Newfoundland vs Whippet

Which dog breed is right for you?

Newfoundland

Size
100–150 lbs, 26–28 in
Lifespan
9–10 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Sweet Patient Devoted Gentle

Whippet

Size
25–40 lbs, 18–22 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Quiet Affectionate Athletic

About the Newfoundland

The Newfoundland hails from the Canadian island of the same name, where it was bred as a working dog for fishermen — hauling nets, carrying boat lines, and even rescuing drowning swimmers. Males typically weigh 130 to 150 pounds and stand 28 inches tall, while females are slightly smaller at 100 to 120 pounds. Their thick, water-resistant double coat comes in black, brown, gray, or the striking black-and-white "Landseer" pattern.

Temperament & Personality

Newfoundlands are renowned for their sweet, patient, and devoted temperament — often called "nanny dogs" for their extraordinary gentleness with children. They are calm indoors, deeply loyal, and have an almost instinctive drive to rescue people in water. Newfies generally get along beautifully with other dogs and pets, making them exceptional family dogs despite their enormous size.

Pros

  • Exceptional natural swimming ability and water rescue instincts
  • One of the gentlest giant breeds — outstanding with children
  • Calm and easygoing indoor demeanor despite massive size
  • Highly trainable and responsive to gentle, patient guidance

Cons

  • Heavy drooling — especially after eating, drinking, or exercise
  • Coat requires extensive grooming and sheds heavily year-round
  • Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis, and cystinuria
  • Shorter lifespan of 8 to 10 years common in giant breeds

A Newfoundland could be the most loving addition your family ever makes — find one waiting for a home on Puplister.

About the Whippet

The Whippet was developed in Victorian England by coal miners and mill workers who bred small Greyhounds with terriers to create an affordable racing and rabbit-coursing dog — earning the nickname "the poor man's racehorse." These elegant sighthounds stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with a streamlined, aerodynamic build capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually any color or pattern and lies close to the body, accentuating their graceful, muscular contours.

Temperament & Personality

Whippets are gentle, quiet, and remarkably calm indoors — often spending hours draped elegantly across furniture in poses that would make a greyhound proud. They are affectionate and sensitive with their families, good with children (though their slender build makes them vulnerable to rough play), and generally friendly with other dogs. Despite their sprinting ability, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy at home and are often described as the ideal apartment dog for owners who enjoy outdoor exercise.

Pros

  • Extremely calm and quiet indoors — one of the most unobtrusive housemates
  • Short, low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odor
  • Gentle, affectionate nature — rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs
  • Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years

Cons

  • Intense prey drive — will chase and potentially catch small animals including cats
  • Thin skin and low body fat make them sensitive to cold and prone to scrapes
  • Cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas — once they run, they cannot hear you
  • Susceptible to anesthesia sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias

Whippets are the perfect blend of couch companion and outdoor athlete — find one looking for a home on Puplister.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Newfoundland and a Whippet?
The Newfoundland is 100–150 lbs, 26–28 in sized while the Whippet is 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in sized. They differ in size (100–150 lbs, 26–28 in vs 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in), lifespan (9–10 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Newfoundland or Whippet?
Newfoundland is generally good with kids. Whippet is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Newfoundland or Whippet?
The Newfoundland has a lifespan of 9–10 years while the Whippet has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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