Whippet
Complete Breed Guide
"Nope... Not a big fan of cats."
Quick Facts About Whippets
Hound
25–40 lbs
18–22"
No
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Overview
Whippets are elegant, athletic sighthounds with a natural gift for speed and an equally strong gift for companionship. Deeply social and affectionate, they are as devoted to their families as they are impressive on the move.
Whippets are athletic sighthounds with a rich history as working dogs, bred for their extraordinary speed and keen visual instinct. They are highly social dogs who thrive in the company of people and other dogs and do best as an integrated member of the family. True to their sighthound heritage, Whippets have a strong instinct to chase fast-moving animals, making a securely fenced yard and leash walks important parts of their daily routine. Their athletic ability is genuinely impressive — built for speed and agility, they are capable of remarkable bursts of energy when given the opportunity to run. Between those moments of activity, Whippets are notably calm and gentle companions who are happiest settled somewhere soft and comfortable close to their people.
Temperament and Behavior
Whippets are pack dogs who enjoy the company of other canines. They are friendly toward people, strangers included, although sometimes they are most loyal to one family member. Whippets are sighthounds, which means they have a very strong instinct to chase and will bolt after anything small and furry. When Whippets are young, they sometimes have a habit of barking and chewing, but they eventually grow out of it.
Coat & Grooming
Whippets have a very short coat that is easy to groom. They are also very cleanly and rarely require a bath. Brush their coat every once in awhile to remove dead hair and their coat will always look great.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Whippets need to live indoors with access to soft places to rest their bony bodies. Whippets fit best in families with older, more respectful children or no children at all. They are not very tolerant of toddlers who may not know how to treat dogs. Whippets can sometimes learn to live with small cats if they are raised together, but for the most part, they do not make good additions to families with felines.
Exercise & Activity
Whippets need daily walks, during which you’ll need to keep a tight hold of their leash, should a squirrel demand the attention of your dog. Aside from walks, you’ll want to bring your Whippet to a dog park once or twice a week so they can run at full-speed without worrying about any dangers. If you’re looking to get involved in doggie sports, Whippets are ace competitors in lure coursing, a sport where dogs chase a mechanical lure.
Health Considerations
The Whippet dog breed has a long lifespan of 12-15 years. And while they’re generally healthy, they are prone to a few health conditions: Mitral Valve Disease, Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV), Lacerations due to their thin coat, and deafness.
Medical References
- PetMD
Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Whippet FAQs
Common questions about the Whippet breed, answered by our editorial team.
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