Dog breed comparison
Whippet vs Italian Greyhound
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Whippet is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The Italian Greyhound tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Whippet | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Height | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Weight | 18 to 48 pounds | 6 to 15 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 14 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Barking
The Italian Greyhound barks more than the Whippet.
First-time owners
The Italian Greyhound suits first-time owners better than the Whippet.
Energy
The Whippet has more energy than the Italian Greyhound.
Exercise needs
The Whippet needs more exercise than the Italian Greyhound.
Easy to train
The Whippet is easier to train than the Italian Greyhound.
Intelligence
The Whippet is quicker to learn than the Italian Greyhound.
Which to choose
Whippet or Italian Greyhound?
Choose the Whippet if…
- You want a dog that barks less
- You want an active, playful companion (it has more energy)
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Choose the Italian Greyhound if…
- You want a dog that suits first-time owners better
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
Questions.
Is the Whippet or the Italian Greyhound bigger, and which lives longer?
The Whippet is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The Italian Greyhound tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Whippet or the Italian Greyhound?
The Whippet is generally easier to train than the Italian Greyhound. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Whippet or the Italian Greyhound?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
They shed about the same amount. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
