Dog breed · Hound
Whippet
A sprinter that sleeps most of the day: calm and undemanding indoors, explosive for short bursts outside.
Medium12–15 yearsEnglandCan suit apartments
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- England
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 9–19 kg (20–42 lb)
- Height
- 44–56 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Very short and fine
- Temperament
- QuietAffectionateGentleSprinting
History
Developed by working people in northern England for rabbit coursing and racing.
Appearance
Slender, deep-chested and elegant, in almost any colour.
Exercise and activity
Two walks plus a safe daily gallop in a fenced space.
Care and grooming
Very little grooming, but needs warm coats, soft bedding and protection from cold.
Health considerations
- Anaesthetic sensitivity
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Skin tears
- Dental disease
- Eye conditions