Whippet
GentleAffectionatePlayful
England · 12–15 years
About the Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound that combines remarkable speed with a gentle, affectionate temperament. Often called the 'poor man's racehorse,' Whippets were developed in Victorian England by crossing small Greyhounds with terriers for rabbit coursing and racing. They can reach speeds up to 35 mph, making them one of the fastest dog breeds for their size. Despite their athletic prowess, Whippets are calm, quiet house dogs that love nothing more than curling up on the sofa under a blanket.
Breed stats
- Height
- 18–22 in
- Weight
- 25–40 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Short, smooth, fine
- Origin
- England
Coat colors
- Fawn
- Black
- Blue
- Brindle
- White
- Red
- Cream
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
40–60 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1–1.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Mitral valve disease
- Eye disorders
- Deafness
- Von Willebrand's disease
- Anesthesia sensitivity
Not every Whippet will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Whippets eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Whippets are one of the best medium-sized breeds for apartment living. Despite their incredible speed, they are remarkably calm and quiet indoors, often spending most of the day sleeping. They rarely bark, are clean, and have virtually no doggy odor. Their short coat means minimal shedding. They need daily exercise — ideally a chance to sprint in a secure area — but 40 to 60 minutes of activity is sufficient. After their exercise, they are content to be couch potatoes for the rest of the day.
- Whippets have a strong prey drive as sighthounds, which can make cat cohabitation challenging. They are hardwired to chase small, fast-moving animals. However, many Whippets live successfully with cats, especially when raised together from a young age. The key is early, supervised introductions and teaching the Whippet that the cat is family, not prey. Even well-socialized Whippets may still chase unfamiliar outdoor cats. Each dog is individual — some Whippets coexist peacefully with cats while others never overcome the chase instinct.
- Yes, Whippets typically need a coat in cold weather. Their thin, single-layer coat and lean body with very little body fat provide almost no insulation against the cold. Most Whippets are visibly uncomfortable in temperatures below 45°F (7°C) and may shiver or refuse to go outside without a coat. A well-fitted fleece or waterproof jacket is essential for winter walks. Many Whippet owners also provide pajamas or fleece coats for indoor wear during cold months, especially in drafty homes.
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