Italian Greyhound vs Whippet: A Detailed Comparison

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet - Compare these to dog breeds to find your perfect match.

When it comes to choosing a sighthound breed, many dog enthusiasts find themselves debating between the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet.

Both breeds are known for their grace, speed, and elegance, but they have distinct differences that make them unique. In this page,  I'll look into the key characteristics of these two breeds, including their size, weight, appearance, colour, movement, health problems, energy levels, and temperament.

By the end, you'll have a clearer idea of which breed might be the right fit for your lifestyle. Let’s explore the differences and similarities between the Italian Greyhound vs Whippet.

The question if the whippet is a miniature greyhound is still controversial.

Some respected authors and whippet experts believe that the greyhound, the whippet and the Italian Greyhound come from the same genetic pool.

The type of the three breeds is in fact very similar and what mainly sets them apart is the size.

Other influential authors believe that in the breeding of the whippet was essential terrier and/or spaniel blood to increase speed and gameness.

Probably the question will never be settled to a satisfactory conclusion.

The only certain fact is that a small hound, fast and elegant, of short coat and rose shaped ears, has been around for centuries.

Documents also testify that the workers of North of England at the end of 1800, crossed small hounds with terriers and used the resulting “snap dog” or whippet in races and rabbit coursing.

It seems almost incredible that the balanced and beautiful whippet that we know today comes from the selection of the rough snap dog of such humble origins.

Both these small hounds look like a "miniature Greyhound"and are built for speed.

They both sport a slender, elegant look and a short silky coat but they are two different breeds with distinct characteristics. 

The Italian greyhound is a very old breed, favorite of the nobility since ancient times as a prized pet.

The whippet is a more modern breed, selected by the miners of North England for racing.

The size, colors, temperament and movement differentiate the Italian  greyhound and the whippet.

You can't decide which breed to pick? Compare Italian greyhound vs whippet at a glance to decide which one is your perfect pet.

Size and Weight: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

One of the most noticeable differences between the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet is their size. The Italian Greyhound is a small, compact dog that typically stands around 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder, making it one of the smallest members of the greyhound family.

In contrast, the Whippet is a medium-sized dog, standing around 18-22 inches tall at the shoulder.

In terms of weight, the Italian Greyhound is lighter, usually weighing between 7-14 pounds. This makes them a more delicate dog, with a slender frame and fine bones. The Whippet, being larger, weighs between 25-40 pounds.

While still light and lean, Whippets are more robust in comparison to their smaller Italian counterparts. Therefore, when it comes to size and weight, the Italian Greyhound vs Whippet comparison is clear: the Italian Greyhound is smaller and lighter, while the Whippet is larger and more solidly built.

Appearance: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

Both the Italian Greyhound and Whippet have similar body structures, thanks to their shared ancestry as greyhounds. Both dogs feature long, slender legs, deep chests, and streamlined bodies designed for speed. However, the differences in size translate into slight variations in their appearance.

The Italian Greyhound has a more delicate and refined look. Its small size, graceful proportions, and fine bone structure make it appear almost fragile. The head is narrow and elongated, with large, dark eyes that convey intelligence and alertness. The Whippet, while still elegant, has a more robust and muscular build. Its body is longer and a bit broader, with a more noticeable chest and slightly larger head. Though both breeds have short, smooth coats, the Whippet tends to appear more solid and athletic in comparison to the Italian Greyhound’s more ethereal appearance.

In a side-by-side comparison of Italian Greyhound vs Whippet, you’ll notice that the Italian Greyhound’s appearance is often described as elegant and delicate, whereas the Whippet’s look is athletic and slightly more robust.

Colour: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

Both the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet come in a variety of colours, although there are some subtle differences in the range of shades available.

Italian Greyhounds are typically found in a wide array of colours, including black, blue, fawn, red, cream, and even combinations of these shades. They can also have a variety of coat patterns, including solid, and parti-coloured but no brindle.  The coat is sleek and smooth, contributing to their refined appearance.

Whippets also come in a variety of colours, with a similar range to the Italian Greyhound. Common colours include black, blue, fawn, brindle, and white. However, Whippets tend to have more variety in their coat markings, and it is not uncommon for Whippets to have multi-coloured coats with distinctive patterns such as brindle.

In terms of colour, both the Italian Greyhound and Whippet offer plenty of choices, though the Whippet’s markings may appear more varied.

In the Italian Greyhound vs Whippet colour comparison, both breeds offer rich colour options, but the Whippet tends to have a broader range of patterns and markings.

Movement and Speed: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

Both the Italian Greyhound and Whippet are known for their speed, but they express this athleticism in slightly different ways. As sighthounds, both breeds are designed for chasing prey and have a natural, fluid movement.

The Italian Greyhound moves with a graceful and almost gliding gait. Due to its smaller size and lighter weight, it is particularly agile, making quick turns and zipping through tight spaces with ease.

Despite being smaller, the Italian Greyhound is a quick and impressive sprinter, often reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

The Whippet, on the other hand, is known for its speed and endurance. It can reach up to 35 miles per hour in short bursts, making it one of the fastest dogs in the world.

The Whippet’s longer legs and more solid build allow it to cover greater distances at a higher speed than the Italian Greyhound.

The movement is low, smooth, never high stepping or stilted.

When considering Italian Greyhound vs Whippet movement, the Whippet is the faster of the two, though the Italian Greyhound is still a remarkably quick and agile dog.

Health Problems: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

Both the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet are generally healthy breeds, but they are not without their share of potential health issues.

Italian Greyhounds are prone to certain health problems due to their delicate build. Common issues include dental problems (due to their small mouths), patellar luxation (a knee issue), and hip dysplasia. They may also be more sensitive to temperature extremes, given their thin coats and lean bodies. Additionally, being a smaller dog, the Italian Greyhound can suffer from fragile bones and may be more prone to fractures if not handled gently.

Whippets, on the other hand, are generally a bit more robust and less prone to injury due to their sturdier build. However, they can still face health concerns such as heart disease, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a condition that affects vision. 

In a comparison of Italian Greyhound vs Whippet health problems, both breeds have their share of potential issues, but the Whippet tends to be a bit more resilient due to its sturdier frame.

Energy Level and Temperament: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

Both the Italian Greyhound and the Whippet are known for their high energy levels, but they manage it differently.

The Italian Greyhound is an energetic dog that loves to run and play, but it is also quite adaptable to a relaxed home environment. While it enjoys a good sprint in a secure, enclosed space, it is equally content lounging on the couch with its owner. The Italian Greyhound is typically affectionate, social, and loyal, though it can be somewhat reserved around strangers.

The Whippet, on the other hand, is also energetic but tends to be more independent. While Whippets enjoy a good run, they are generally more laid-back in the home, often content to sleep on a comfortable surface after their exercise. Whippets are friendly and affectionate with family members but can be a little more aloof with strangers.

Conclusion

n conclusion, the choice between an Italian Greyhound and a Whippet will largely depend on your preferences in terms of size, energy, and personality.

Both breeds share many similarities, including their graceful movement, affectionate nature, and love for running. However, the Italian Greyhound is smaller, more delicate, and a little more social, while the Whippet is larger, faster, and slightly more independent.

By understanding the key differences and similarities in size, appearance, movement, health, and temperament, you can make an informed decision when choosing between the Italian Greyhound vs Whippet.

Need more info about Italian Greyhounds? Find out more here!