Whippet vs. Greyhound vs. Italian Greyhound: How to choose Your Ideal Sighthound

There’s something mesmerizing about watching sighthounds glide on their long, elegant limbs—then suddenly rocket into a 30- to 40-mph sprint! That’s one of many captivating traits when comparing the whippet vs. greyhound vs. Italian greyhound. Despite their speed and independence, these affectionate dogs are devoted companions who crave time with their humans.

Dr. Genna Mize, a veterinarian with Virbac Animal Health, notes that all three sighthound breeds are “calm, loving, and tender-hearted, with a tendency to be a bit reserved around new faces.” Each sighthound has a sensitive nature and picks up on emotional cues with ease. So when one of these sleek canines gently rests their head on your leg, it’s a heartfelt sign of connection.

Falling for sighthounds already? Let’s dive deeper into the personalities and care needs of greyhounds, whippets, and Italian greyhounds in this comprehensive guide to sighthounds.

Meet the Sighthounds: Whippet, Greyhound, and Italian Greyhound

With elegant builds, incredible speed, and a love for human companionship, sighthounds may look like they’re just size variations of one breed, but each type brings unique characteristics to the table.

All three belong to the sighthound family, known for their ability to hunt by sight rather than scent. That high prey drive? It’s instinctual and manageable, especially if you work with a knowledgeable breeder or adoption center to find the right fit for your household.

Whippets

If you’re an active person trying to decide between a whippet vs. greyhound, a whippet might suit your lifestyle best. Hailing from Northern England, whippets are energetic, elegant, and affectionate.

They’re sporty and excel in canine competitions like dock diving, but whippets also love long snoozing sessions and often need consistent companionship. If left alone too often, they may get anxious, consider a reliable dog walker or daycare option to keep your whippet happy and well-behaved while you’re at work, until it’s time for those nightly cuddles. They also make great family pets in a home with respectful children, being both gentle and affectionate.

Greyhounds

Greyhounds boast a storied history, often pictured alongside Egyptian royalty. Despite their reputation as speed demons, many greyhounds earn the nickname “40-mph couch potatoes.”

These large sighthounds thrive on mellow routines and benefit from short daily bursts of activity. While they can be a bit timid, consistent care and gentle encouragement help greyhounds adjust beautifully to life as a loving home companion. Like all sighthounds they are affectionate and love time with their owners. In comparison to the three breeds greyhounds are the most undemanding, low-maintenance and aloof. 

Italian Greyhounds

Italian greyhounds are the most petite members of the sighthound family, dating back to the Roman Empire. Full of personality, these miniature sighthounds bring joyful energy and a touch of sass to any home.

Thanks to their delicate frames and sociable nature, Italian greyhounds are ideal for apartment dwellers, seniors, and first-time dog owners. If you’re looking for a close companion and considering between a whippet vs Italian greyhound, the Italian greyhound is your ultimate velcro dog.They love cuddling, respond well to positive reinforcement training, and form deep bonds with their humans. House training can be more difficult with this breed due to their sensitivity and small bladders. Marking and a strong dislike for the cold and wet may encourage them to toilet indoors, our clothing for Italian greyhounds will help keep them cosy, dry and comfortable for doing their business outside. 

Comparing Sighthounds: Whippet vs. Greyhound vs. Italian Greyhound

It’s not often you get to see a whippet, greyhound, and Italian greyhound side by side,

but when you do, the differences are clearer than you might expect.

Comparing differences between sighthound breeds

Appearance

All sighthounds share signature features: short coats, long torsos, deep chests, curled tails, and expressive eyes. But coat colors and markings set them apart:

Whippets display a broad palette, from black and blue to fawn and red. They can have solid, dual, tricolour or brindle coats. Brindles come in dark, red, blue and lemon varieties. Some sport facial stripes that run from snout to forehead.

Greyhounds also vary widely in color, with greyhound coats ranging from bright white to jet black. Greyhound genetics lean towards darker colours, black being the most common coat colour. However, the rarest colours are chocolate then white.

Italian greyhounds come in both solid and dual tones, in shades including cream, fawn, blue, blue fawn, seal, sable, white, chocolate (dun), or red. Italian Greyhounds do not share brindle coats like whippets or greyhounds. Their markings are often more subtle, like masks, or white patches – on their chests, toes, or socks. Other times they are a marble of white and solid colour markings.

Size

Size is one of the most notable distinctions between these sighthounds:

Italian greyhounds are the smallest, weighing 7-14 pounds and standing about 13-15 inches tall perfect lap dogs with a flair for fashion.

Whippets are mid-sized, weighing 25-40 pounds and measuring 18-22 inches high. They’re still portable but a bit too big for overhead travel bags.

Greyhounds are the giants of the group, standing 27-30 inches tall and weighing up to 70 pounds. 

They need ample space and a roomy dog bed!

Health issues in sighthounds

Sighthounds need help staying warm due to their slender frames with low body fat and a single, velvety coat of hair. Dr. Mize emphasizes that all three breeds are sensitive to cold temperatures and react differently to anesthesia compared to other dogs. Of course our clothing for whippets, greyhounds and Italian greyhounds is perfect for staying off the cold. Also make sure you get your sighthound a toothbrush – natural chews like rabbits ears and deer antlers are also a great way to help fight dental plaque.

Whippets may develop mitral valve disease, a potentially inherited heart condition.

Greyhounds are prone to gastric torsion or bloat due to their deep chests. Preventive surgery is available – ask your vet for guidance.

Italian greyhounds, with their fine bone structure, are at greater risk for fractures. A gentle, calm environment is best – especially for homes with young children. You’ll need to take extra care in their first year, while their bones are still growing. This is when they are most susceptible to leg breaks.

Overall, whippets greyhounds and Italian greyhounds are healthy dog breeds who live a typical lifestyle of 12-15 years.

Speed

Whether you choose a whippet, greyhound, or Italian greyhound, make sure your yard is secure. Sighthounds are famous for explosive bursts of energy. They love to run, make sure they get the chance regularly in a secure environment.

Even small Italian greyhounds can hit 25 mph, while whippets and greyhounds can easily reach 30-40 mph. Whippets, in particular, are known for their leaping skills, just check out their dock diving titles!