Greyhound vs Whippet
Breed Snapshot
Best For
The Greyhound is a sleek sighthound known for their incredible speed and gentle demeanor. Originating from ancient Egypt, Greyhounds have long been sought after by royalty and nobility, and were prized for their game-chasing abilities....
The Greyhound is a sleek sighthound known for their incredible speed and gentle demeanor. Originating from ancient Egypt, Greyhounds have long been sought after by royalty and nobility, and were prized for their game-chasing abilities. Today, these dogs make affectionate companions and family pets.
Greyhound Temperament
Greyhounds (aka English Greyhounds) are friendly, gentle dogs who make great family pets. This dog breed has spurts of energy they need to get rid of (off-leash) throughout the day, but once their energy is depleted, they’re quiet and calm. Unless there’s a rabbit or a squirrel...
Greyhounds (aka English Greyhounds) are friendly, gentle dogs who make great family pets.
This dog breed has spurts of energy they need to get rid of (off-leash) throughout the day, but once their energy is depleted, they’re quiet and calm. Unless there’s a rabbit or a squirrel nearby, they are a pretty chill breed who will lie at your feet when you’re relaxing at home.
Because Greyhounds are sighthounds (dogs who hunt by sight instead of by scent), they were bred to pursue game independently of their human hunting buddies. That means they have a rather independent streak, so proper training and early socialization will help them be well-mannered members of the family.
Greyhound Traits
Breed Snapshot
Best For
Whippets are graceful, gentle pups who need to run—a lot. But with minimal grooming requirements and a friendly nature, these dogs can fit perfectly into active families seeking a versatile, low-maintenance pet.
Whippet Temperament
Whippets love being with people and aren’t shy when greeting visitors at your door or while out on a walk. So, if you’re looking for a guard dog, look elsewhere—Whippets rarely bark, rarely bite and will welcome intruders. They love kids, especially those who treat them wit...
Whippets love being with people and aren’t shy when greeting visitors at your door or while out on a walk. So, if you’re looking for a guard dog, look elsewhere—Whippets rarely bark, rarely bite and will welcome intruders. They love kids, especially those who treat them with respect (as all children who live with dogs should be taught to do). And because these gentle dogs love people and they’re smaller in size, they make excellent therapy dogs for nursing homes and hospitals.
Because they are so social, the Whippet dog breed may struggle with separation anxiety and may not take to crate training. If you have to be away for several hours, check them into doggy daycare or arrange for a neighbor to stop by and play with them.
Whippet dogs are smart and crave mental stimulation. They’re not as eager to learn as a Border Collie, but they have an instinct for hunting, so they have a natural intelligence when it comes to playing tracking games and giving chase. Pet parents often describe Whippets as clever, bright and quick to learn. As you train them, remember Whippets are soft-natured and have a sensitive side, and these qualities mean they need to be trained with gentleness.
You might be able to teach a Whippet to play nice with cats and other small animals, but they do have the tendency to chase. (They are lovers of a good pursuit after all!) Their instincts can kick in even with a well-known feline.
Whippet Traits
