Bolognese vs Whippet
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bolognese
Foundation Stock Service
Whippet
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bolognese Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Bolognese captivates with its cloud-like white coat and endearing expression. Distinguished by a compact, square-built frame and flowing pure white fur that forms loose, open ringlets, these charming companions possess a naturally dignified bearing. Their gentle, alert expression and dark round eyes reflect an intelligent and affectionate nature.
Whippet Overview
Graceful and athletic, Whippets possess a distinctive silhouette with their deep chest, curved back, and long, slender legs. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors and patterns. Known for combining remarkable speed with gentle companionship, these sight hounds display an elegant blend of muscular strength and refined features, embodying both power and grace in their streamlined build.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bologneses are less energetic than Whippets, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bologneses require more grooming attention compared to Whippets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bologneses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Whippets.
- Trainability: Whippets may be slightly easier to train due to their Whippet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Bologneses adapt better to apartment living, while Whippets typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bolognese and Whippet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bolognese | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bolognese | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 5-9 lbs 2-4 kg | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bolognese | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Easy-Going, Devoted | Affectionate, Playful, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bolognese | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bolognese Temperament
The Bolognese is known for being playful, easy-going, devoted, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is characterized by being affectionate, playful, calm, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bolognese and Whippet, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bolognese
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bolognese
Rating: 2/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bolognese
Rating: 4/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bolognese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bologneses require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bologneses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Whippet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Whippets need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Whippets require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bolognese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Eye Problems
- Hip Dysplasia
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
Pros & Cons
Bolognese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Highly adaptable
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Can be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
- Relatively rare breed
Whippet
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Good with children
- Athletic and graceful
Cons
- High prey drive
- Cannot be off-leash in unsecured areas
- Sensitive to cold
- Needs regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bolognese and Whippet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.