Scottish Deerhound vs Whippet
Complete side-by-side comparison of Scottish Deerhound and Whippet. Compare temperament, size, lifespan, cost, and care requirements.
Scottish Deerhound
Size
Giant (100+ lbs)
Lifespan
8-11 years
Price
$1,000-$2,500
Whippet
Size
Medium (25-50 lbs)
Lifespan
12-15 years
Price
$800-$1,500
Quick Verdict
Whippet wins this comparison!
Whippet edges out Scottish Deerhound in our comparison, scoring better in 4 of 6 key categories. However, both are excellent breeds and the best choice depends on your specific lifestyle and needs.
Physical Characteristics
| Attribute | Scottish Deerhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Size Category | Giant (100+ lbs) | Medium (25-50 lbs) |
| Height | 28-32" | 18-22" |
| Weight | 75-110 lbs | 25-40 lbs |
| Lifespan | 8-11 years | 12-15 years |
| Coat Type | Wire | Smooth |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Temperament & Behavior
| Attribute | Scottish Deerhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Affection Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Children | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Other Dogs | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good with Strangers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Playfulness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Protectiveness | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Trainability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Energy Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Barking Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Intelligence | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Care Requirements
| Attribute | Scottish Deerhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Shedding Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Grooming Needs | Moderate - Weekly | Moderate - Weekly |
| Exercise (min/day) | 60 min | 45 min |
| Mental Stimulation | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Drooling Level | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Living Conditions
| Attribute | Scottish Deerhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Good for Beginners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tolerates Being Alone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Cold Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Hot Weather | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | Scottish Deerhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 | $800-$1,500 |
| Annual Cost | $1,800/year | $1,100/year |
Health Considerations
Scottish Deerhound
Lifespan: 8-11 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Whippet
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Generally healthy breed with no major genetic issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Scottish Deerhound or Whippet better for families?
Both Scottish Deerhound and Whippet are equally good with families, both scoring 4/5 for child-friendliness. Your choice should depend on other factors like size, energy level, and living space.
Which costs more to own, a Scottish Deerhound or Whippet?
A Whippet costs approximately $1100/year while a Scottish Deerhound costs about $1800/year. Whippet is the more affordable option.
Which is easier to train, a Scottish Deerhound or Whippet?
Whippet is generally easier to train, scoring 4/5 for trainability compared to 3/5 for Scottish Deerhound.
Do Scottish Deerhound or Whippet live longer?
On average, both breeds have similar lifespans of about 11.0 years.
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