14 days. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for proper care tips.5 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Levriero Sardo live?

Lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 7. Ask your vet for a more specific estimate based on your dog's health. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Levriero Sardo good with children and other pets?

This gentle dog is reserved and independent, with a strong chase urge. They can be good with their own people, but introductions with children and other pets should be careful and supervised.2

Can a Levriero Sardo be left alone?

It varies by individual, but this independent dog may tolerate some alone time. Ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your dog's specific needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.