Greyhound vs Whippet
Greyhound or Whippet? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Greyhound | Whippet | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound | Hound |
| Size | Large · 60–70 lb | Medium · 25–40 lb |
| Lifespan | 10–13 years | 12–15 years |
| Coat | Short, fine, low shed | Short, fine, light shed |
| Temperament | Gentle, quiet, sensitive | Gentle, calm, affectionate |
| Best fit | Calm homes, apartments | Apartments with a daily run |
| Energy | ●●●●● Short sprints, long naps | ●●●●● Daily sprint, then naps |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Gentle, independent | ●●●●● Sensitive, gentle hands |
| Grooming load | ●●●●● Quick weekly wipe | ●●●●● Quick weekly wipe |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Easygoing and quiet | ●●●●● Easy indoors |
| Observed price | Not enough prices yet | $2,500 median (12 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Whippet rates higher than the Greyhound (3 of 5 vs 2).
- Trainability: about the same (3 of 5 each).
- Grooming load: about the same (1 of 5 each).
- Beginner fit: about the same (4 of 5 each).
The Greyhound
The classic sighthound, bred to chase game by sight at speeds over 40 miles per hour, the Greyhound is a sprinter rather than a marathoner. Gentle, quiet and happy to sleep most of the day, it needs a safe place to run and should not be trusted off leash.
Greyhounds chase anything that runs and can reach a road before you call them. Their thin skin tears easily, they feel the cold, and many cannot live with cats or small pets.
The Whippet
An English sighthound bred to chase rabbits and race, the Whippet is built for bursts of speed and long naps afterward. Gentle, quiet and affectionate indoors, it is one of the easiest sighthounds to live with, but it must run safely.
Whippets chase anything that moves and can reach dangerous speeds, so off-leash running needs a secure area. They feel the cold, have thin skin that tears easily and are sensitive to harsh handling.
Questions
Is a Greyhound or a Whippet better for a beginner?
Neither has the edge: both rate 4 of 5 for beginners in our Animal Library. Greyhound: Easygoing and quiet. Whippet: Easy indoors.
What is the main difference between a Greyhound and a Whippet?
Greyhounds chase anything that runs and can reach a road before you call them. Their thin skin tears easily, they feel the cold, and many cannot live with cats or small pets. By contrast, whippets chase anything that moves and can reach dangerous speeds, so off-leash running needs a secure area. They feel the cold, have thin skin that tears easily and are sensitive to harsh handling.