Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.
| Italian Greyhound | 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 |
Affectionate, sensitive, gentle. Bonded with one or two people.
45 minutes of daily exercise plus a short sprint.
Smooth coat, weekly brush, near-zero shedding.
Patellar luxation. Periodontal disease. Leg fractures (fragile bones — protect from jumping). Epilepsy.
Full Italian Greyhound profile →Gentle, sweet, sensitive, quiet. Whippets are velcro-dogs with their family, calm with strangers and tolerant of children. High prey drive towards small animals.
60 minutes of daily exercise — two short walks plus a sprint.
Short fine coat, weekly brush. They feel cold — most need a coat in winter.
Generally a healthy breed. Watch for: hereditary deafness, eye conditions, anaesthesia sensitivity, dental disease. Lifespan often 14+.
Full Whippet profile →Apartment dwellers, retirees, allergy-sensitive owners.
Apartment-friendly families, owners home a lot, allergy-tolerant.
