Rat Terrier vs Whippet
Compare Rat Terrier and Whippet side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Rat Terrier
Whippet
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 46 cm
44 – 51 cm
Weight
5 – 10 kg
9 – 19 kg
Life expectancy
15 – 18 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
1/5
2/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Rat Terrier
Low grooming
Small
Whippet
Low grooming
Medium
Summary
About Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.
About Whippet
Medium sighthound combining racing speed with calm companionship. Sleek, lean and Greyhound‑like, with a short, easy‑care coat but little weather protection. Sensitive, gentle and people‑oriented, it needs kind training, safe chances to sprint, soft warm bedding and a stable, quiet home.
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