Whippet vs Italian Greyhound
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
Low
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Multi-pet Homes, First-time Owners
Maintenance Level
Low
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Whippet might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Italian Greyhound might be better if you:
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Often have visitors or socialize frequently
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
- Want a breed known for longevity
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound known for its sleek, athletic build and gentle demeanor. Typically standing between 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing around 25 to 40 pounds, Whippets have a short, smooth coat that comes in various colors and patterns. Their long legs and deep chest allow for remarkable speed and agility, making them one of the fastest breeds over a short distance. Whippets are known for their affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their families. They are friendly, playful, and good with children, making them excellent companions. Despite their racing background, they are quite adaptable to home life and enjoy lounging around as much as they love to run.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a small, elegant breed known for its slender build, long legs, and graceful appearance. They typically weigh between 7 to 14 pounds and stand about 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Their coat is short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming, and they come in various colors including fawn, blue, black, and cream. This breed is known for its affectionate and gentle nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are playful and energetic, requiring regular exercise and mental stimulation. Italian Greyhounds are generally good with children and other pets, although their delicate frame means they should be supervised around rough play. Despite their speed and agility, they are also known for enjoying cuddling and lounging around the house, making them versatile companions.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Good with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Light shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Low grooming needs
Low grooming needs
Trainability
Moderately trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Moderately energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Moderate barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Whippet
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Grooming
Brush their coat weekly to remove loose hair and dirt.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Health Care
Regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections.
Italian Greyhound
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Groom regularly to maintain coat health; brushing is usually needed once a week.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for small breeds, preferably high-quality kibble.
Health Care
Groom regularly to maintain coat health; brushing is usually needed once a week.
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat weekly to remove loose hair and dirt.
Grooming
Groom regularly to maintain coat health; brushing is usually needed once a week.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet suitable for small breeds, preferably high-quality kibble.
Health Care
Regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections.
Health Care
Groom regularly to maintain coat health; brushing is usually needed once a week.
Additional Care Notes
Whippet
- •Trim their nails as needed to keep them at a comfortable length.
Italian Greyhound
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Whippet
Whippets are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency and short training sessions are key, as Whippets can lose interest quickly. Socialization is also crucial; expose your Whippet to various environments, people, and other animals from a young age.
Training Challenges
- •High prey drive may cause distractions, especially around small animals
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods can lead to fear or anxiety
- •Stubbornness if not properly motivated, requiring creative rewards
- •Tendency to be independent, which may affect recall and attention
- •Over-excitement during training sessions, leading to lack of focus
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds require consistent and positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Socialization is crucial, introducing them to various environments and other dogs. Short training sessions are recommended due to their short attention spans.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions
- •Sensitivity to harsh corrections, requiring gentle methods
- •Tendency to become distracted, especially in new environments
- •Fearfulness in unfamiliar situations, necessitating gradual exposure
Whippet
Whippets are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise. Consistency and short training sessions are key, as Whippets can lose interest quickly. Socialization is also crucial; expose your Whippet to various environments, people, and other animals from a young age.
Training Challenges
- •High prey drive may cause distractions, especially around small animals
- •Sensitivity to harsh training methods can lead to fear or anxiety
- •Stubbornness if not properly motivated, requiring creative rewards
- •Tendency to be independent, which may affect recall and attention
- •Over-excitement during training sessions, leading to lack of focus
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds require consistent and positive reinforcement training. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Socialization is crucial, introducing them to various environments and other dogs. Short training sessions are recommended due to their short attention spans.
Training Challenges
- •Stubbornness during training sessions
- •Sensitivity to harsh corrections, requiring gentle methods
- •Tendency to become distracted, especially in new environments
- •Fearfulness in unfamiliar situations, necessitating gradual exposure
Training Resources
Whippet Training Guide
Italian Greyhound Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Whippet Breeders
Find Italian Greyhound Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.