Whippet: Speed, Temperament, Care & Health

The Whippet is a sleek, elegant sighthound with the classic "inverted S" lines of a sprinter: a deep chest, a narrow waist, a long arched neck, and slender but sturdy legs. The AKC describes them as gentle, dignified, and amiable dogs that become completely serious the moment they see something to chase. Between bursts of sprinting, the Whippet loves to spend long hours resting next to their owner—making them suitable even for apartment living. In this dog breed guide profile, you will find the history, appearance, temperament, and care needs of the Whippet.

Origin	Great Britain (Northern England)
FCI Group	Group 10 – Sighthounds, Shorthaired sighthounds (No. 162)
Height	males 19–22 inches, females 18–21 inches
Weight	25–40 lbs
Coat	short, smooth, no undercoat, low shedding
Colors	various
Lifespan	12–15 years
Temperament	gentle, affectionate, calm indoors, passionate outdoors
Suitable for	apartments, provided the dog gets to run freely

The Whippet: The Coal Miner's "Racehorse"

Greyhound-type dogs of various sizes—large, medium, and small—have been described in hunting manuals since the Middle Ages. In the early 15th century, Edward of Norwich, Duke of York, wrote about the benefits of "large, medium, and small sighthounds" for hunting different game, and in the 16th century, physician John Caius mentioned a small sighthound called a "tumbler"—an excellent rabbit catcher considered to be the Whippet's ancestor. The word "whippet" as a dog's name was first recorded in 1610; Wikipedia traces it to an old word meaning "to move briskly," while the AKC suggests it comes from "whappet," meaning a small barking dog.

The modern Whippet's history, according to the AKC, begins in Victorian England. Northern coal miners enjoyed dog racing and rabbit hunting on their days off but could not afford to feed and train large Greyhounds. Therefore, they bred a smaller version of the sighthound. Whippets were called the "poor man's racehorse" and the "lightning rag dog"—they would chase a rag pulled along a straight track, an early form of lure coursing. By 1891, the Whippet was recognized by official kennel organizations and allowed to compete in English dog shows. The FCI officially recognized the breed in 1955.

Appearance: A Scaled-Down Greyhound

The Whippet resembles a Greyhound, only smaller, and sits right between the Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound in size. It has the classic sighthound lines: a deep chest, a narrow waist, a lean head on a long arched neck, and slender but sturdy legs. Although they look elegant, they are robust and low-maintenance dogs.

The coat is short, smooth, and lacks an undercoat. They barely shed and have no doggy odor—in fact, they are known for not emitting any specific smell. However, because of their short coat and low body fat, they are very sensitive to the cold. The AKC emphasizes that a healthy adult Whippet should have 2 to 4 vertebrae visible—to people used to heavier breeds, they might look "skinny," but this is completely normal.

Temperament: Calm Indoors, Lightning Outdoors

Whippets are described as gentle, affectionate, and calm dogs: at home, they are relaxed and quiet, but outside they turn into a ball of energy. The AKC notes that they rarely bark, which is another plus for city dwellers. They are highly affectionate, friendly with their owners, guests, and children, dislike rough handling, and are very attuned to their owner's mood. They strongly dislike being left alone, which is why it is often recommended to keep more than one Whippet.

Like all sighthounds, Whippets hunt by sight and have a strong prey drive, meaning they will chase small animals. Puppies are smart, agile, and mischievous, capable of jumping and climbing, so they need to be kept in a secure area when unsupervised. Because of their speed and instincts, a Whippet should only be let off the leash in a safely fenced area.

Health

• Weight. The Whippet's frame is not built for excess weight—moderate portions throughout their life protect them from painful and expensive orthopedic issues.
• Heart, Eyes, and Hearing. The AKC recommends cardiac and ophthalmologist evaluations, as well as a BAER hearing test.
• Cold. In winter, they need warm apparel and shorter walks.

Whippets are considered a healthy breed free from many of the hereditary diseases common in other breeds. They typically live up to 15 years.

Care and Exercise

• Exercise. A few intense fetch sessions a week, regular walks, and playtime with another dog in a fenced area.
• Sports. Lure coursing, agility, and flyball.
• Coat. An occasional brush with a rubber grooming mitt.
• Warmth. A soft bed, a blanket, and a sweater or coat in chilly weather.

The Whippet and Other Sighthounds

Feature	Whippet	Greyhound	Italian Greyhound
Size	medium	large	small
Purpose	rabbits, racing	racing, hares	companion
Coat	short	short	short
Origin	Great Britain	Great Britain	Italy

The Whippet is Perfect for a Calm Home and Safe Running

The Whippet is one of the quietest and calmest dogs indoors, but outside, they absolutely need the opportunity to run at full speed.

• Suitable for: apartments, people working from home, families with children, runners, and those who have access to a fenced area or lure coursing events.
• Not suitable for: homes with cats or rabbits if not properly socialized, people who frequently leave the dog alone, and very cold living environments.

Their thin coat and low body fat mean that the Whippet gets cold easily in the winter—they need a winter jacket and a soft, warm place to sleep. Their thin skin is also easy to scratch, so it is worth checking them for minor cuts after running in the woods.

It is only safe to let a Whippet off the leash in a fenced area: if they spot a hare or a cat, they can take off at incredible speed and will not hear you calling them back. Lure coursing is a fantastic outlet for this, allowing the dog to safely use all of its speed.

How to Choose a Whippet Puppy

Ask the breeder for the parents' heart, eye, and hearing test results, and inquire if the parents participate in racing or conformation shows. Consider whether you can provide a safe place for them to run and a warm bed in the winter. Since Whippets do not like being alone, think about getting them some company. Remember that when bringing a puppy home, you should look for a reputable breeder who provides a contract and health guarantees, and avoid puppy mills or pet stores. Microchipping is highly recommended by veterinarians to ensure your pet can be identified. For more general rules on finding a responsible breeder, check the guide introduction.

You can find other fast and athletic dogs in the Weimaraner and Border Collie profiles, and another English hunting dog in the Beagle guide.