Which is Better between the King Shepherd and the Whippet? A Very Detailed Review.

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King Shepherd Versus Whippet: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Whippet.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd or the Whippet.

King Shepherd versus Whippet

King Shepherd versus Whippet: Overview

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

Furthermore, the King Shepherd belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

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.

King Shepherd versus Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Whippet

Factor King Shepherd Whippet
Life Span 10 to 11 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Height 25 to 31 inches 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Weight 75 to 150 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1560 $2120
Price Range $700 – $2500 $1600 – $2600
Temperament Score 100.0 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 King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd is 84 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 King Shepherd. 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 King Shepherd and the Whippet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the King Shepherd and the Whippet

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

  • King Shepherds 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.
  • King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool. However, Whippets do not have the tendency to drool.
  • King Shepherds gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Whippets are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • King Shepherds can tolerate cold weather. However, Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • The Similarities Between the King Shepherd and the Whippet

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

  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are very easy to groom.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are very easy to train.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are very playful.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the King Shepherd and the Whippet are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of King Shepherd versus Whippet

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

    King Shepherds weigh 75 to 150 pounds when fully grown. King Shepherds are 25 to 31 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 King Shepherd versus Whippet

    The lifespan of King Shepherds is between 10 to 11 years . The average lifespan of King Shepherds is 10.5 years.

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

    Whippets live longer than King Shepherds.

    Temperament of the King Shepherd Versus the Whippet

    The King Shepherd has a better temperament than the Whippet.

    This is because the temperament score for the King Shepherd is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 1 King Shepherds and 203 Whippets.

    Price of King Shepherd versus Price of Whippet

    The average price of the King Shepherd puppy is $1560. The price of the King Shepherd typically ranges from $700 – $2500. However, the price of a King Shepherd can be as low as $150 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 34 King Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Whippet puppy is $2120. The price of the Whippet typically ranges from $1600 – $2600. However, the price of the Whippet can be as low as $400 and as high as $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 121 Whippet puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Whippet is more expensive than the King Shepherd.

    King Shepherd Whippet
    Average Price $1560 $2120
    Price Range $700 to $2500 $1600 to $2600

    The charts below show the price distribution for the King Shepherd and Whippet. For different price points, the charts show how many King Shepherd puppies or how many Whippet puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of King Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Whippets

    A breakdown of the prices of Whippets

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the King Shepherd puppy or the Whippet puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: King Shepherd versus Whippet

    King Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do King Shepherds shed more than Whippets?

    King Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the King Shepherd or the Whippet

    King Shepherds have a very high tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the King Shepherd or the Whippet?

    King Shepherds are very easy to groom.

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

    Does the King Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    King Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: King Shepherd vs. Whippet

    King Shepherds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can King Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

    King Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Whippets can tolerate hot weather.

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

    King Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are King Shepherds good family dogs? What about Whippets?

    King Shepherds 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 King Shepherds and Whippets?

    King Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the King Shepherd Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    King Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

    Is the King Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?

    King Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    King Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Whippets are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the King Shepherd

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd:

  • Chinook (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Whippet vs Chinook.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (75 percent match with King Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Whippet vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • 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 King Shepherd vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the King Shepherd vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    King Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    King Shepherd versus Lowchen     King Shepherd versus Basenji     King Shepherd versus Cockalier     King Shepherd versus Puli     King Shepherd versus Lowchen     King Shepherd versus Lagotto Romagnolo     King Shepherd versus Gordon Setter     King Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     King Shepherd versus Toy Fox Terrier     King Shepherd versus Havanese     King Shepherd versus Flat-Coated Retriever     King Shepherd versus Hovawart     King Shepherd versus Bichon Frise     King Shepherd versus Puggle     King Shepherd versus Samoyed     King Shepherd versus American Eskimo Dog     King Shepherd versus Mudi     King Shepherd versus Irish Terrier     King Shepherd versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     King Shepherd versus Redbone Coonhound     King Shepherd versus Kishu Ken     King Shepherd versus Yorkshire Terrier     King Shepherd versus Kishu Ken     King Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier     King Shepherd versus Norwich Terrier     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Berger Picard     Whippet versus Portuguese Pointer     Whippet versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Whippet versus Pomapoo     Whippet versus Chihuahua     Whippet versus Chinese Crested     Whippet versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Whippet versus Berger Picard     Whippet versus American Water Spaniel     Whippet versus Finnish Spitz     Whippet versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Whippet versus Puggle     Whippet versus Cavapoo     Whippet versus Labrador Retriever     Whippet versus Clumber Spaniel     Whippet versus Catahoula Leopard Dog     Whippet versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Whippet versus Maltipoo     Whippet versus Australian Kelpie     Whippet versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Whippet versus American Staffordshire Terrier     Whippet versus American Hairless Terrier     Whippet versus Shihpoo     Whippet versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Whippet versus Chinese Crested     

    Conclusion: King Shepherd 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 King Shepherd and the Whippet better suits you and your family.