BreedHealth

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet — Complete Comparison

Choosing between the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. In terms of size, the Italian Greyhound is small while the Whippet is medium, which affects exercise space requirements, feeding costs, and average lifespan. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. The Whippet is generally the better choice for families with young children.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trait Italian Greyhound Whippet
Size Small Medium
Weight 3.5–5 kg 11–19 kg
Height 33–38 cm 46–56 cm
Lifespan 14–15 yrs 12–15 yrs
Exercise Need
High (4/5)
High (4/5)
Grooming Need
Very Low (1/5)
Very Low (1/5)
Shedding
Very Low (1/5)
Low (2/5)
Trainability
Moderate (3/5)
High (4/5)
Good with Children ✗ ✓
Good with Dogs ✓ ✓
Apartment Friendly ✓ ✓

Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.

Health Comparison

Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.

Italian Greyhound (5 conditions)

Whippet (5 conditions)

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:

Best for families with children Whippet
Best for apartment living both breeds
Best for active owners Italian Greyhound (exercise level 4/5)
Best for first-time owners Whippet
Longer average lifespan Italian Greyhound (14–15 yrs vs 12–15 yrs)

Explore Each Breed in Depth

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a miniaturized version of the Greyhound, developed in ancient Mediterranean cultures primarily …

small · Toy · 14–15 yrs

Whippet

The Whippet was developed in 19th-century northern England, where working-class miners bred a medium-sized sight hound f…

medium · Hound · 12–15 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger — a Italian Greyhound or a Whippet?

The Whippet is the larger breed, typically weighing 11–19 kg compared to the Italian Greyhound's 3.5–5 kg.

Which breed lives longer — Italian Greyhound or Whippet?

The Italian Greyhound generally has a longer lifespan (14–15 years) compared to the Whippet (12–15 years). Smaller breeds typically outlive larger ones, and individual genetics, diet, and preventive care all play significant roles.

Are Italian Greyhounds or Whippets easier to train?

The Whippet (trainability 4/5) is generally easier to train than the Italian Greyhound (3/5). Whippets tend to respond quickly to reward-based training, while Italian Greyhounds may require more patience and consistency.

Which needs more grooming — Italian Greyhound or Whippet?

Both breeds have similar grooming requirements (1/5). Regular brushing and routine coat maintenance apply equally to both.

Which breed is better for families — Italian Greyhound or Whippet?

The Whippet is generally the more family-friendly choice. The Italian Greyhound can still be a good family companion but may require more careful socialisation around children.

Do Italian Greyhounds and Whippets have the same health problems?

Based on available data, the Italian Greyhound (5 documented conditions) and the Whippet (5 documented conditions) have largely distinct health profiles. Pet insurance covering breed-specific hereditary conditions is recommended for both.

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