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Rat Terrier vs Whippet Comparison – Which dog is better Decker Giant or Snap Dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Rat Terrier vs Whippet" Compare Rat Terrier and Whippet. Which is better: Rat Terrier or Whippet?
 
 
 
Name Rat Terrier Whippet
OriginsUnited States flagUnited States England flagEngland
Group Hunting Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank9761
Reviews22
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Rat Terrier and Whippet. What other names are these breeds known by?
Decker Giant
Rat
Rattie
Ratting Terrier
American Rat Terrier
Snap Dog
English Whippet
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Rat Terrier and a Whippet. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Small Medium
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Rat Terrier and a Whippet. Which breed is heavier?
Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg) 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Rat Terrier or Whippet? Is a Rat Terrier taller than a Whippet?
Standard: 14-23 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm) Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Rat Terrier and a Whippet. Which breed costs more?
$300-$500 $800-$1200
Availability
Which is easier to get, Rat Terrier or Whippet?
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Smart: The Rat Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare training requirements.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Whippet dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare alertness levels.
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Whippet dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare territorial behaviors.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.
Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory.
See more.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Personality and Temperament Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare play drive and energy.
Average: Rat Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare living space needs.
Very house-friendly dog the Rat Terrier breed.
Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Adaptability and Independence Comparison

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

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Rat Terrier dogs have a lower 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.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Whippet bite force: Ordinary.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare average lifespans.
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? 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 a Rat Terrier and a Whippet. Which breed is healthier?
The Rat Terrier 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.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Rat Terrier vs Whippet?
Average
The Rat Terrier 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.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Rat Terrier vs Whippet? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Rat Terrier vs Whippet health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems
Heart Murmurs
Hypothyroidism
Von Willebrand's Disease
Heart Problems
Deafness
Vaccination Sensitivity
Drug Sensitivity
Arthritis
Kidney Issues
Addison's Disease

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Which breed is more energetic: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare activity levels.
Rat Terrier dogs are high-energy dogs.
Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Rat Terrier vs Whippet exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Rat Terrier or Whippet? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Rat Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.
Whippet dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Rat Terrier or Whippet?
Rat Terrier dogs don't need too much sleep.
Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare obesity risks.
Average: The Rat Terrier has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare daily food needs.
No data available 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Rat Terrier and Whippet? Compare breed colors.
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Black
Red
Blue
Cream
White
Fawn
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare maintenance needs.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare drooling amounts.
The Rat Terrier 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.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Rat Terrier and a Whippet? Compare fur types.
Dense
Shiny
Fine
Short
Close in texture
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare bathing frequencies.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Rat Terrier or Whippet? Do Rat Terrier dogs shed more than Whippet dogs?
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.
Whippet dogs are low shedders.
See more.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare kid-friendliness.
Rat Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Rat Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Rat Terrier or Whippet? Which dog is more friendly?
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Rat Terrier or Whippet?
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Rat Terrier or Whippet? Can a Rat Terrier and a Whippet be friends? Do Rat Terrier dogs get along with Whippet dogs?
Rat Terrier dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Rat Terrier vs Whippet?
Yes
Rat Terrier 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.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Rat Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Whippet is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? 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: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare therapy capabilities.

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.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? 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: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Rat Terrier 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.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Rat Terrier or a Whippet? 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 Rat Terrier and Whippet. 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.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Rat Terrier and Whippet. Which has larger litters?
5-7 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Rat Terrier and Whippet breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Rat Terrier and Whippet. 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.

Rat Terrier vs Whippet Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Rat Terrier and Whippet. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2013 as a Terrier breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Rat Terrier and Whippet. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Rat Terrier and Whippet. Which is more widely recognized?
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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Rat Terrier vs Whippet

Reviews

  • Eileen Forbes

    Jun 26, 2020, 8:19:48 PM:

    Good information on both dogs . They say my dog is a rat terrier . But she looks like a whippet too . I guess I could do dna to find out that she is ??