Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Size: 18-21-inches (male); 19-22 inches (female)
Coat: Short, smooth
Temperament: Gentle, quiet, friendly, intelligent, affectionate, lively
Exercise needs: At least an hour daily
Origin/native country: United Kingdom
Whippets are known as the “miniature greyhound” and it’s easy to see why. With their slim frames, long legs and ability to sprint, whippets have very similar qualities to their fellow sighthound which is why, just like greyhounds, they made our list of the fastest dog breeds.
Established as a breed at the end of the 19th century, whippets have a reputation for being docile and affectionate. Since they were originally bred to chase and capture small prey, however, they can also become very active in an incredibly short amount of time.
One thing’s for sure, they can certainly surprise you so let’s take a look at whether this breed is worth considering and whether or not reality matches up with expectation. In this breed, we examine the temperament of a whippet and look at the practicalities of ownership, with advice from expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan.
Does a whippet need a lot of exercise?
Since whippets are one of the dog breeds that were made for running, capable of reaching speeds of up to 35mph, you may think they need an enormous amount of exercise. But that’s not actually the case.
“Most people are surprised to find out that whippets are just as happy on the sofa as they are on the racing track,” says Dr MacMillan. That said, you do need to invest some time keeping them fit and well.
“These dogs are generally settled and calm when they are in the house but they need at least an hour of good exercise each day,” Dr MacMillan adds. To that end, as well as taking this breed for walks – perhaps splitting them over two sessions, morning and evening – you need to ensure the environment is stimulating with plenty of things to sniff and explore.
You also need to engage in some stimulating play to keep the whippet's body and mind in good shape. Some of the best dog toys will help – think frisbees and throwable plushes – and investing in the best dog puzzle toys won’t do any harm.
This breed, however, should only really be considered if you have a safe, secure area for them to let off steam. Whippets do need time to run off-lead and it’s best done in a yard or fenced off area so they don’t get too far away. You also need to try and ensure they’re kept away from small animals – this breed has a high prey drive and it’ll head straight for them.
Are whippets easy to train?
According to Stanley Coren, professor of canine psychology, whippets possess an average intellect. It’s why the breed ranks 51st in his book, The Intelligence of Dogs. But that’s not to say they’re inherently tricky to train.
“Whippets are quick learners and eager to please, which makes them very trainable,” says Dr MacMillan.
Training whippets becomes easier if you start them early, ensuring they’re well socialized around other dogs and people. Whippets also respond better if you’re patient and use positive reinforcement so make sure you have the best dog treats handy.
Do whippets make good family pets?
So long as you socialize and train a whippet well, you will find this breed to be a wonderful addition to your home.
“They make good family pets thanks to their compact size and sweet nature,” says Dr MacMillan. “They are not known for excessive barking and every whippet I’ve met has been docile and even-tempered.”
One thing’s for sure, they’re not known for being aggressive around children but that’s not to say kids and whippets are always a good mix. Whippets have a thin skin which makes them more prone to cuts and scrapes so children need to take care. For that reason, they may be more suitable in homes with older children who are less likely to poke, prod and play rough.
Bear in mind, too, that whippets are among the dog breeds most likely to have separation anxiety. They form strong attachments to their owner and really need to be in a home where one or more family members tend to be around for most of the day.
Do whippets need a lot of grooming?
Whippets are a good example of a low-maintenance dog but that extends beyond their fondness for a snooze and relatively low exercise demands.
“These dogs are also very low maintenance when it comes to grooming,” says Dr MacMillan.
“Their short fur just requires occasional brushing to get rid of loose hairs and, while these dogs do shed moderate amounts, it’s not as much as some other breeds.”
Pay attention to their ears and nails and bath them occasionally and you’ll find whippets will look great. You may also want to put one of the best dog coats on a whippet when they’re out and about to keep them warm.
Common health problems in whippets
Although generally healthy compared to many other breeds, whippets do have some common health problems, including corns.
“Corns are excess amounts of hard skin on a paw pad. This presses into the foot and causes a limp, particularly when the dog walks on a hard surface,” says Dr MacMillan.
Like many other pedigree breeds, whippets are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
“This is an inherited condition that leads to vision loss,” she adds.
The whippet’s thin skin and fine coat also offer them little protection as they race about.
“This means that wounds and other injuries are very common in this breed and I’ve stitched a few up over the years!,” Dr MacMillan says.
Should I get a whippet?
Whippets are lovely dogs and they’ll prove to be a perfect fit for so many households, particularly those with children and seniors. Separation anxiety issues aside, you’ll generally have no problems looking after whippets providing they’re well-trained and are being exercised sufficiently well.
They are, however, less suited for active owners – they have bursts of energy but prefer a laid-back lifestyle. They’ll also thrive in households with a reasonably large outdoor space to hand.
Want to learn more about dogs? Here are some of expert behaviorist Helen Master’s favorite dog facts
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on April 16, 2025.
