PuppyBase

Clumber Spaniel vs Whippet

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Clumber Spaniel vs Whippet

You don't see Clumber Spaniels and Whippets side by side at dog parks often, but people compare them when they're chasing a specific vibe: a calm, affectionate English breed that’s good with family and doesn’t bark up a storm. On paper, both fit. In reality, they’re about as alike as a sedan and a sports car. The Clumber Spaniel is the quiet, dignified type who’d rather nap on a porch than sprint across a field. He’s built like a low-slung tank, weighs up to 85 pounds, and moves with deliberate charm. He’s gentle with kids, yes, but don’t expect endless energy. He’s happiest with a slow walk and a job to do. his flushing instincts still hum quietly under that mellow exterior. You’ll need space for his size and a tolerance for some drool and shedding. He’s not going to win agility trials, but he’ll be your loyal, slightly goofy shadow. The Whippet, though? She’s lean poetry in motion. Slender, fast, and surprisingly couch-glued when the zoomies pass. She’ll sprint around the yard like a greyhound and then curl up on your lap, all 30 pounds of her. She’s more sensitive. emotionally and physically. especially to cold and anesthesia. She bonds fiercely, loves older kids who respect her speed, and adapts well to apartments, as long as you commit to daily runs. The real difference isn’t just energy. It’s rhythm. The Clumber sets a slow, steady beat. The Whippet lives in bursts. silence, then lightning. Here's the honest bit: neither is a beginner’s dog, not really. The Clumber’s health issues need monitoring, the Whippet’s fragility demands care. But if you want a quiet companion with presence, go Clumber. If you want a velvety-eyed racer who melts into you at night, the Whippet’s your soulmate.

Clumber Spaniel
Whippet
17–20 in
Height
18–22 in
55–85 lb
Weight
25–40 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#143
AKC popularity
#61

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Clumber Spaniel Whippet
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Whippet drools less (3-point difference)
Whippet
Good with Young Children
Whippet is better with kids (2-point difference)
Whippet
Good with Other Dogs
Whippet is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Whippet
Affectionate w/ Family
Whippet is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Whippet
Shedding Level
Whippet sheds less (1-point difference)
Whippet
The verdict

Choose the Clumber Spaniel if…

  • Hunters
  • Less active families
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value drooling levelClumber Spaniel scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Whippet if…

  • Apartment living (if exercised)
  • Families with older children
  • Runners and joggers
  • You value good with young childrenWhippet scores higher here.
Clumber Spaniel Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Clumber Spaniel home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Whippet Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Whippet home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run