The Whippet and Italian Greyhound are fantastic canines that resemble conventional Greyhounds however are smaller. Whereas the 2 share many similarities, there are additionally a couple of variations. If you’re interested by getting one in every of these canines however aren’t positive which is best in your residence, hold studying as we talk about these breeds’ historical past, look, and total well being.
Visible Variations
At a Look
Whippet
Italian Greyhound
Whippet Overview
Origin
Specialists imagine that Whippets descended from small Greyhounds and different small searching canines in England. Working-class folks used these canines for searching small sport, comparable to rabbits and hares, within the seventeenth and 18th centuries. The title Whippet doubtless comes from “whappet,” which suggests “small canine” or “yelping canine” in northern English. They had been standard racing canines, and the American Kennel Membership in the USA accepted them as a singular breed in 1888.
Look
Whippets are a medium-sized breed with a slender and athletic construct, a deep chest, a slender waist, and an extended neck. They’ve a brief and clean coat that lies near their physique and is available in numerous colours, together with fawn, blue, pink, or white. Whippets have a small, positive, and barely arched head with expressive, almond-shaped eyes in numerous shades of brown. Their ears are small and folded and infrequently sit again towards the top when at relaxation. Their lengthy and slender tail tapers to some extent.
Well being Circumstances
Whippets are typically a wholesome breed however may be liable to sure coronary heart situations, together with dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral valve illness. They could additionally expertise thyroid points, resulting in weight acquire, pores and skin issues, and lethargy. Like many deep-chested breeds, Whippets are prone to gastric dilatation-volvulus, generally referred to as bloat, a life-threatening situation the place the abdomen twists and fills with fuel. Resulting from their athleticism and love for working, Whippets may also be liable to leg accidents, together with sprains and fractures.
Appropriate For:
Whippets may be appropriate for numerous dwelling conditions and existence, together with flats. They’re an energetic breed and well-suited to households who benefit from the outdoor. Youngsters may assist them keep busy and get the train that they want, and with correct socialization, they get alongside nicely with different canines however would possibly chase after cats and smaller animals. They may also be unbiased, strong-willed, and troublesome to coach for an inexperienced proprietor.
Italian Greyhound Overview
Origin
The Italian Greyhound originated in Italy greater than 2,000 years in the past. It’s a small breed of sighthound with a fragile look favored by the Aristocracy and aristocracy in historic Greece and Rome. These canines often seem in historic artwork, together with pottery and statues. Breeders created them for searching small sport like rabbits, they usually had been profitable because of their pace and agility. The American Kennel Membership formally acknowledged the Italian Greyhound as a breed in 1886.
Look
The Italian Greyhound is a small breed with a slender and elongated physique, a deep chest, a slender waist, and a tucked-up stomach. Their coat is brief, positive, and clean, mendacity near the physique. They’ll have a wide range of coat colours and patterns, together with strong colours like fawn, blue, pink, black, and brindle and numerous combos of those. They’ve a candy and alert expression, vivid, almond-shaped eyes, and an extended, skinny tail that tapers to some extent.
Well being situations
Italian Greyhounds may be liable to sure well being situations, together with dental illness, which impacts many canines in the USA. Hip dysplasia, a illness that impacts the hip joint, can be frequent, as is a luxating patella, which is a situation that causes the kneecap to slide misplaced. Different situations that these canines would possibly take care of embody bloat, coronary heart illness, and cataracts.
Appropriate For:
Resulting from their small measurement and low train wants, Italian Greyhounds adapt nicely to condo dwelling. Nevertheless, they nonetheless require every day train and playtime. They’re good with older, thoughtful youngsters who perceive the right way to work together gently with canines, singles and {couples} who can present the eye and train that they want, and other people looking for a low-maintenance pet.
Which Breed Is Proper for You?
Selecting between an Italian Greyhound or a Whippet relies upon primarily in your preferences. Each are quick, playful, and energetic. Their small measurement makes them well-suited to apartment living, and each breeds are affectionate and clever. The Whippet is a bit bigger and may very well be much less pleasant towards smaller animals, whereas the Italian Greyhound might be much less tolerant of tough dealing with by youngsters.
Featured Picture Credit score: (T) tommaso lizzul, Shutterstock | (B) Lenkadan, Shutterstock
