Whippet
- Height at the withers
- 44 to 51 cm
- Weight
- 10 to 18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 15 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- England
- FCI group
- 10 · Sighthounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
A slender, medium-sized sighthound known for its elegant, athletic “inverted S” outline, its explosive acceleration and its gentle nature. Originally nicknamed the “poor man’s racehorse.”
History and origins
Developed in northern England in the 18th and 19th centuries by working-class families, who crossed small greyhounds with terriers for rabbit hunting and racing. The British Kennel Club recognized it in 1890.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is very hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Sensitivity to anesthetics (common in sighthounds)
- Mitral valve disease
- Skin wounds and muscle tears
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very quiet, 1 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
In our lists
Whippet FAQ
How big does the Whippet get?
The Whippet stands 44 to 51 cm at the withers and weighs 10 to 18 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Whippet shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the Whippet live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard.
How much exercise does the Whippet need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Whippet good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Whippet live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 15 years, and the breed is very hardy. The main health problems to watch for are sensitivity to anesthetics and mitral valve disease.
