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Greyhound vs Whippet

Two quiet, gentle sighthounds that suit apartments; the Greyhound is larger and calmer, the Whippet smaller, more playful and better in warm weather.

Greyhound profileWhippet profile

Verdict

The Greyhound and the Whippet are gentle, quiet, affectionate sighthounds with short, easy coats. Both rate well with children and for first-time owners, fit apartments if they have a secure place to run, and feel the cold. Both profiles also list sensitivity to anesthesia, which is worth raising with a vet.

The Greyhound is the bigger of the two, at 60 to 70 pounds, and the calmer, with low energy that suits a quiet indoor life after a short sprint. The Whippet, at 25 to 40 pounds, is a touch more energetic and playful, wants 45 to 60 minutes a day and tolerates warmth better. Neither should share a home with small pets that cannot be kept apart.

Choose the Greyhound if

  • You want a large, calm, clean indoor companion
  • You are adopting a retired racer and will learn its quirks
  • You have a secure place for the occasional sprint
  • You can supply space for a tall dog of 27 to 30 inches

Choose the Whippet if

  • You prefer a smaller, medium-sized sighthound
  • You enjoy lure coursing or a playful streak
  • You live somewhere warm and want a bit more heat tolerance
  • You can be home much of the day with a sensitive dog

Side by side

Greyhound Whippet
AKC group Hound Group Hound Group
Size class Large Medium
Typical weight 60 to 70 lb 25 to 40 lb
Height 27 to 30 in at the shoulder 18 to 22 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
AKC popularity, 2025 151 of 202 48 of 202
Shedding Light Light
Grooming needs Minimal Minimal
Energy Low to moderate Moderate
Trainability Average Average
Barking Rarely barks Rarely barks
With children Very good Very good
Apartment living Good Good
First-time owners Good Good
Heat tolerance Below average Average
Cold tolerance Poor Poor
Temperament
  • gentle
  • quiet
  • affectionate
  • sensitive
  • calm
  • gentle
  • quiet
  • affectionate
  • sensitive
  • playful
Health concerns to know about
  • bloat
  • osteosarcoma
  • anesthesia sensitivity
  • dental disease
  • corns on the feet
  • tick-borne disease in retired racers
  • heart murmurs
  • eye conditions
  • skin tears
  • anesthesia sensitivity
  • von Willebrand disease
Suits
  • adopters of retired racers
  • quiet households
  • people who want a calm indoor dog
  • quiet households
  • people who enjoy lure coursing
  • apartment dwellers with access to a secure run

Facts and ratings come from each breed's profile. They describe a breed as a whole, and individual dogs vary, so meet the dog before you choose.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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