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
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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
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Whippet
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two walks plus a safe daily gallop in a fenced space. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Anaesthetic sensitivity, Cardiac arrhythmias, Skin tears, Dental disease, Eye conditions), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice