Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds β€” temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

πŸ• Italian Greyhound πŸ• Whippet
Group Toy Hound
Origin Italy / Mediterranean England
Weight 3.5–5 kg 8–18 kg
Height 33–38 cm 44–56 cm
Lifespan 14–16 years 12–15 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

πŸ• Italian Greyhound

Temperament

Affectionate, sensitive, gentle. Bonded with one or two people.

Exercise

45 minutes of daily exercise plus a short sprint.

Grooming

Smooth coat, weekly brush, near-zero shedding.

Health

Patellar luxation. Periodontal disease. Leg fractures (fragile bones β€” protect from jumping). Epilepsy.

Full Italian Greyhound profile β†’

πŸ• Whippet

Temperament

Gentle, sweet, sensitive, quiet. Whippets are velcro-dogs with their family, calm with strangers and tolerant of children. High prey drive towards small animals.

Exercise

60 minutes of daily exercise β€” two short walks plus a sprint.

Grooming

Short fine coat, weekly brush. They feel cold β€” most need a coat in winter.

Health

Generally a healthy breed. Watch for: hereditary deafness, eye conditions, anaesthesia sensitivity, dental disease. Lifespan often 14+.

Full Whippet profile β†’

Which is right for you?

Pick the Italian Greyhound if

Apartment dwellers, retirees, allergy-sensitive owners.

Pick the Whippet if

Apartment-friendly families, owners home a lot, allergy-tolerant.

Products both breeds would love

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