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Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Comparison – Which dog is better German: Italienisches Windspiel or Decker Giant?

"Find similarities and differences between Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier" Compare Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. Which is better: Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Italian Greyhound Rat Terrier
OriginsItaly flagItaly United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank7497
Reviews22
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. What other names are these breeds known by?
German: Italienisches Windspiel
Piccolo Levriero Italiano
Galgo Italiano
French: Petit Levrier Italiane
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between an Italian Greyhound and a Rat Terrier. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Small
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between an Italian Greyhound and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is heavier?
6-10 pounds (3-5 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
8 pounds (4 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Is an Italian Greyhound taller than a Rat Terrier?
12-15 inches (30-38 cm) Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
13.5 inches (34 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between an Italian Greyhound and a Rat Terrier. Which breed costs more?
$800-$1000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
See more.
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare training requirements.
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare alertness levels.
Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare territorial behaviors.
Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of an Italian Greyhound and a Rat Terrier. How do their temperaments differ?
Agile
Intelligent
Affectionate
Companionable
Athletic
Mischievous
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?
Sensitive: Italian Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?
High: Italian Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?
Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier? Which can be better for hunting?
Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare living space needs.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Italian Greyhound indoors.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare adaptability levels.
Italian Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Rat Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Rat Terrier dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare average lifespans.
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare climate tolerances.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between an Italian Greyhound and a Rat Terrier. Which breed is healthier?
The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Rat Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?
Average
The Italian Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Rat Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Thyroid Problems
Alopecia
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare activity levels.
Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare daily food needs.
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare allergy friendliness.
Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier? Compare breed colors.
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare drooling amounts.
The Italian Greyhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between an Italian Greyhound and a Rat Terrier? Compare fur types.
Fine Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare bathing frequencies.
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Do Italian Greyhound dogs shed more than Rat Terrier dogs?
Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare kid-friendliness.
Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Can an Italian Greyhound and a Rat Terrier be friends? Do Italian Greyhound dogs get along with Rat Terrier dogs?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?
Yes
Italian Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Rat Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Italian Greyhound is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare service capabilities.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare therapy capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare SAR abilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Italian Greyhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: an Italian Greyhound or a Rat Terrier? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. Which has stronger military background?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. Which has larger litters?
2-4 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Toy breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. Which groups are they in?
Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Italian Greyhound and Rat Terrier. Which is more widely recognized?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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