Considering a Whippet or an Italian Greyhound? You’re not alone. These sleek, elegant breeds turn heads everywhere they go. Both are graceful, affectionate, and fast—but they have some key differences that could make one a better fit for your lifestyle than the other.
This in-depth comparison will walk you through temperament, size, exercise needs, training quirks, and even how each breed handles stress and reactivity. By the end, you’ll know which of these speedy companions is the perfect match for you.
At a Glance: Whippet vs Italian Greyhound
| Feature | Whippet | Italian Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 25–40 lbs, 18–22” tall | 7–14 lbs, 13–15” tall |
| Energy Level | Moderate (sprinter, then couch potato) | Moderate to high (more fidgety) |
| Trainability | Responsive, sensitive | Stubborn, sensitive, intelligent |
| Good for Apartments? | Yes | Yes, even better in smaller spaces |
| Cold Tolerance | Low | Very low |
| Reactivity | Moderate | Higher likelihood of anxiety/reactivity |
Physical Differences: Size & Structure
The most obvious difference between a Whippet and an Italian Greyhound is size. Whippets are medium-sized dogs, usually weighing 25–40 pounds. Italian Greyhounds (IGs) are true toy breeds, often less than 15 pounds at full maturity.
Whippet:
- Lean, muscular, and slightly sturdier
- Built for sprinting, but also fairly robust indoors
Italian Greyhound:
- Delicate bones and petite frames
- Prone to injury if handled roughly or dropped
If you have small children, a Whippet may tolerate them better. IGs can be nervous around loud noises or fast movements.
Temperament: Personality and Behavior
Both Whippets and Italian Greyhounds are affectionate, loving companions—but their emotional needs are different.
Whippet Temperament:
- Gentle and friendly with family
- Calm at home, playful outdoors
- Less prone to anxiety than IGs
Italian Greyhound Temperament:
- Extremely loyal and bonded to one person
- More sensitive, nervous, and reactive
- May bark or hide around strangers
IGs can become “shadow dogs” and suffer from separation anxiety if not trained for independence early. Whippets tend to be more balanced emotionally but still crave attention and closeness.
If your Whippet or Italian Greyhound struggles with fear, barking, or separation anxiety, check out the free Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar. It’s packed with practical tools to help sensitive dogs build confidence and relax in everyday life.
Exercise and Energy Levels
Both breeds love to run, but neither needs hours of exercise. A short daily burst of play or a fenced run satisfies their physical needs. Inside, they’re total snuggle bugs.
Whippet Energy Profile:
- Sprinter, not a marathoner
- Loves zoomies, then sleeps for hours
Italian Greyhound Energy Profile:
- More fidgety and restless indoors
- Requires mental stimulation (puzzle toys, training)
Whippets are slightly easier to satisfy with one good outing a day. IGs, being smaller and more reactive, need more frequent movement—especially to avoid anxiety.
Training Challenges and Strengths
Both Whippets and IGs are trainable—but they require patience, empathy, and positive reinforcement. These breeds shut down with harsh methods or corrections. They respond best to calm, reward-based training.
Whippet:
- Can be timid with strangers but warms up quickly
- Smart, responsive, food-motivated
Italian Greyhound:
- Very intelligent but often stubborn
- Prone to distraction and nervousness in new settings
Whippets tend to be more consistent and easier to house-train. IGs are notorious for potty training challenges—especially in cold weather.
Grooming and Maintenance
Both breeds have short, smooth coats with minimal grooming needs. However, their thin skin and low body fat make them cold-sensitive and more vulnerable to injury.
- Brush weekly to remove dander and loose hair
- Provide sweaters or coats in cold weather
- Use harnesses instead of collars to protect the neck
Italian Greyhounds are more fragile overall and need softer beds and more temperature control than Whippets.
Health and Lifespan
Both Whippets and IGs are generally healthy, but each has specific vulnerabilities. Regular vet visits and preventive care go a long way in keeping either breed thriving.
Whippet Health Concerns:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Anesthesia sensitivity (due to low fat)
- Eye disorders
Italian Greyhound Health Concerns:
- Broken legs and bone injuries (due to fine bones)
- Dental disease (frequent in toy breeds)
- Separation anxiety or behavioral stress
Lifespan for Whippets is typically 12–15 years. Italian Greyhounds can live up to 14–17 years when well cared for.
Cost and Commitment
Italian Greyhounds often come with higher vet bills due to their fragility and dental care needs. Both breeds require high-quality diets, supportive bedding, and gentle handling.
Training and behavior support is essential—especially for IGs, who are more prone to fear-based reactions, barking, and clinging behavior.
Ready to build calm confidence in your sensitive dog? The free Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar is the emotional toolkit every Whippet or Italian Greyhound owner needs. It’s gentle, effective, and rooted in connection—not correction.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Whippet if you want:
- A medium-sized, graceful dog with calm energy
- A quiet companion who can relax for hours
- A dog that’s friendly but not clingy
Choose an Italian Greyhound if you want:
- A tiny, elegant dog who will be your constant shadow
- A playful, expressive, quirky personality
- A challenge (and reward) when it comes to training and bonding
Both breeds thrive in calm, affectionate households that respect their sensitivity. Neither does well in high-chaos, high-noise environments or with overly rough handling.
Conclusion
Whippets and Italian Greyhounds are both stunning, loving, and emotionally rich companions—but they’re not interchangeable. Whippets offer slightly more stability and calmness, while IGs deliver intensity, loyalty, and charm in a petite package. Know your lifestyle, and choose based on energy, size, and emotional needs—not just looks.
If you’re bringing home a Whippet or Italian Greyhound—or already have one and need help with their emotional balance—start with the free Solve Dog Reactivity AutoWebinar. It’s a game-changer for sensitive breeds that struggle with overstimulation, anxiety, or barking.