• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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

"Find similarities and differences between Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier" Compare Yorkshire Terrier and Italian Greyhound. Which is better: Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
 
 
 
Name Yorkshire Terrier Italian Greyhound Rat Terrier
OriginsEngland flagEngland Italy flagItaly United States flagUnited States
Group Companion Dogs Companion Dogs Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank97497
Reviews2322
User Ratings

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

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is the largest?
Small Small Small
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier? Compare adult weight ranges.
2-3 kg (4-7 pounds) 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg) Standard: 12-35 pounds (5.5-16 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
2.5 kg (5.5 pounds) 8 pounds (4 kg) Standard: 23.5 pounds (5.10.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier height comparison:
20-23 cm (8-9 inches) 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?
21.5 cm (8.5 inches) 13.5 inches (34 cm) Standard: 18.5 inches (35.5-58.5 cm)

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Find price differences between these breeds.
$600-$1000 $800-$1000 $300-$500
Availability
Which is easier to get, Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Very frequent: The Yorkshire Terrier is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Italian Greyhound is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Rat Terrier is quite easy to get.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The Yorkshire Terrier dogs have great intelligence.
See more.
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
Compare training difficulty levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which is easiest to train?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are quite easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most alert?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good watchdogs.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are average watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most protective?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier? Compare temperaments.
Playful
Independent
Energetic
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Loyal
Agile
Intelligent
Affectionate
Companionable
Athletic
Mischievous
Loving
Alert
Affectionate
Lively
Inquisitive
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: Yorkshire Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
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: Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?
High: Yorkshire Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
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
Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier social needs comparison:
Yorkshire Terrier dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
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?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
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? Which can be better for hunting?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.
See more.
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.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most vocal?
A lot: Yorkshire Terrier is a particularly loud breed.
See more.
Average: The Italian Greyhound barks occasionally.
See more.
Average: The Rat Terrier barks occasionally.
See more.
Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most playful?
Average: Yorkshire Terriers, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
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
Compare apartment suitability of Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Very house-friendly dog the Yorkshire Terrier breed.
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.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed is most flexible?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
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: Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Yorkshire 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 dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Yorkshire Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Italian Greyhound has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Rat Terrier has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which uses mouth most during play?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
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
Compare bite forces between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Yorkshire Terrier bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Italian Greyhound bite force: Weak.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Rat Terrier bite force: Weak.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which breed lives longest?
12-16 years
The average lifespan of Yorkshire Terrier: 14 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Italian Greyhound: 13 years
14-18 years
The average lifespan of Rat Terrier: 16 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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 Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which has fewer health issues?
Yorkshire Terriers are commonly healthy dogs.
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?
Rare
The Yorkshire Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
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: Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier health problems comparison:
Collapsed Trachea
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Portosystemic Liver Shunt
Reverse Sneezing
Hypoglycemia
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Drug Sensitivity
Thyroid Problems
Alopecia
Hip Dysplasia
Legg-perthes Disease
Patellar Luxation
Eye Problems
Heart Problems

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Energy and Activity Comparison

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

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

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Yorkshire Terrier has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
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
Compare food requirements between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which needs most food?
Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. No data available

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
Yes See more. Yes See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Blue
Gold
Black
Gray
Red
Blue
White
Brown
Yellow
Black
Tan
Blue
White
Brown
Tricolor
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which requires most maintenance?
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
See more.
Effortless: The Italian Greyhound requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Effortless: The Rat Terrier requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which drools least?
The Yorkshire Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
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
Compare odor levels between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Yorkshire Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Italian Greyhound has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Rat Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Fine Fine Dense
Shiny
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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.
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 Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or {name3 shedding:
Yorkshire Terrier dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Italian Greyhound dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
Rat Terrier dogs shed above average.
See more.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which is best with kids?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
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?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are usually friendly towards other 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 Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier? Which dog is more friendly?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Rat Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Italian Greyhound dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Rat Terrier dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Yorkshire Terrier or Italian Greyhound or Rat Terrier?
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are not the most dog-friendly 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 good for the first-time owners: Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier?
Yes
Yorkshire Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
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
Yorkshire Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.
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?
Yorkshire Terriers are not recommended for elderly people.
Italian Greyhounds are not recommended for elderly people.
Rat Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

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

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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.
Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which excels in therapy work?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.

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
Compare detection capabilities between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Yorkshire Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

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
Compare cart pulling abilities between Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 2-4 puppies 5-7 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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.

Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Toy breed. 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 groups for Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, and Rat Terrier. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Terriers group, in the Toy Terriers 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 Yorkshire Terrier, Italian Greyhound, 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
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

Rate This Comparsion - Yorkshire Terrier vs Italian Greyhound vs Rat Terrier

Reviews