Breed comparison
Boston Terrier vs Whippet
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
5Affection with family5
5Good with young children5
4Good with other dogs5
5Openness to strangers3
5Playfulness4
4Energy level4
4Trainability3
3Mental stimulation needs4
3Adaptability3
3Watchdog / protective3
2Barking1
2Shedding2
2Coat grooming1
1Drooling1
The biggest differences
- Openness to strangers: the Boston Terrier scores 5 out of 5, the Whippet 3.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, energy level, adaptability, watchdog / protective, shedding.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Boston Terrier if you want a dog that is easier to train. Pick the Whippet if you want a quieter dog, you have other dogs.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.