Whippet vs Cockapoo: Which Is Best For You?

When it comes to choosing the right dog, it can be tricky. With so many options and so many adorable pooches to choose from, there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration.

Time, training, the dog’s characteristics are all important factors that need to be looked at when deciding on a dog.

In this post, we’re going to compare two of the most popular dog breeds across the UK today, the Whippet vs Cockapoo.

We will look at which one is the best breed for you and what similarities and differences they have between them.

Table of Contents

Identifying What Traits You Prefer In A Dog

First, it’s important to clearly identify what traits and characteristics you are looking for in a dog.

This is an important step as all dog breeds are different in some way or another, and what you are looking for might not be easy to find.

Are you looking for a dog that is energetic? Playful? And great with kids?

Or is it more important to have a dog that loves the outdoors and can spend hours on hours walking each day?

Write a list of the traits that are most important to you and then rank them from the most important to least.

If you’re reading this article, then the chances are you have narrowed down your selection to either the whippet or the cockapoo, so let’s take a look at how they are similar.

Similarities Between Whippets And Cockapoos

Surprisingly, the whippet and cockapoo actually have a lot in common.

Both breeds can be described as intelligent, active, and lovable dogs that make surprisingly good watchdogs despite their adorable demeanour.

Both dogs are equally happy to spend hours indoors or romping around outside, they are both small to medium-sized dogs that suit living in small homes or apartments.

There are many similarities between the whippet and cockapoo, I’ve listed a few below:

Both have a loving, affectionate temperament.
Both dogs are intelligent and easy to train compared to other breeds.
Perfect for first-time dog owners due to people-pleasing characteristics
Love the outdoors and exercise, both need around 30 – 60 minutes per day.
Elegant like dogs that love snoozing and relaxing with their owners.
Both incredibly social dogs that love to play with kids and other dogs.
Don’t like to be left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety.

There are quite a few similarities between these two breeds and they are both amazing dogs to own.

What Are The Differences Between Whippets And Cockapoos?

When it comes to the differences between the whippet and the cockapoo, there are also a few that you should note.

These breeds although similar in a lot of things, do have differences that are not to be ignored.

Whippets Vs Cockapoos: Physical Attributes

Perhaps the first and most important difference between these two breeds is their physical attributes (size, shape, etc).

For example, whippets are long and thin while cockapoos are short and cuddly – they’re night and day!

Whippets have a thin body which they are renowned for and make them the fastest accelerating dog on the planet.

They often look thin, but this is their natural build and how they are supposed to look when in shape.

Whippets are generally taller than the average cocker spaniel whereas cockapoos are far more compact.

The whippet has short, straight fur whilst most cockapoos have a long and curly coat.

The short hair of the whippet is what makes them popular with people who are allergic to dogs, whereas cockapoos are not.

However, whippets are not hypoallergenic dogs which means if you have allergies, this may not be the dog for you. Whilst cockapoos are promoted as hypoallergenic, they can still cause allergies due to the dander in the dead skin cells to which people can be allergic.

Whippet vs Cockapoo: Temperament and Characteristics

When it comes to the temperament and characteristics of both of these dogs, they both prove to be friendly and sociable animals.

Whippets and cockapoos are both suitable for families, especially when brought up with children from a young age.

However, cockapoos are more likely to want attention from the family which could make them unsuitable if you have other pets or distractions in the home such as cats.

Whippets have chilled-out energy whilst at home whilst cockapoos can be quite hyper, so both are good for people who have the time to exercise them.

The Cockapoos character is known to be more rounded and popular due to their activity but an experienced whippet owner can manage if they are not so active.

Whippets on the other hand require slightly less exercise than your average dog, but still do need regular walks or jogs around the park.

The main thing to consider when deciding between the whippet or the cockapoo is your lifestyle.

If you are very active then you should look into getting a dog that can match your level of energy, often cockapoos are a perfect choice.

However, if you are less active or have other pets in your home it would be better to consider the whippet breed.

Whippet vs Cockapoo: Care And Maintenance

You’ll be glad to know that both of these dog breeds are pretty low maintenance.

However, the Cockapoo will require regular grooming and haircuts, as their coats tend to grow long if left unkempt.

Both dogs need to be taken on daily walks and should have playtime outside of those walks for at least 45 – 60 minutes a day.

They need to be fed a nutritious and healthy diet to keep them happy and healthy.

Cockapoos need to be brushed at least twice a week and more frequently if they tend to shed a lot.

As a whole both of these dogs are similar in maintenance, they only need the basics and don’t require a whole load of upkeep.

Understanding The Needs Of Whippets And Cockapoos

The needs of each dog will differ depending on the individual, but for the most part, both the whippet and cockapoo are going to require regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Both breeds need to be mentally stimulated as well as physically, if their mind is not kept busy they can become destructive or simply bored.

This is why it’s important to invest in dog toys to keep both of these dog breeds happy.

Also, as they tend to become anxious, it may be a good idea to get another dog to stop them from becoming lonely.

This means both a whippet and a cockapoo could be the two perfect dogs for you.

Whippet

The whippet’s needs are very minimal, they need regular exercise and a good diet.

Whippets are very relaxed dogs that would prefer to be indoors more than out all day.

They’re independent and known for their independence too, so despite how much you love them, they won’t always be around and might even leave if they feel like it.

They require a comfortable dog bed, dog toys, and an owner that will provide them with lots of love and affection.

They don’t like to be alone for long periods, so if you’re going to be at work all day then a whippet won’t be for you.

They can be quite needy at times but as they mature it becomes less and less;

Cockapoo

The cockapoo needs are very similar to that of the whippet. They are very active but not overly so, they have a lot of energy to burn off.

They are more suited to people who are home more often if you work full time then you might want to think about another breed of dog.

Just like the whippet, cockapoo’s need attention and cuddles too.

The cockapoo will require a little more tools on your part such as grooming materials to keep their coat maintained.

They also love to roll around in mud outdoors which can mean you spend a lot more time bathing and cleaning these pups.

Whilst whippets will avoid water and filth at all costs, they hate to be dirty.

Other Considerations

It’s worth keeping in mind that if you have room for two dogs, this pair complement each other very well.

They will get along great and love playing together.

If you have children, either of these dogs will make the perfect companion for your family.

They will build a strong bond with your children and grow to be a part of your families more tightly than you can ever imagine.

Whippets and cockapoos are both people’s dogs, easy to love, and great as family pets for those who want an active dog that loves exercise.

Both breeds will adapt well to the city or countryside so long as you have plenty to do in your day.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, deciding on either a whippet or cockapoo is hard. But they’re both great family dogs and you won’t be disappointed with either breed.

At the end of the day, it comes down to what your personal preference is for a doglike whether you want a whippet or a cockapoo.

If you’ve got more of an active lifestyle then the whippet might be for you. If you’re looking for a cuddly canine with fewer exercise needs then the cockapoo would be your best bet.

The two are, of course, still very different dogs in their own right but they are both extremely loveable and sociable creatures that will bring many years of joy to you and your family.

If you wish to learn more about Cockapoos, check out our friends over at CockapooHQ to learn everything there is to know about this beautiful breed.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope it’s helped you in the decision-making process of which breed is best for you.