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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?
 
 
 
Name Italian Greyhound Whippet Rat Terrier
OriginsItaly flagItaly England flagEngland United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank746197
Reviews222
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
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 Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Which is the smallest dog, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?
Small Medium Small
Weight
Which is heavier, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Whippet? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier weight comparison:
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
Which is cheaper, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Which is more expensive?
$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

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier intelligence:
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
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Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
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Trainability
Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier trainability comparison.
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train.
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Whippet dogs are easy to train.
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Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?
Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs.
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Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
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Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
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Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier behavior/temperament comparison:
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.
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Sensitive: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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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.
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Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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High: Rat Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Social Needs
Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Italian Greyhound dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Rat Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
Italian Greyhound dogs have average wanderlust potential.
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The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Rat Terrier is strong enough to escape from home.
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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.
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Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier playfulness comparison:
Average: Italian Greyhounds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier?
Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally.
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Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
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Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?
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.

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
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 Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?

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.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

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.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier mouthiness comparison:
Italian Greyhound dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Rat Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier health comparison. Which is the healthier: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier?
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.
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
Veterinarian Visits
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.
Life Expectancy
Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier lifespan comparison. How long do Italian Greyhound, Whippet and Rat Terrier breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
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
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier energy level comparison:
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.
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.

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

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?
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
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Italian Greyhound has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
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Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
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Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier coat comparison:
Fine Fine
Short
Close in texture
Dense
Shiny
Colors
What are the original Italian Greyhound, Whippet and Rat Terrier color?
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Fawn
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
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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.
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Whippet dogs are low shedders.
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Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Hypoallergenic
Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
Yes See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The Italian Greyhound is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Rat Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
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.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier?
Italian Greyhound dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
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 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
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Italian Greyhound or Whippet or Rat Terrier? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

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.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier?

Not really

Italian Greyhound breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Whippet breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Rat Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

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.
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Fighting Dog / Military 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.

Not really

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

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Italian Greyhound and Whippet and Rat Terrier have?
2-4 puppies 4-8 puppies 5-7 puppies

Italian Greyhound vs Whippet vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
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 Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
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.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
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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