Whippet vs Beagle
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Whippet
Hound Group
Beagle
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Beagle Overview
Beagles captivate with their compact, muscular frames and expressive brown or hazel eyes. Their distinctive tri-colored coats combine white, black, and warm brown tones, complemented by long, velvety ears. These merry hounds possess remarkable scenting abilities, coupled with a gentle, determined nature that makes them exceptional family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Whippets are less energetic than Beagles, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Whippets require less grooming attention compared to Beagles.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Whippets tend to be more reserved with strangers than Beagles.
- Trainability: Beagles may be slightly easier to train due to their Beagle's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Beagles 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 Whippet and Beagle, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Whippet | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 10-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Whippet | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm | 13-15 inches 33-38 cm |
| Weight | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg | 13-30 lbs 6-14 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Whippet | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Calm | Friendly, Curious, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Whippet | Beagle |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is known for being affectionate, playful, calm, making them excellent family dogs. 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.
Beagle Temperament
The Beagle is characterized by being friendly, curious, merry, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Whippet and Beagle, 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
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
Beagle
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Beagle
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
Beagle
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Whippet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Whippets 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, Whippets require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Beagle Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Beagles need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Beagles require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
Beagle Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Epilepsy
- Hypothyroidism
- Disk Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Beagle
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Low grooming needs
- Friendly disposition
- Adaptable to various homes
Cons
- Strong hunting instincts
- Frequent barking
- Can be stubborn
- Escape artists
- Food motivated/prone to obesity
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Whippet and Beagle, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.