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Italian Greyhound vs Whippet

Two sensitive, quiet sighthounds; the Italian Greyhound is a delicate toy breed for adult homes, the Whippet a sturdier medium dog that suits children better.

Italian Greyhound profileWhippet profile

Verdict

The Italian Greyhound and the Whippet are sensitive, affectionate sighthounds with short coats that need almost no grooming and shed lightly. Both are quiet, both suffer in the cold, and both want a secure space to run. Each profile also lists sensitivity to anesthesia.

Size and fragility make the difference. The Italian Greyhound weighs 7 to 14 pounds, is alert and cat-like, is slower to house train and is prone to leg fractures, so its profile advises adult households and warns against rough play and very small children. The Whippet is a larger and sturdier relative at 25 to 40 pounds. It is rated better with children and for first-time owners.

Choose the Italian Greyhound if

  • Your household is calm and made up of adults
  • You want a toy-sized, cat-like companion
  • Your home is warm and you have a secure yard
  • You have the patience for slow house training

Choose the Whippet if

  • You have children and want a sturdier dog
  • You are a first-time owner with a quiet home
  • You like a playful, house-loving dog of medium size
  • You can supply 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise

Side by side

Italian Greyhound Whippet
AKC group Toy Group Hound Group
Size class Small Medium
Typical weight 7 to 14 lb 25 to 40 lb
Height 13 to 15 in at the shoulder 18 to 22 in at the shoulder
Typical lifespan 14 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
AKC popularity, 2025 53 of 202 48 of 202
Shedding Minimal Light
Grooming needs Minimal Minimal
Energy High Moderate
Trainability Average Average
Barking Seldom barks Rarely barks
With children Fair Very good
Apartment living Good Good
First-time owners Manageable Good
Heat tolerance Average Average
Cold tolerance Poor Poor
Temperament
  • sensitive
  • affectionate
  • playful
  • alert
  • cat-like
  • gentle
  • quiet
  • affectionate
  • sensitive
  • playful
Health concerns to know about
  • leg fractures
  • periodontal disease
  • patellar luxation
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • sensitivity to anesthesia
  • heart murmurs
  • eye conditions
  • skin tears
  • anesthesia sensitivity
  • von Willebrand disease
Suits
  • adults and older families
  • warm homes
  • owners who enjoy a sensitive companion
  • 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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