Whippet
A fast yet gentle English sighthound prized as both athlete and companion.
Every Whippet profile blends practical care notes, breed traits, and everyday living guidance.
Breed Levels
How well this breed aligns with lifestyle factors.
Characteristics
Key traits that define this breed.
Appearance
Physical traits and distinctive features of this breed.
Individual pets may vary in appearance, temperament and needs. Early training, proper care and socialization help bring out the best in every companion.
The Whippet: The Gentle Sprinter
The Whippet is a sleek, medium-sized sighthound often described as a Greyhound in miniature, capable of breathtaking bursts of speed yet wonderfully calm and affectionate at home. Amiable, gentle and playful, it strikes a rare balance between athlete and snuggly couch companion. Whippets stand 44 to 56 cm tall, weigh 11 to 18 kg and typically live 12 to 15 years.
The Working Man's Greyhound
The Whippet originated in northern England, where dogs of its type appear in artwork dating back to the Middle Ages. In Victorian times, working-class coal miners who enjoyed racing and rabbit coursing but lacked the space and money for full-sized Greyhounds bred a smaller, more economical version, and the fast, affordable Whippet was born. That heritage gives the breed its remarkable turn of speed.
Built for Speed
A true sighthound, the Whippet hunts and races by sight and sheer velocity, reaching speeds of around 35 miles per hour. Its slender, aerodynamic frame and a unique double-suspension gallop, in which it is fully airborne twice in each stride, make it one of the fastest animals for its size.
Temperament
The Whippet is gentle, affectionate, calm and athletic. Friendly and easygoing, it is capable of great intensity during a sprint but spends most of its day as a quiet, devoted companion happy to curl up beside its family. Properly socialised, it usually gets along well with people and other animals, though its sighthound prey drive means small, fast-moving pets warrant care, and secure areas are best for off-lead running.
Exercise and Comfort
The Whippet is a sprinter rather than an endurance dog: daily walks plus the chance to run flat-out in a safe, enclosed space satisfy it, after which it is content to relax. With little body fat and a fine coat, it feels the cold and appreciates soft bedding and a coat in chilly weather.
Grooming and Health
The short, smooth coat is extremely low maintenance, needing only an occasional brush. Generally a healthy, long-lived breed, the Whippet can develop mitral valve disease as it ages, first detected as a heart murmur, so routine veterinary checks are valuable, along with sighthound-aware anaesthesia care.
Who It Suits
The Whippet suits a wide range of homes, including apartments, that can offer safe opportunities to sprint and a soft place to rest. Gentle, clean, quiet and affectionate, it is an adaptable and endearing companion for active and relaxed owners alike.
