Whippet
Quick Summary
Athletic sight hounds combining speed with gentle companionship. Ideal for active owners who can provide secure exercise areas and warm, loving homes.
Contents
Weight Range
25-40 lbs
♂ Male: 25-40 lbs
♀ Female: 25-40 lbs
Height Range
46-56 inches
♂ Male: 19-22"
♀ Female: 19-22"
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #52
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Developed in Victorian England during the 1800s for rabbit hunting and racing
Popularity
#61
Moderately popular breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 19"-22" |
| Female Height | 19"-22" |
| Male Weight | 25-40 lbs |
| Female Weight | 25-40 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($800-$1500), supplies, and spay/neuter. Monthly expenses cover quality food, basic veterinary care, and minimal grooming needs. Emergency fund recommended for potential health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Gentle and quiet indoors, yet capable of impressive bursts of speed outdoors. Whippets combine affectionate companionship with independent thinking. Generally reserved with strangers but devoted to family members.
Social Needs
Whippets thrive on human companionship and generally get along well with other dogs. Can handle alone time if properly trained, but prefer company. Need consistent socialization from puppyhood.
Breed Overview
Graceful and athletic, Whippets possess a distinctive silhouette with their deep chest, curved back, and long, slender legs. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors and patterns. Known for combining remarkable speed with gentle companionship, these sight hounds display an elegant blend of muscular strength and refined features, embodying both power and grace in their streamlined build.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Gentle and affectionate
- ✓ Low grooming needs
- ✓ Quiet and clean
- ✓ Good with children
- ✓ Athletic and graceful
Cons
- ✗ High prey drive
- ✗ Cannot be off-leash in unsecured areas
- ✗ Sensitive to cold
- ✗ Needs regular exercise
- ✗ Can be stubborn
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Playful, Calm |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Occasional |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Whippets require 45-60 minutes of daily exercise, including short sprinting sessions and moderate walks. Their exercise routine should balance high-intensity bursts with calm periods, reflecting their natural sprinting abilities.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 2-3 meals daily totaling 1.5-2 cups of high-quality dog food. Metabolism varies with activity level. Special attention needed for weight maintenance due to their lean build.
Feed 1.5-2 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into 2-3 meals. Adjust portions based on activity level and age. Maintain lean body condition due to their natural slender build.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Well-suited to apartments or houses with secure yards. Requires soft bedding and warm spaces due to their low body fat. Adapts well to indoor living with adequate exercise outlets.
Requires minimal indoor space but needs secure outdoor areas for exercise. Fenced yards essential due to prey drive. Adapts well to apartment living when exercise needs are met.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Racing and hunting drove Whippet development in 19th century England. Mine workers bred them for rabbit hunting and racing competitions, earning the breed the nickname 'poor man's racehorse.' Their speed and agility made them valuable assets.
Historical Purpose
Developed in Victorian England during the 1800s for rabbit hunting and racing. Working-class families valued them for their speed and hunting efficiency in open fields.
Fun Fact
Whippets can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, making them the fastest dog of their size.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Requires warm bedding and protection from cold. Secure fencing essential due to prey drive. Gentle handling needed due to sensitive nature.