Chinese Crested vs Whippet
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Whippet
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, 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: Chinese Cresteds are less energetic than Whippets, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chinese Cresteds require less grooming attention compared to Whippets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinese Cresteds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Whippets.
- Trainability: Whippets may be slightly easier to train due to their Whippet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds 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 Chinese Crested and Whippet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs 4-5 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 | Chinese Crested | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Lively | Affectionate, Playful, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is known for being affectionate, alert, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Chinese Crested 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
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds 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, Chinese Cresteds 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
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
Pros & Cons
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
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 Chinese Crested and Whippet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.