Is a Greyhound or Whippet better for families with kids?

The Whippet edges ahead for families with kids based on kid-friendliness, affection level, and trainability scores.

Which is easier to train, a Greyhound or a Whippet?

The Greyhound and Whippet are equally trainable — both respond well to consistent, positive reinforcement training.

Greyhound vs Whippet

Q: What is the difference between a Greyhound and a Whippet?

The Greyhound and Whippet differ across several key traits. Overall, Whippet wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs. See the full side-by-side comparison above for size, shedding, trainability, energy, and family fit.

A side-by-side comparison of the Greyhound and Whippet across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.

Greyhound

Whippet

Verdict

Overall, Whippet wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

Whippet

2 wins

Greyhound

1 win

More family-friendly

Whippet edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.

✓Whippet

Lower maintenance

These breeds require similar grooming effort.

Tie

Longer-lived

Whippet typically lives longer on average.

✓Whippet

Calmer

These breeds have similar energy levels.

Tie

Quieter

Greyhound tends to bark less.

✓Greyhound

More trainable

These breeds are equally trainable.

Tie

Side-by-side comparison

Breed	Size	Weight	Height	Lifespan	Energy	Shedding	Grooming	Trainable	Affection	Barking	Kids	Dogs	Cats	Apartment	First-timers	Low-allergen
Greyhound	Giant	60–66 lb	27–30 in	11–12 yr							✓	✓	—	✓	✓	—
Whippet	Large	24–40 lb	17–20 in	12–15 yr							✓	✓	—	✓	✓	—

Helpful tools for these breeds

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Dog Food Cost Calculator

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Dog Crate Size Calculator

Find the right crate dimensions from your dog’s height and length, with crate recommendations.

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Dog Harness Size Calculator

Turn your dog’s chest and neck measurements into the correct harness size.

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Greyhound vs Whippet: which is right for you?

The Greyhound and Whippet are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.

Overall, Whippet wins more categories — but the right choice still depends on your family's specific needs.

Learn more

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