Whippet
Great Britain, Short-haired Sighthounds
- Size
- Medium
- Height
- 43–51 cm
- Weight
- 10–14 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 yrs
- Gentle
- Quiet indoors
- Sensitive
- Affectionate
- Fast
Heights and weights are typical adult ranges; individual dogs vary.
About the Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized English sighthound, bred for racing and rabbit coursing in northern mill towns. It is lean and graceful, with a deep chest, an arched back and a fine, short coat that comes in any colour. It looks like a small greyhound, and it is calm and gentle indoors.
Temperament
Gentle, quiet and affectionate indoors, often a calm companion. It is sensitive and responds best to gentle training. It has a strong chase instinct outdoors.
Exercise
Needs daily walks and a chance to sprint in a secure area. Many relax indoors after exercise.
Grooming
Short, fine coat that needs only an occasional brush. Wipe it over after muddy walks and check the skin and nails now and then.
Care & wellbeing
Thin coat and little body fat mean it feels the cold, so a coat is helpful in winter. Keep teeth clean and nails short.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 12 kg adult- Water
- 480 ml–720 ml
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 720 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Exercise
- 60–90 min
- a day
- Grooming
- An occasional brush is plenty
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a Whippet
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
A medium-sized sighthound developed in England from small greyhound types, used for coursing rabbits and racing. It is gentle, quiet indoors and very fast, with a fine coat and a thin skin that can tear easily.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Heart murmurs
- Eye problems
- Skin injuries
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Heart check
- Eye tests
Not every Whippet is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–15 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a Whippet right for you?
Could suit
- Owners who can manage a good walk or two each day
- People who'd rather not spend much time grooming
Not sure? Try the breed finder or read choosing the right dog breed.
Common questions
How big does a Whippet get?
Adult Whippets typically stand about 43–51 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 10–14 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do Whippets live?
Typically 12–15 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How much exercise does a Whippet need?
As a guide, around 60–90 minutes a day, split between walks, play and sniffing time. Puppies and older dogs need shorter, gentler sessions.
How much grooming does a Whippet need?
An occasional brush is plenty. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are Whippets easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistent, reward-based practice.
Do Whippets shed?
A little. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control.
Are Whippets good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any dog, and teach them to give the dog space.
Can a Whippet live in a flat?
Usually, yes — as long as they get enough daily exercise and time outdoors.
What health problems do Whippets have?
The breed can be prone to heart murmurs, eye problems, skin injuries. Not every Whippet is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about health screening for this breed.
Breed details
- Country of origin
- Great Britain
- Type
- Short-haired Sighthounds
- Internationally recognised
- 1955