Whippet

If your home needs someone elegant yet playful, super fast yet cuddly- your new furry BFF should be the Whippet. Whippets are affectionate and loyal companions gifted with speed, agility, and endless love to give.

Country of Origin

United Kingdom
Breed Group

Hound
Height

Male 19-22 In
Female 19-22 In
Weight

Male 25-40 Ib
Female 25-40 Ib
Life Span

12-15 years

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In a Nutshell

The Whippet is a versatile breed, excelling both as a loving family pet and a competitive athlete. The breed’s easygoing temperament and a strong desire to please make sharing your life with this dog extra sweet. Whippets make lovely companions, known for their loyalty and adaptability. Their lean build may worry some people, but there’s no need. Still, their short coat makes them sensitive to cold, giving you the perfect excuse to shop for the latest doggy fashion.

Life With a Whippet

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

The Whippet’s appearance is unique and elegant, resembling the greyhound (which is not surprising, considering the two are related). They reach a medium height and have a slim, athletic build. Their short, smooth coat will not fill your house with dog hair and comes in various colors and patterns, making each Whippet unique. Their eyes are expressive and large, and their face seems curious and playful, hinting at their lovable personalities.

Whippet dogs are gentle, affectionate, sensitive, and loving despite their athletic capabilities. They are known for their speed but love to cuddle on the couch with their owners (assuming you allow your dogs on the furniture). They are good with children and other pets, quickly adjusting to their home and making it a million times better.

Common Health Problems

This breed is designed for speed, with powerful muscles, large lungs, and a robust heart. While some dogs may have a heart murmur, it doesn’t always indicate a cardiac issue. It’s crucial to conduct DNA testing to screen for hereditary conditions that could lead to blindness, deafness, or immune and blood-related disorders.

Did you know?

Enrolling in Animalia Pet Insurance
while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

Waiting until a disease develops means it won't be covered.

A tip from a vet

Like other dogs of the same family, Whippets’ lean and athletic body structure makes some of their rear ribs visible. This often leads people to think the dog is “too skinny” and overfeed them. When a Whippet looks like a “regular” dog, it actually means they’re overweight, which is particularly problematic considering this breed’s delicate joints and skin. Avoid giving your beloved Whippet one large meal, and do not allow free feeding to prevent weight issues due to the breed’s high tendency for gastric torsion, better known as bloat.

A tip from a trainer

Whippets are eager to please and can be sensitive, so it’s best to lead with positive reinforcement and gentle training. They’d love a daily walk (or run); if you have a yard, they’ll show you how fast they are.

Did You Know

Whippets tend to tremble quite a lot- not out of fear but because of their low body fat and short coat, which makes them sensitive to cold. This is why you’ll often see them sporting cozy sweaters.

The world record for the farthest flying disc caught by a dog was set by a Whippet named “Czar”, who caught a disc thrown from 402 feet away.

Another Whippet named “Sounders” holds the record for the farthest dock jump by a dog, leaping an incredible 36 feet, 2 inches.

In The News

A whippet named Blue ran four miles to save his owner after their truck crashed into a ravine in

Oregon. Blue ran to the campsite where they stayed and called for help.

The History Behind the Breed

The Whippet’s origins trace back to late 18th-century England. The breed was developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller Terrier-related dogs. The goal was to form the “Poor Man’s Greyhound” to hunt small game and race. They quickly gained popularity, at first because dog racing became a big thing, but also because of their gentle and affectionate nature.

With time, Whippets transitioned from working dogs to beloved family pets, recognized by kennel clubs worldwide for their versatility and loyalty. The AKC recognized this breed in 1888. Thanks to their versatile physical capabilities, dogs of this breed have reached impressive achievements in dog competitions and record-breaking milestones.

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