Greyhound vs. Whippet — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 8, 2024
Greyhounds are a larger, faster breed known for their exceptional speed and hunting ability, while Whippets are smaller and more adaptable to family life, yet still fast and agile.
Difference Between Greyhound and Whippet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Greyhounds are one of the fastest dog breeds, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour, making them excellent racing and hunting dogs. Whippets, though smaller, are also swift, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, and are often involved in racing and lure coursing.
While Greyhounds are larger, with males standing up to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 60-70 pounds, Whippets are more medium-sized, with males standing up to 22 inches and weighing 25-40 pounds, making Whippets more suited to various living situations.
Greyhounds have a short, smooth coat and a more muscular build, reflecting their racing heritage. Whippets also have a short, smooth coat but are less muscular, with a more graceful and streamlined appearance.
Greyhounds are known for their gentle and laid-back temperament, making them excellent companions, especially in quieter households. Whippets are also known for their affectionate and friendly nature, making them great family pets, adaptable to both active and relaxed lifestyles.
Both breeds share a sighthound heritage, meaning they are visually oriented hunters with a strong prey drive. This trait makes both breeds inclined to chase moving objects, requiring secure, fenced areas for safe off-leash exercise.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Larger, up to 30 inches and 60-70 pounds
Smaller, up to 22 inches and 25-40 pounds
Speed
Up to 45 mph
Up to 35 mph
Coat
Short and smooth
Short and smooth
Build
Muscular and lean
Slimmer and more graceful
Temperament
Gentle and laid-back
Affectionate and adaptable
Ideal for
Racing, hunting, quiet households
Racing, family life, various living situations
Prey Drive
High
High
Exercise Needs
High, with space for sprinting
Moderate to high, adaptable
Compare with Definitions
Greyhound
Greyhounds are known for their incredible speed and agility.
The Greyhound raced ahead, easily outpacing the other dogs.
Whippet
Whippets are known for their speed and elegance.
The Whippet moved with a swift, graceful stride.
Greyhound
Their short coat requires minimal grooming.
The Greyhound's sleek coat shone in the sunlight with minimal care.
Whippet
They make great companions for various households.
The friendly Whippet adapted quickly to its new urban home.
Greyhound
Despite their size, they are gentle and affectionate.
The large Greyhound nuzzled its owner affectionately.
Whippet
They love to chase moving objects.
The Whippet couldn't resist chasing the thrown ball, showcasing its natural instincts.
Greyhound
They are surprisingly good indoor pets.
The Greyhound lounged peacefully in the living room.
Whippet
Their short coat is easy to maintain.
The Whippet's coat remained sleek with just regular brushing.
Greyhound
Their hunting instinct remains strong.
The Greyhound's attention snapped to the squirrel, demonstrating its innate prey drive.
Whippet
They enjoy being part of family activities.
The Whippet eagerly joined the family hike, keeping pace with ease.
Greyhound
The Greyhound is a breed of dog, a sighthound which has been bred for coursing game and greyhound racing. It is also referred to as an English Greyhound.
Whippet
The Whippet (also English Whippet or Snaphound) is a dog breed of medium size. They are a sighthound breed that originated in England, where they descended from Greyhounds.
Greyhound
A dog of a tall slender breed having a narrow head and a smooth coat. It was originally bred to hunt fast prey and is often used for racing.
Whippet
A dog of a slender breed developed in England for racing, resembling the greyhound but smaller.
Greyhound
A lean breed of dog used in hunting and racing.
Whippet
A dog of a certain breed, similar to a small greyhound, originating in Britain and bred for racing.
Greyhound
A highball cocktail of vodka and grapefruit juice.
Whippet
(slang) A cartridge of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), used as a recreational inhalant drug.
Greyhound
(dated) A swift steamer, especially an ocean steamer.
Whippet
Small slender dog of greyhound type developed in England
Greyhound
(of fish) To leap rapidly across the surface of the water.
Greyhound
A slender, graceful breed of dogs, remarkable for keen sight and swiftness. It is one of the oldest varieties known, and is figured on the Egyptian monuments.
Greyhound
A swift steamer, esp. an ocean steamer.
Greyhound
A tall slender dog of an ancient breed noted for swiftness and keen sight; used as a racing dog
Common Curiosities
What's the main difference between a Greyhound and a Whippet?
The main difference is size; Greyhounds are larger and faster, while Whippets are smaller and more adaptable to various living situations.
Are Greyhounds and Whippets good with children?
Yes, both breeds are generally good with children, thanks to their gentle and friendly nature, though interactions should always be supervised.
Can Whippets and Greyhounds live in apartments?
Yes, both can adapt to apartment living if they receive adequate exercise, though Whippets may find it easier due to their smaller size.
Are Whippets just miniature Greyhounds?
While Whippets resemble smaller Greyhounds and share similar traits, they are distinct breeds with different characteristics and history.
Can Whippets and Greyhounds be left alone?
Both breeds can be left alone for reasonable periods, but they thrive on companionship and shouldn't be left isolated for too long.
Do Whippets have better recall than Greyhounds?
Both breeds have a strong prey drive, which can affect recall. Training and secure environments are crucial for off-leash safety.
Do Greyhounds and Whippets require a lot of exercise?
Both breeds need regular exercise; Greyhounds need short bursts of high-speed running, while Whippets can adapt to more varied exercise routines.
Are Greyhounds and Whippets easy to train?
Both breeds are intelligent and can be trained, but they may have an independent streak, making patience and consistency key.
Are Greyhounds and Whippets prone to health issues?
Both breeds are generally healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain breed-specific health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended.
Are Whippets as fast as Greyhounds?
Whippets are fast, reaching up to 35 mph, but Greyhounds are faster, capable of speeds up to 45 mph.
Is it true that Greyhounds are couch potatoes?
Despite their speed, Greyhounds are known for being quite relaxed indoors and can be content with being couch potatoes after their exercise needs are met.
Do Greyhounds require more food than Whippets due to their size?
Generally, yes, Greyhounds will require more food than Whippets because of their larger size, but individual needs can vary.
How do Greyhounds and Whippets handle cold weather?
Both breeds have short coats and low body fat, making them sensitive to cold. They require warm clothing or indoor environments in cold weather.
Do Greyhounds and Whippets make good therapy dogs?
Both can make good therapy dogs due to their gentle and affectionate nature, but this can depend on the individual dog's temperament and training.
Can Greyhounds and Whippets coexist with other pets?
They can coexist with other pets if properly introduced and socialized, though their high prey drive means caution is needed around smaller animals.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
