- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Sighthounds, or dogs that hunt by sight, are some of the oldest dog breeds in the world. The sighthound family includes dogs like the Standard Greyhound, the smaller Italian Greyhound, and the Whippet.
All three dogs have a similar regal and sleek appearance, but each breed has distinct needs for exercise, health care, and grooming.
Not sure which dog is right for your family? You’re in the right place. Read on to learn more about the differences between Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, and Whippets—and how to tell which breed suits your lifestyle.
History And Origins
These three sighthound breeds have a slightly different lineage and background.
Greyhound
Think of the Standard Greyhound as the “original” sighthound. They show up on Egyptian tombs, in Greek and Roman literature, and even in the Bible. In fact, standard greyhounds were one of the first European dogs to come to the Americas. They arrived with Christopher Columbus on his expedition.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1885.
Italian Greyhounds
Italian Greyhounds became popular during the Italian Renaissance, when they became steadfast companions to nobles and royalty. It’s believed they have some lineage in common with full-sized Greyhounds, but their origins aren’t 100% clear.
The AKC officially recognized them in 1886.
Whippets
Whippets are a much “younger” dog, compared to their cousins. They originated in England during the 1800s as a cross of English Greyhounds and Terriers. Full-sized Italian Greyhounds also joined their family tree later on, giving them the classic sighthound sleekness.
The AKC recognized Whippets in 1888.
Physical Characteristics And Size
These three breeds are different sizes, though they do share a few physical traits:
- Long and willowy limbs
- Low body fat
- Short coats
- Elongated heads
- Wiry tails
Greyhound
Greyhounds are large and sleek. They stand between 27 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 60 to 70 pounds. Their coats can come in any color.
Italian Greyhound
These dogs are much smaller than Standard Greyhounds. They stand between 13 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh around 7 to 14 pounds. Their coats can come in any color except brindle.
Whippet
Whippets fall between the toy-sized Italian Greyhound and the Standard Greyhound in size. They stand between 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and typically weigh around 28 pounds. Whippets can come in any color.
What Are A Greyhound’s Grooming Needs?
All three breeds have short and sleek coats, which means they don’t need baths often. You can use a wire brush on a Standard Greyhound’s coat to help prevent excess shedding, says Kimberly Lewark-Fritzler, co-owner of Windrock Hounds and platinum-certified AKC Greyhound breeder of merit.
It’s a good idea to trim your dog’s nails at least twice per month, says Justin Smithey, AKC breeder of merit for both Italian Greyhounds and Whippets and co-owner of Pinnacle Farm and Kennel.
It’s also a good idea to brush your dog’s teeth weekly. However, Smithey emphasizes that Italian Greyhounds can be prone to dental disease, so they need their teeth brushed more often.
Personality And Temperament
All three of these sighthounds are generally laid back and gentle, but they may have slight differences in temperament.
Greyhound
Greyhounds tend to be gentle, sweet, and sensitive. They can be affectionate with their families, though some may be aloof. They do need plenty of exercise, but they’re perfectly content crashing on the couch afterward.
Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds are also gentle and affectionate with their families, but they have almost cat-like temperaments, Smithey explains. Some may be more aloof or timid when it comes to socializing with people.
Whippet
Whippets have quiet and gentle temperaments. Outside of their bursts of energy, they’re often perfectly content to lounge on the couch. Smithey also notes that they can be braver than Italian Greyhounds.
How Much Exercise Do Sighthounds Need?
Sighthounds are built for speed and need time to run every day, though the exact amount of time can vary.
- Greyhound: A Standard Greyhound should have daily sprint sessions and multiple walks per day. “They are meant to run,” Lewark-Fritzler explains.
- Italian Greyhound: Toy dogs usually need between 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity per day, so these dogs don’t need quite as much activity as larger sighthounds.
- Whippet: Whippets also love to sprint. But they don’t need as much exercise as Greyhounds, so they can be perfectly content with shorter walks and play sessions.
Are Sighthounds Easy To Train?
All three breeds are trainable, but they may be more challenging to manage during training compared to other breeds, since they don’t necessarily have a desire to please. Remember that positive reinforcement is key when training any dog.
Additionally, while a sighthound may enjoy chasing games, don’t expect them to play fetch.
“A Greyhound will run out to that ball and say, ‘Yep, here it is.’ Then they’ll run off and find something else to do,” Lewark-Fritzler says.
Do Greyhounds Have Special Health Needs?
Like many purebred dogs, each breed may have a tendency toward certain health conditions.
It’s vital to choose a breeder that conducts thorough health screenings and tests to minimize the chances of inherited issues, Lewark-Fritzler says.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are often prone to:
- Heart conditions, like myocardial disease and chronic valvular disease.
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Skin conditions
- Dietary sensitivities and digestive disorders
- Oral conditions
Additionally, as larger dogs, Greyhounds can also be prone to gastric torsion, or “bloat,” Lewark-Fritzler says. Bloat can be life-threatening and requires prompt emergency vet treatment. If you have a dog, it’s essential familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms, which include a swollen belly, pain, lethargy, and drooling.
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds may be prone to:
- Dental issues, like periodontal disease
- Broken legs
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
- Alopecia
- Vision issues, like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy
Whippet
Whippets may develop inherited health issues like:
- Cardiac disease and heart murmers
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer
- Deafness
Will Greyhounds Get Along with Children and Other Pets?
All three of these sighthound breeds can get along with children, other dogs, and cats—with some caveats.
Greyhounds have low body fat and spindly frames, and Lewark-Fritzler stresses that they’re not built for roughhousing with younger children, or anyone else, for that matter. They can, however, get along well with older children who have learned how to pet dogs gently.
Additionally, Greyhounds need proper socialization with cats from an early age due to their hunting instincts.
Smithey says the same thing about Italian Greyhounds and Whippets. He stresses that it’s especially important for Whippets to socialize with cats from a young age, since they’re larger than Italian Greyhounds.
If you already have cats, make sure you choose a puppy or adopt an adult dog who was raised with cats in the house.
Is My Home Right For A Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Or Whippet?
The right breed for you may depend on your living situation.
- Greyhounds: These dogs need a dedicated space to run freely, like a fenced-in yard. In fact, Lewark-Fritzler’s kennel won’t place a Standard Greyhound in an apartment home.
- Italian Greyhounds: These dogs can be perfectly content in a townhome or apartment as long as they get daily exercise, Smithey says.
- Whippets: These dogs need more daily activity than a toy Italian Greyhound, Smithey explains. So, it’s best if they have their own fenced-in yard.
All three dogs have short coats. They’ll need indoor access and may need to wear sweaters in cold weather or chilly climates. They also need plenty of water for hot weather play sessions.
Takeaway
Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, and Whippets can all make affectionate yet independent companions. Italian Greyhounds may be better suited for apartment life, while Standard Greyhounds may fit well with a more active family. Whippets, with their medium size, may fit well into any home.
Smithey says that all sighthounds can be prone to anxiety, so whichever you choose, you won’t want to leave them home alone all day.
“Make sure you have the time and the resources to commit to a little being that will give you everything he is,” Lewark-Fritzler says. “Make sure you’re worthy of that devotion.”
