Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Whippet |  Rottweiler |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | England | Germany (Roman droving dog ancestry) |
| Group | Hound | Working |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Coat | Short, fine, smooth coat with very little undercoat | Short double coat |
| Weight | 11 to 20 kg | 35 to 60 kg |
| Height | 44 to 51 cm | 56 to 68 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 yrs | 8 to 10 yrs |
| Exercise need | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 2/10 | 2/10 |
| Barking | 2/10 | 3/10 |
| Good with children | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Trainability | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Prey drive | 9/10 | 4/10 |
| Copes alone | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Drool | 1/10 | 6/10 |
| Shedding | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Flat fit | 7/10 | 3/10 |
| Running cost | €72 / month | €158 / month |
Whippet verdict
A 35mph sprinter wrapped around a dedicated couch potato, happiest after a short burst of speed followed by hours of sleep.
Get one if
- · Owners with access to securely fenced space for daily off lead sprinting
- · People wanting a calm, quiet indoor companion with minimal grooming needs
- · Households prepared to invest in coats and soft bedding through colder months
Think again if
- · Owners living near livestock or open countryside without secure fencing options
- · Anyone expecting reliable off lead recall around small animals and distractions
- · Households unwilling to invest in winter coats or padded bedding
Rottweiler verdict
A calm, powerful guardian breed that needs early socialisation and a confident, consistent owner.
Get one if
- · Confident, experienced dog owners
- · Households wanting a loyal guardian
- · Families committed to early socialisation classes
Think again if
- · First time owners unwilling to invest in training
- · Households wanting a dog friendly with all strangers
- · Very small flats with no outdoor space