Chihuahua vs Whippet
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chihuahua
Toy Group
Whippet
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chihuahua Overview
Chihuahuas embody confidence in a tiny package, featuring a distinctive apple-shaped head, large expressive eyes, and erect triangular ears. Their compact bodies showcase graceful movements, while their personalities are marked by fierce loyalty and spirited determination. Available in both long and smooth coat varieties, these diminutive dogs carry themselves with remarkable poise and dignity despite their small stature.
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: Chihuahuas are less energetic than Whippets, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chihuahuas require less grooming attention compared to Whippets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chihuahuas 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: Whippets adapt better to apartment living, while Chihuahuas typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chihuahua and Whippet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chihuahua | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chihuahua | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5-8 inches 13-20 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 6-6 lbs 3-3 kg | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chihuahua | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Graceful, Sassy | Affectionate, Playful, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chihuahua | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua is known for being charming, graceful, sassy, 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 Chihuahua 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
Chihuahua
Rating: 1/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chihuahua
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chihuahua
Rating: 2/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Chihuahua Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chihuahuas 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, Chihuahuas require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
Chihuahua Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Murmurs
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental Issues
- Hypoglycemia
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
Pros & Cons
Chihuahua
Pros
- Highly portable
- Long lifespan
- Minimal space requirements
- Strong loyalty to owners
Cons
- Fragile physique
- Can be yappy
- May be aggressive if not socialized
- Temperature sensitive
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 Chihuahua and Whippet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.