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

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Komondor Versus Whippet: Introduction

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

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

Komondor versus Whippet

Komondor versus Whippet: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Komondor 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.

Komondor versus Whippet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Whippet

Factor Komondor Whippet
Good For Novice Owners 1/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Height 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 1/5 5/5
Weight 80 to 100 pounds 18 to 48 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $840 $2120
Price Range $550 – $800 $1600 – $2600
Temperament Score 90.0 percent 86.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 170 58

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Komondor 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 Komondor is 70 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 Komondor. 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 Komondor and the Whippet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Komondor and the Whippet

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

  • Komondors do not get along well with other dogs. However, Whippets get along well with other dogs.
  • Komondors are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Whippets are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Whippets adapt well to apartment living.
  • Komondors require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Whippets are very easy to groom.
  • Komondors 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.
  • Komondors have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, Whippets have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Komondors can tolerate cold weather. However, Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Whippets are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Komondor and the Whippet

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

  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Whippet are very easy to train.
  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet are very playful.
  • Both the Komondor and the Whippet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Komondor versus Whippet

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

    Komondors weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Komondors are 25 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder 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 Komondor versus Whippet

    The lifespan of Komondors is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Komondors is 11.0 years.

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

    Whippets live longer than Komondors.

    Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Komondor

    The Komondor has a better temperament than the Whippet.

    This is because the temperament score for the Komondor is 90.0 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 90.0 percent, the Komondor 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 Komondor and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 10 Komondors and 203 Whippets.

    Price of Komondor versus Price of Whippet

    The average price of the Komondor puppy is $840. The price of the Komondor typically ranges from $550 – $800. However, the price of a Komondor can be as low as $500 and as high as $1800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 17 Komondor 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 Komondor.

    Komondor Whippet
    Average Price $840 $2120
    Price Range $550 to $800 $1600 to $2600

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Komondors. 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 Komondor 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.

    The Popularity of Komondor versus Popularity of Whippet

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Komondor and the Whippet over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Whippet is more popular with dog owners than the Komondor. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Whippet is 58 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Komondor is 170 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Komondor

    Popularity of Whippet

    Popularity of Whippet

    Year Komondor Popularity Rank Whippet Popularity Rank
    2013 159 59
    2014 168 56
    2015 163 57
    2016 177 60
    2017 163 61
    2018 173 61
    2019 181 57
    2020 178 59

    Health Problems of Komondor versus Health Problems of Whippet

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Komondor and the Whippet are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Whippet is prone to more genetic health problems than the Komondor.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Whippet than for the Komondor.

    3 health tests are recommended for Komondor while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Komondors and in Whippets.

    Komondor Health Problems

    Komondors are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Komondor puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Komondor puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Komondor breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Komondors for:

  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination- min age 9 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Komondors here.

    Whippet Health Problems

    Whippets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Whippet puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Whippet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Whippet breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Whippets for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Komondors and Whippets

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Komondor Breed is Eyes problems.

    This is because the Komondor ranks 19 out of 182 dog breeds for Eyes problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 54 Komondors, 1 of them had Eyes problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Komondors, and how common these diseases are in Komondors relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Eyes problems: Rank 19 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Degenerative Myelopathy problems: Rank 30 out of 70 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 90 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Whippet Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Whippet ranks 3 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1416 Whippets, 107 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Whippets, and how common these diseases are in Whippets relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Advanced Cardiac problems: Rank 3 out of 71 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 7 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 17 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 108 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 162 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 191 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Komondor and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Komondor and the Whippet:

    Disease Komondor Rank Whippet Rank
    Eyes problems 19 out of 182 dog breeds 162 out of 182 dog breeds
    Degenerative Myelopathy problems 30 out of 70 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 90 out of 198 dog breeds 191 out of 198 dog breeds
    Advanced Cardiac problems Not Common 3 out of 71 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 7 out of 159 dog breeds
    Baer Hearing Test problems Not Common 17 out of 21 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 108 out of 115 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Komondor versus Whippet

    Komondors do not like to be left alone.

    Whippets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Komondors shed more than Whippets?

    Komondors shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Komondor or the Whippet

    Komondors do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Komondors require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Whippets are very easy to groom.

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

    Komondors 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 Komondors Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?

    Komondors are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Komondors can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Komondor vs. Whippet

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

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

    Can Komondors Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Komondors 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 Komondor or the Whippet?

    Komondors do not get along well with other dogs.

    Whippets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Komondors good family dogs? What about Whippets?

    Komondors 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 Komondors and Whippets?

    Komondors get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Komondor Easier to Train than the Whippet?

    Komondors are very easy to train.

    Whippets are very easy to train.

    Is the Komondor Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?

    Komondors do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Komondors are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Whippets are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Komondor

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Whippet vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Black Russian Terrier (70 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Whippet vs Black Russian Terrier.
  • Giant Schnauzer (72 percent match with Komondor). Here is our comparison of the Whippet vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • 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 Komondor vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Italian Greyhound (78 percent match with Whippet). Here is our comparison of the Komondor vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Komondor Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Komondor versus Peek A Poo     Komondor versus Akita Chow     Komondor versus Kishu Ken     Komondor versus Lowchen     Komondor versus Shiba Inu     Komondor versus Silky Terrier     Komondor versus Brussels Griffon     Komondor versus Berger Picard     Komondor versus Samoyed     Komondor versus American Water Spaniel     Komondor versus Bloodhound     Komondor versus English Springer Spaniel     Komondor versus Labrador Retriever     Komondor versus Alaskan Malamute     Komondor versus Azawakh     Komondor versus Fila Brasileiro     Komondor versus Norfolk Terrier     Komondor versus Akita     Komondor versus Akbash     Komondor versus Boxerdoodle     Komondor versus Cane Corso     Komondor versus American Eskimo Dog     Komondor versus Akbash     Komondor versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Komondor versus Pug     

    Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Whippet versus Alaskan Malamute     Whippet versus Boerboel     Whippet versus Pomapoo     Whippet versus Coton de Tulear     Whippet versus Kooikerhondje     Whippet versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Whippet versus Boykin Spaniel     Whippet versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Whippet versus Cocker Spaniel     Whippet versus Bichon Frise     Whippet versus Miniature Pinscher     Whippet versus Brittany     Whippet versus Dogo Argentino     Whippet versus Spanish Mastiff     Whippet versus Pointer     Whippet versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Whippet versus Brittany     Whippet versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Whippet versus Cane Corso     Whippet versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Whippet versus Basenji     Whippet versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Whippet versus Pomapoo     Whippet versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Whippet versus Afador     

    Conclusion: Komondor 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 Komondor and the Whippet better suits you and your family.