Comparator

Whippet or Greyhound: which breed to choose?

Whippet and Greyhound are two dog breeds often compared by future adopters. Here is a point-by-point comparison to help you decide: size, temperament, purchase price, monthly budget, and compatibility with your lifestyle.

Whippet

Whippet

Medium10–16 kg700–1,000 €
+12
Greyhound

Greyhound

Large26–38 kg500–1,000 €
+6

Key takeaways

  • Greyhound is larger: 26–38 kg vs 10–16 kg for Whippet.
  • Greyhound is cheaper to buy: 500–1,000 € vs 700–1,000 € for Whippet.
  • Day to day, Whippet costs less: about 119 € per month vs 170 € for Greyhound.
  • Both breeds need a similar level of daily activity (5/5).
  • Whippet is rated higher for “Family & children”: 4/5 vs 3/5 for Greyhound.
  • Whippet is rated higher for “Apartment living”: 3/5 vs 2/5 for Greyhound.
  • Whippet is rated higher for “First-time owner”: 3/5 vs 2/5 for Greyhound.
  • Whippet lives longer on average: 12–15 years vs 10–13 years for Greyhound.

Our verdict

Choose Whippet if you’re looking for…

  • Calm but active homes : The Whippet likes peace and quiet at home while needing quality outings every day.
  • People who like sighthounds : Its sensitive, reserved and elegant temperament suits lovers of refined and discreet dogs.
  • Indoor living with outings : It can live well in an apartment if its need for movement is truly respected.

Choose Greyhound if you’re looking for…

  • Calm but available owners : It suits people who appreciate a discreet dog while ensuring good daily outings.
  • House with a fenced garden : A secure space makes relaxation easier and limits the risks linked to its chasing instinct.
  • Fans of large sensitive dogs : Its gentle temperament appeals to households looking for a refined, affectionate and not very demonstrative companion.

Detailed comparison

General information
Origin United KingdomUnited Kingdom
FCI group 1010
Size MediumLarge
Height at withers 44–51 cm68–76 cm
Weight 10–16 kg26–38 kg
Coat Short, fine and closeShort, fine and close
Life expectancy 12–15 ans10–13 ans
Average price 700–1,000 €500–1,000 €
Monthly budget ≈ 119 €≈ 170 €
Compatibility
Family & children
Very good
Good
Daily activity required
Very high
Very high
Apartment living
Good
Fairly good
First-time owner
Good
Fairly good
Other pets
Good
Good
Tolerance for being alone
Good
Fairly good
Guarding instinct
Good
Limited
Pros & Cons
  • Obedient
  • Low escape risk
  • Not destructive
  • Barks little
  • Robust health
  • Easy grooming
  • Sheds little
  • Drools little
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Obedient
  • Low escape risk
  • Barks little
  • Good health
  • Easy grooming
  • Sheds little
  • Drools little
  • High exercise needs
  • Not very adaptable
  • Tends to destroy