Greyhound, Whippet, Italian Greyhound: Differences and Similarities

Greyhound, whippet, Italian greyhound: compare these three dog breeds and find your perfect match.

These hounds almost look the same dog breed in three different sizes but actually their history, attitudes and development set them apart and their differences run a lot deeper than what you would see immediately.

Size is the first obvious difference. 

Size 

Greyhound

Large: height 27-31in (69-78cm) weight 55-66 lbs(25-30kg)

Whippet

Medium: height 17-20in (44-51cm) weight 20-26lbs(9-13kg). The American standard allows bigger whippets.

Italian Greyhound

Small: Ideal Height: 32-38cms (12½-15 ins) at withers. Ideal Weight 3.6-4.5 kgs (8-10 lbs).

Proportions 

Also body proportions in the three breeds are dissimilar.

As you can see in the picture below, the ribcage in the whippet is about the double length of that  of the loin.

In the Italian greyhound the two length are approximately the same, giving the hound a shorter look.

On another hand in the greyhound the length of the ribcage is more or less three times that of the loin with the result of a longer dog. 

Colors

The colors allowed for each breed are not the same, as stated in each official standard. For the whippet anything goes!

Greyhound

Black, white, red, blue, fawn, fallow, brindle or any of these colors broken with white.

Whippet

Color is inconsequential.

Italian Greyhound

Black, blue, cream, fawn, red, white, or any of these colours broken with white. White dogs may be broken with one of these colours. Black or blue with tan markings, or brindle not acceptable.

Sorry, no brindles!

Origins

The history of the three breeds could not be more different.

Greyhound

Probably the most ancient dog breed. The line goes back thousands of years. Favorite pet and hunting dog of the upper class they became a status symbol. Now often used in highly competitive dog racing.

Whippet

Favorite pet and racing dog of working class during the Victorian era, probably crossed with terriers. Now pet, racing and coursing dog in nonprofessional competitions.

Italian Greyhound

A luxury dog. Pet and small game hunter of affluent class since roman times.

Temperament

Temperament as stated in the Uk breed standards

Greyhound

Intelligent, gentle, affectionate and even-tempered.

Whippet

Amiable, friendly, gentle and extremely adaptable at home or in the field. He makes an ideal companion.

Italian Greyhound

Intelligent, affectionate and vivacious.

And may I add very vivacious? Whippets and greyhound are rather low energy at home but Italian Greyhounds are full of spirit non-stop, even in old age.

Greyhound Whippet Italian Greyhound are Not For...

Greyhound 

Unfenced yards, automatic obedience, off-leash romp

Whippet

Outdoor living, unfenced yards

Italian Greyhound

Kennel life, rowdy children