Dog Breeds 101: Whippet vs Italian Greyhound
Welcome to Dog Breeds 101 where we’ll explore the many different types of dogs out there and give you the scoop. In today’s feature, we’re going to discuss the characteristics that differentiate two often confused breeds: Italian Greyhounds and Whippets.
If you’ve ever parented either of these breeds, you’re likely well acquainted with the many differentiators between the two. However, if you’ve been living your entire life not knowing the main characteristics that define Italian Greyhounds and Whippets, then buckle up.
Origins
To best understand the varying attributes that distinguish a Whippet from an Italian Greyhound, it’s helpful to delve into the origins of each.
Whippets trace back to Victorian England, where Greyhounds were popular for racing and rabbit hunting. Traditional Greyhounds, which are much larger in size compared to their pipsqueak relatives, were harder and more expensive. Bigger dog = bigger portions. The less fortunate in the region who couldn’t afford keeping up with a fancy Greyhound’s lifestyle came up with their version of a “dupe” Greyhound: the Whippet.
The Italian Greyhounds’ origin story is quite the opposite. Despite having “Italy” in their name, this breed is traced back to the Roman Empire in the regions of Greece and Turkey. While the Whippets were seen as a “poor man’s Greyhound,” Italian Greyhounds were essentially the “Guccis” of the dog world. In fact, royal figures like Catherine the Great and Queen Victoria favored them.
Despite their varying origins, both Whippets and Italian Greyhounds can be seen strutting their stuff at esteemed dog shows.
Physical Differences
If dogs could walk the runway at New York Fashion Week, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds would be first in line.
To the average person, the physical differences between Whippets and Italian Greyhounds may seem few. However, if you take a closer look, you can see the many distinguishing features between the two.
Whippets range from 18 to 22 inches in height and weigh between 25 to 40 pounds. Their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 15 years. They have a smooth, short coat, an “inverted S” shape, a slender build, and a long neck.
Italian Greyhounds are notably smaller than Whippets, ranging from 13 to 15 inches in height and weighing between 7 to 14 pounds. They too have a short, smooth coat and a sleek shape with slender limbs and long features.
Both breeds vary in coat color and can be seen in many different presentations.
Behavioral Expectations
Both breeds are known to be playful, fun, and loving. Italian Greyhounds tend to be more social and adaptable than Whippets, but both enjoy being highly active and playing around. Whippets also tend to be higher energy and require a bit more mental stimulation than their counterparts– think your extroverted friend. In addition, they are less likely to be yappers (aka, barkers). Both breeds are affectionate with their families and get along well with other dogs. However, an Italian Greyhound might be more wary of children than a Whippet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whippets are a bit larger and more high-energy, while Italian Greyhounds are on the smaller side and more inclined to sit back and relax. You can see both breeds taking home the gold in Westminster or snuggling with their paw-parents.
