Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Comparison - Dog breed selector: German: Italienisches Windspiel or Snap Dog or Decker Giant? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier" Compare Italian Greyhound and Whippet. Which is better: Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Italian Greyhound	Whippet	Rat Terrier
Origins	Italy	England	United States
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	74	61	97
Reviews	2	2	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier breeds.	German: Italienisches Windspiel Piccolo Levriero Italiano Galgo Italiano French: Petit Levrier Italiane	Snap Dog English Whippet	Decker Giant Rat Rattie Ratting Terrier American Rat Terrier
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is the largest?	Small	Medium	Small
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.	6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)	Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	8 pounds (4 kg)	25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)	Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier height comparison:	12-15 inches (30-38 cm)	Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 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)	Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)	Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1000	$800-$1200	$300-$500
Availability Which is easier to get, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?	Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?	Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is easiest to train?	Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Whippet dogs are easy to train. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most alert?	Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Whippet dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most protective?	Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier? Compare temperaments.	Agile Intelligent Affectionate Companionable Athletic Mischievous	Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Outright Companionable Adaptable Quiet	Loving Alert Affectionate Lively Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Italian Greyhound dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Whippet 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.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier?	High: Italian Greyhound dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:	Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Whippet 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?	Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home. 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? Which can be better for hunting?	Italian Greyhound dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Whippet 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.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?	Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally. See more.	Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?	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 Whippet breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?	Italian Greyhound dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Whippet 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 Whippet or Rat Terrier?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	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 Whippet vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?	Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Whippet 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 Compare bite forces between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Whippet bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years	14-18 years The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?	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.	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?	The Italian Greyhound is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Whippet 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.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Italian Greyhound should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Whippet 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.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Drug Sensitivity Thyroid Problems Alopecia	Heart Murmurs Hypothyroidism Von Willebrand's Disease Heart Problems Deafness Vaccination Sensitivity Drug Sensitivity Arthritis Kidney Issues Addison's Disease	Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Eye Problems Heart Problems

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most active?	Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Italian Greyhound dogs have an average exercise need.	Whippet 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 Whippet or Rat Terrier?	Italian Greyhound dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.	Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics. See more.	Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which needs most food?	1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	No data available
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. What colors are available?	Black Gray Red Blue White Brown Yellow	Black Red Blue Cream White Fawn	Black Tan Blue White Brown Tricolor
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which drools least?	The Italian Greyhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Whippet 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 Compare odor levels between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Fine Short Close in texture	Dense Shiny
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	6-8 weeks Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. 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 Whippet or Rat Terrier? Italian Greyhound or Whippet or {name3 shedding:	Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Whippet dogs are low shedders. See more.	Rat Terrier dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is best with kids?	Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.	Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Italian Greyhound dogs are generally with other pets.	Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.	Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?	Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier?	Yes Italian Greyhound dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Whippet 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 Whippet 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.	Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.	Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is best suited for service work?	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.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has best nose work ability?	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.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	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 Compare boating aptitude between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Italian Greyhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Whippet 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 Compare cart pulling abilities between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has most military use?	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.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	4-8 puppies	5-7 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	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 Whippet vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.	Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Italian Greyhound, Whippet, and Rat Terrier. Which has most recognition?	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 Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale 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 Canadian Canine Registry	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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