Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Whippet better for families with children?

Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Whippet are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Whippet?

The American Pit Bull Terrier and Whippet shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Whippet?

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is American Pit Bull Terrier or Whippet bigger?

American Pit Bull Terrier and Whippet are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or Whippet?

American Pit Bull Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Whippet is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier or Whippet?

For apartment or apartment living, Whippet has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Whippet: Which Guards Better?

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Whippet: full comparison

Trait	American Pit Bull Terrier	Whippet
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	Medium
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Very Low
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Low	Very Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Very Low
Adaptability	High	Very High
Typical lifespan	13 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The American Pit Bull Terrier has noticeably higher protectiveness than the Whippet.

Size and living space

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the Whippet is a mid-sized breed that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The American Pit Bull Terrier needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Whippet thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The American Pit Bull Terrier asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds only lightly. The Whippet takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds only lightly. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The American Pit Bull Terrier takes to training fast and works willingly, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and suits families with children particularly well. The Whippet picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, stays notably quiet indoors and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, American Pit Bull Terrier will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Whippet has little guarding instinct and greets strangers as friends.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Whippet has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, American Pit Bull Terrier and Whippet are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Whippet has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, American Pit Bull Terrier has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, American Pit Bull Terrier and Whippet are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the American Pit Bull Terrier if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Whippet if you want a more adaptable dog, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Whippet better for families with children?: Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Whippet are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Whippet?: The American Pit Bull Terrier and Whippet shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Whippet?: The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is American Pit Bull Terrier or Whippet bigger?: American Pit Bull Terrier and Whippet are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, American Pit Bull Terrier or Whippet?: American Pit Bull Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Whippet is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, American Pit Bull Terrier or Whippet?: For apartment or apartment living, Whippet has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

American Pit Bull Terrier vs Whippet