Hovawart versus Whippet. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Hovawart Versus Whippet: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Hovawart and the Whippet? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Hovawart and the Whippet better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Hovawart and the Whippet.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Hovawart and the Whippet is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Hovawart and for the Whippet. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Hovawart and the Whippet.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Hovawart or the Whippet.

Hovawart versus Whippet

Hovawart versus Whippet: Overview

A very important difference between the Hovawart and the Whippet is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Hovawart is a large-sized dog while the Whippet is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Hovawart belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Hovawart versus Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Hovawart to the Whippet based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Hovawart and the Whippet

Factor Hovawart Whippet
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 29 inches 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Weight 55 to 110 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2600
Average Price No Data $2120
Temperament Score 91.7 percent 86.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Hovawart in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Whippet. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Hovawart is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Whippet is 86 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Whippet is a better pet than the Hovawart. So, you should get the Whippet!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Hovawart and the Whippet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Hovawart versus Whippet

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Hovawart and the Whippet

    Below is a list of where the Hovawart and the Whippet are most different:

  • Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Whippets adapt well to apartment living.
  • Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Whippets have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Hovawarts can tolerate cold weather. However, Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the Hovawart and the Whippet

    The Hovawart and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Hovawart and the Whippet are most similar:

  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Hovawart and the Whippet are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Hovawart versus Whippet

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Hovawart and the Whippet.

    Hovawarts weigh 55 to 110 pounds when fully grown. Hovawarts are 23 to 29 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Hovawart versus Whippet

    The lifespan of Hovawarts is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Hovawarts is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.

    Whippets live longer than Hovawarts.

    Hovawart versus Whippet

    Temperament of the Hovawart Versus the Whippet

    The Hovawart has a better temperament than the Whippet.

    This is because the temperament score for the Hovawart is 91.7 percent while the temperament score for the Whippet is 86.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 91.7 percent, the Hovawart has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 86.2 percent, the Whippet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Hovawart and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 24 Hovawarts and 203 Whippets.

    Hovawart versus Whippet

    Tolerates Being Alone: Hovawart versus Whippet

    Hovawarts do not like to be left alone.

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Hovawarts shed more than Whippets?

    Hovawarts shed moderately.

    Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Hovawart or the Whippet

    Hovawarts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Hovawart or the Whippet?

    Hovawarts are very easy to groom.

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

    Does the Hovawart Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?

    Hovawarts have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Whippets have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Hovawarts Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?

    Hovawarts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Whippets are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Hovawarts can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Hovawart vs. Whippet

    Hovawarts do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Hovawarts Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Hovawarts can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Whippets can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Hovawart or the Whippet?

    Hovawarts do not get along well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Hovawarts good family dogs? What about Whippets?

    Hovawarts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Hovawarts and Whippets?

    Hovawarts get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Hovawart Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    Hovawarts are not easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

    Is the Hovawart Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?

    Hovawarts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Hovawart or the Whippet?

    Hovawarts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Whippets are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Hovawart

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Hovawart that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Hovawart:

  • Catahoula Leopard Dog (78 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Whippet vs Catahoula Leopard Dog.
  • Spanish Mastiff (81 percent match with Hovawart). Here is our comparison of the Whippet vs Spanish Mastiff.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Whippet that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Whippet:

  • Ibizan Hound (86 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Hovawart vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Hovawart and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Hovawart and of the Whippet to other breeds:

    Hovawart Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Hovawart versus Pomapoo     Hovawart versus Welsh Terrier     Hovawart versus Bulldog     Hovawart versus Biewer Terrier     Hovawart versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Silky Terrier     Hovawart versus Peek A Poo     Hovawart versus Bluetick Coonhound     Hovawart versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Hovawart versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Hovawart versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Hovawart versus Portuguese Water Dog     Hovawart versus Borzoi     Hovawart versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Hovawart versus Greyhound     Hovawart versus Ibizan Hound     Hovawart versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Hovawart versus Cane Corso     Hovawart versus Affenpinscher     Hovawart versus Shih Tzu     Hovawart versus Toy Fox Terrier     Hovawart versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Hovawart versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Hovawart versus Weimaraner     Hovawart versus Finnish Lapphund     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Azawakh     Whippet versus Braque du Bourbonnais     Whippet versus Mal Shi     Whippet versus Brussels Griffon     Whippet versus Goldendoodle     Whippet versus Belgian Sheepdog     Whippet versus Collie     Whippet versus Border Terrier     Whippet versus Australian Cattle Dog     Whippet versus West Highland White Terrier     Whippet versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Whippet versus Shihpoo     Whippet versus Belgian Sheepdog     Whippet versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Whippet versus Border Collie     Whippet versus Azawakh     Whippet versus Cavachon     Whippet versus Labrador Retriever     Whippet versus Saint Bernard     Whippet versus Weimaraner     Whippet versus Irish Terrier     Whippet versus Barbet     Whippet versus Dutch Shepherd     Whippet versus Cavachon     Whippet versus Finnish Lapphund     

    Conclusion: Hovawart versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Hovawart and the Whippet better suits you and your family.