Hound group
Whippet
A sprinter on the field, a couch potato at home — gentle, quiet and elegant.
Whippets are gentle, affectionate sighthounds that combine explosive speed with a calm indoor nature. They are easy to live with, but their prey drive and fragility need care.
- Height
- 18–22 in46–56 cm
- Weight
- 25–40 lb11–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Size
- Medium
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- England
Coat: Short, fine, close coat. Colours: Any colour or pattern.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Whippets are sweet, quiet and affectionate. They love comfort and warmth and are often happiest curled up on the sofa. They are usually good with children and other dogs.
They have a strong chase instinct and can bolt after small animals. They are sensitive to harsh handling and cold weather.
Living with a Whippet
Exercise
A couple of walks a day plus regular off-lead sprints in a securely fenced area. Lure coursing is a great outlet for their speed.
Grooming
Minimal grooming; light shedding. Keep them warm in cold weather.
Training
Sensitive and responsive to gentle, reward-based training. Recall can be unreliable around prey.
Kids & other pets
Good with children and other dogs; may chase cats unless raised together.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time and is quiet indoors. Provide a warm, padded bed — thin-skinned Whippets hate being cold.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Whippet right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Whippet matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Whippet typically lives 12–15 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Heart disease
Mitral valve disease and murmurs occur in the breed.
Eye conditions
Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye diseases occur.
Deafness
Congenital deafness occurs, particularly in dogs with lots of white; BAER testing detects it.
Skin injuries
Thin skin and little body fat mean cuts and tears are common after running through brush.
Anaesthesia sensitivity
Low body fat can affect anaesthetic dosing.
Ask a breeder for
- Cardiac examination
- Eye examination
- BAER hearing test
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Whippet; American Whippet Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Whippets were developed in 19th-century England from Greyhounds and terriers. Working-class miners used them for rabbit coursing and straight-line racing — earning the nickname “poor man’s racehorse”.
The AKC recognised the breed in 1888. Whippets remain popular in lure coursing and racing.
Did you know?
- Whippets can reach speeds of up to 35 mph.
- They are one of the fastest accelerating dogs.
- Whippets were popular with miners in northern England.
Library guides for Whippet owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Whippet.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Whippet breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Whippets good apartment dogs?
- Yes — they are calm indoors with enough exercise.
- Do Whippets shed?
- Lightly.
- Can Whippets be off lead?
- Only in secure areas; they may chase small animals.