Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pointer Versus Whippet: Introduction
- Pointer versus Whippet: Overview
- Pointer versus Whippet: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pointer and the Whippet
- The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Whippet
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Whippet
- Lifespan of Pointer versus Whippet
- Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Pointer
- Price of Pointer versus Price of Whippet
- Adopting the Pointer versus Adopting the Whippet
- The Intelligence of the Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Whippet
- The Popularity of Pointer versus Popularity of Whippet
- Health Problems of Pointer versus Health Problems of Whippet
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pointer versus Whippet
- Do Pointers shed more than Whippets?
- Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Whippet
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pointer or the Whippet?
- Does the Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
- Do Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
- Can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Whippet
- Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pointer or the Whippet?
- Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Whippets?
- How Kid-friendly are Pointers and Whippets?
- Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Whippet?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pointer versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pointer Versus Whippet: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pointer 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 Pointer 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 Pointer and the Whippet.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pointer 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 Pointer 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 Pointer 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 Pointer or the Whippet.
Pointer versus Whippet: Overview
Both the Pointer and the Whippet are similar in size. The Pointer and the Whippet are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.
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.
Pointer versus Whippet: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pointer 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 Pointer and the Whippet
| Factor | Pointer | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 75 pounds | 18 to 48 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1080 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | $1600 – $2600 |
| Temperament Score | 90.0 percent | 86.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 115 | 58 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 43 | 51 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pointer 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 Pointer is 75 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer and the Whippet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pointer and the Whippet
Below is a list of where the Pointer and the Whippet are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pointer and the Whippet
The Pointer and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pointer and the Whippet are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pointer versus Whippet
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pointer and the Whippet.
Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the 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 Pointer versus Whippet
The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.
Temperament of the Whippet Versus the Pointer
The Pointer has a better temperament than the Whippet.
This is because the temperament score for the Pointer 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 Pointer 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 Pointer and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 20 Pointers and 203 Whippets.
Price of Pointer versus Price of Whippet
The average price of the Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer 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 Pointer.
| Pointer | Whippet | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1080 | $2120 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1300 | $1600 to $2600 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Pointer and Whippet. For different price points, the charts show how many Pointer puppies or how many Whippet puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Pointers. 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 Pointer 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.
Adopting the Pointer versus Adopting the Whippet
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Pointers and many Whippets are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Pointer named Preston that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Pointers like Preston on pefinder.com.
Also, like Pointers, Whippets are also available for adoption. For example, Malcom is a Male Whippet that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Whippets like Malcom that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also, Bubbles is an adorable Male Whippet on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Pointers and Whippets that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Whippet
| Pointer | Whippet | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 43 out of 130 dog breeds | 51 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Pointer has an obedience intelligence rank of 43 out of 130 dog breeds. The Pointer belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Pointers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Whippet has an obedience intelligence rank of 51 out of 130 dog breeds. The Whippet belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Whippets tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The Pointer is more intelligent than the Whippet.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Pointer 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 Pointer 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 Pointer. 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 Pointer is 115 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pointer
Popularity of Whippet
| Year | Pointer Popularity Rank | Whippet Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 114 | 59 |
| 2014 | 119 | 56 |
| 2015 | 114 | 57 |
| 2016 | 117 | 60 |
| 2017 | 113 | 61 |
| 2018 | 114 | 61 |
| 2019 | 115 | 57 |
| 2020 | 116 | 59 |
Health Problems of Pointer 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 Pointer 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 the same number of genetic health problems as the Pointer.
5 health tests are recommended for Pointer while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pointers and in Whippets.
Pointer Health Problems
Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pointer 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 Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pointer 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 Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers 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 Pointers 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 Pointer Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.
This is because the Pointer ranks 17 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Pointers, 1 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pointers, and how common these diseases are in Pointers 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 Pointer and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pointer and the Whippet:
| Disease | Pointer Rank | Whippet Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 17 out of 159 dog breeds | 7 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 44 out of 115 dog breeds | 108 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 66 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 137 out of 198 dog breeds | 191 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 3 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 17 out of 21 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | Not Common | 162 out of 182 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: Pointer versus Whippet
Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Whippets do not like to be left alone.
Do Pointers shed more than Whippets?
Pointers shed moderately.
Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pointer or the Whippet
Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pointer or the Whippet?
Pointers are very easy to groom.
Whippets are very easy to groom.
Does the Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
Pointers 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 Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Whippets are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Pointer vs. Whippet
Pointers 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 Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Whippets can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pointer or the Whippet?
Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Whippets get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pointers good family dogs? What about Whippets?
Pointers 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 Pointers and Whippets?
Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pointer Easier to Train than the Whippet?
Pointers are very easy to train.
Whippets are very easy to train.
Is the Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?
Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pointer or the Whippet?
Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Whippets are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pointer 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 Pointer:
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 Pointer and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pointer and of the Whippet to other breeds:
Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pointer versus Chow Chow Pointer versus Chorkie Pointer versus Chi-Poo Pointer versus Beaglier Pointer versus Irish Terrier Pointer versus Miniature Schnauzer Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound Pointer versus Australian Kelpie Pointer versus Belgian Malinois Pointer versus Sheepadoodle Pointer versus Shihpoo Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier Pointer versus Lowchen Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli Pointer versus Newfoundland Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Pointer versus Spinone Italiano Pointer versus Chihuahua Pointer versus French Spaniel Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier Pointer versus Border Terrier Pointer versus Mountain Cur Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Pointer versus Manchester Terrier
Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds
Whippet versus Sussex Spaniel Whippet versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Whippet versus Plott Whippet versus Bull Terrier Whippet versus Carolina Dog Whippet versus Field Spaniel Whippet versus Irish Water Spaniel Whippet versus Goldendoodle Whippet versus Airedale Terrier Whippet versus Bluetick Coonhound Whippet versus Flat-Coated Retriever Whippet versus Basset Hound Whippet versus Berger Picard Whippet versus Afghan Hound Whippet versus German Longhaired Pointer Whippet versus Flat-Coated Retriever Whippet versus Chi-Poo Whippet versus Scottish Terrier Whippet versus Japanese Spitz Whippet versus Miniature Pinscher Whippet versus Basenji Whippet versus Finnish Lapphund Whippet versus Clumber Spaniel Whippet versus Mudi Whippet versus Stabyhoun
Conclusion: Pointer 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 Pointer and the Whippet better suits you and your family.