Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Lowchen Versus Whippet: Introduction
- Lowchen versus Whippet: Overview
- Lowchen versus Whippet: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Whippet
- The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Whippet
- Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Whippet
- Lifespan of Lowchen versus Whippet
- Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Lowchen
- Price of Lowchen versus Price of Whippet
- The Popularity of Lowchen versus Popularity of Whippet
- Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Whippet
- Tolerates Being Alone: Lowchen versus Whippet
- Do Lowchens shed more than Whippets?
- Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Whippet
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Whippet?
- Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
- Do Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
- Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Whippet
- Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lowchen or the Whippet?
- Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Whippets?
- How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Whippets?
- Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Whippet?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Lowchen versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
Lowchen Versus Whippet: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Whippet.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen or the Whippet.
Lowchen versus Whippet: Overview
A very important difference between the Lowchen and the Whippet is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog while the Whippet is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Lowchen belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
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.
Lowchen versus Whippet: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Whippet
| Factor | Lowchen | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 13 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 9 to 18 pounds | 18 to 48 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $2870 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $1642 – $4500 | $1600 – $2600 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 86.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 163 | 58 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Lowchen is 85 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen and the Whippet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Whippet
Below is a list of where the Lowchen and the Whippet are most different:
The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Whippet
The Lowchen and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lowchen and the Whippet are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Whippet
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lowchen and the Whippet.
Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 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 Lowchen versus Whippet
The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.
Lowchens live longer than Whippets.
Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Lowchen
The Whippet has a better temperament than the Lowchen.
This is because the temperament score for the Whippet is 86.2 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 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 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-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 Lowchen and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 203 Whippets.
Price of Lowchen versus Price of Whippet
The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen 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 Lowchen is more expensive than the Whippet.
| Lowchen | Whippet | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2870 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $1642 to $4500 | $1600 to $2600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Lowchen and Whippet. For different price points, the charts show how many Lowchen puppies or how many Whippet puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Whippets
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen. 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 Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Lowchen
Popularity of Whippet
| Year | Lowchen Popularity Rank | Whippet Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 154 | 59 |
| 2014 | 165 | 56 |
| 2015 | 161 | 57 |
| 2016 | 171 | 60 |
| 2017 | 169 | 61 |
| 2018 | 168 | 61 |
| 2019 | 158 | 57 |
| 2020 | 161 | 59 |
Health Problems of Lowchen 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 Lowchen 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 Lowchen.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Whippet than for the Lowchen.
3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lowchens and in Whippets.
Lowchen Health Problems
Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens 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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens 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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.
This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
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:
The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Whippet:
| Disease | Lowchen Rank | Whippet Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Patella problems | 19 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 42 out of 182 dog breeds | 162 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 163 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: Lowchen versus Whippet
Lowchens do not like to be left alone.
Whippets do not like to be left alone.
Do Lowchens shed more than Whippets?
Lowchens shed moderately.
Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Whippet
Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.
Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Whippet?
Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.
Whippets are very easy to groom.
Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
Lowchens 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.
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 Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
Lowchens 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 Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Whippet
Lowchens 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 Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
Lowchens 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 Lowchen or the Whippet?
Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.
Whippets get along very well with other dogs.
Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Whippets?
Lowchens 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 Lowchens and Whippets?
Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Whippet?
Lowchens are very easy to train.
Whippets are very easy to train.
Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?
Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.
Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lowchen or the Whippet?
Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.
Whippets are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen 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 Lowchen:
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:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Lowchen and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Lowchen and of the Whippet to other breeds:
Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds
Lowchen versus Canaan Dog Lowchen versus Bloodhound Lowchen versus Akbash Lowchen versus English Springer Spaniel Lowchen versus Valley Bulldog Lowchen versus Aussiedoodle Lowchen versus Harrier Lowchen versus Pomsky Lowchen versus Tibetan Terrier Lowchen versus Cairn Terrier Lowchen versus Bull Terrier Lowchen versus Bouvier des Flandres Lowchen versus Plott Lowchen versus Cockalier Lowchen versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Lowchen versus Dogo Argentino Lowchen versus Bluetick Coonhound Lowchen versus Scottish Deerhound Lowchen versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne Lowchen versus Maltese Lowchen versus Sussex Spaniel Lowchen versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Lowchen versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Lowchen versus Cavachon Lowchen versus Mastiff
Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds
Whippet versus Alaskan Klee Kai Whippet versus Weimaraner Whippet versus Black Mouth Cur Whippet versus Bichon Frise Whippet versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Whippet versus Siberian Husky Whippet versus Shihpoo Whippet versus Mountain Cur Whippet versus Sussex Spaniel Whippet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Whippet versus Japanese Spitz Whippet versus Goldador Whippet versus Bernedoodle Whippet versus Puli Whippet versus Belgian Malinois Whippet versus Bearded Collie Whippet versus Saluki Whippet versus Toy Poodle Whippet versus Field Spaniel Whippet versus Silky Terrier Whippet versus Belgian Tervuren Whippet versus Boerboel Whippet versus Korean Jindo Dog Whippet versus German Pinscher
Conclusion: Lowchen 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 Lowchen and the Whippet better suits you and your family.