Whippet And Italian Greyhound Differences Explained

Whippets and Italian Greyhounds may look alike, but they’re worlds apart in history, personality, and energy. One carries a playful, athletic spark, the other exudes elegance and delicate charm. Understanding what makes each breed unique helps dog lovers connect better. Keep reading to discover which breed suits you best.

The History Of Each Breed Shows Which Came First

You can trace the roots of the Whippet to 18th-century England, when it earned the nickname “the poor man’s racehorse.” Meanwhile, Italian Greyhounds appear in ancient Pompeii artwork. Their existence dates back over 2,000 years, as Roman nobles and Renaissance elites preferred them. Even Queen Victoria owned an Italian Greyhound.

Comparing Body Mass Shows Which Weighs More

It’s easy to mistake a Whippet for “small Greyhounds,” but Italian Greyhounds are even smaller. Surprisingly, the latter can weigh less than a Thanksgiving turkey or a bowling ball because they average 7–14 pounds. On the other hand, adult Whippets weigh significantly more, ranging from 25 to 40 pounds. 

Height Differences

Italian Greyhounds typically reach 13–15 inches at the shoulder, whereas Whippets are taller, measuring 18–22 inches. This means Whippets can be nearly one-and-a-half times the height of Italian Greyhounds, which highlights a noticeable size difference between the breeds.

Build And Frame

Let’s go back to their roots for a bit. Whippets are sturdy runners because the English bred them as a working-class racing dog for rabbit hunting and sprinting. However, Italian elites favored Greyhounds for their fragility and elegance. Unlike the former, which has an athletic frame, they could injure themselves by merely jumping off a couch.

Social Behavior With Other Dogs

In social settings, Whippets maintain a calm, neutral demeanor, especially if introduced to other dogs as puppies. They can enjoy playful interactions without asserting dominance. Italian Greyhounds tend to be more excitable or anxious, forming tight bonds with one dog while being cautious around new companions.

Trainability And Temperament Differences

Whippets are known for their calm, independent nature and respond well to gentle, consistent training. They’re not overly clingy but do enjoy companionship. Italian Greyhounds, on the other hand, are more emotionally sensitive and can be stubborn during training.

Coat Texture

Although both breeds have short coats, Whippets have slightly thicker skin and fur despite shedding more than you’d expect. Meanwhile, Italian Greyhounds have a thinner coat and are more sensitive to temperature, and some might need sweaters even in spring.

Grooming

Despite requiring minimal grooming as short-haired breeds, they still have significant differences. Whippets enjoy grooming time if introduced to it early, but Italian Greyhounds dislike baths because they can easily become cold. They’re also more prone to dental issues and need regular tooth care. In addition, they’re famously picky about humans touching their paws.

Nutrition Requirements

As former racing dogs, Whippets need more calories due to their size and muscle mass. They eat more and often act as if they’re starving, even when they’re full. However, Italian Greyhounds are better off with small, frequent meals because they’re prone to hypoglycemia (a low level of blood glucose). They also prefer warm food, especially during winter.

Health Risks And Common Conditions

As mentioned earlier, Italian Greyhounds are susceptible to dental disease and leg fractures. They may require baby-proofing, similar to toddlers, due to their more delicate bone structure. On the other hand, Whippets are among the few breeds sensitive to anesthesia; they’re prone to heart murmurs and arrhythmia.