¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
The Whippet is a British, FCI-recognised sighthound in Group 10. The breed was developed for speed and work, and the breed standard describes a combination of muscular power, strength and elegance without exaggeration. It is therefore an athletic dog, not merely a slender companion.
The desired height at the withers is 47–51 cm for males and 44–47 cm for females. The breed standard does not specify an ideal weight. Assess weight and body condition in relation to the individual dog's size, muscle and fitness rather than against a fixed number.
Before buying, you should focus particularly on safe exercise, prey drive, cold weather and documented health in the family. A Whippet can be an adaptable companion, but needs opportunities to run safely, gradual training to be left alone and careful management around wildlife and small animals.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Whippet should be built to function at speed. The standard calls for, among other things, a deep chest, power over the loin, strong hindquarters and free, long movement with powerful drive. Movement should be parallel and neither short, stilted nor exaggerated. An extremely thin or weak dog is therefore no more typical of the breed than a heavy, cumbersome one.
The difference in desired height between the sexes is small, yet individuals can still differ clearly in build. Because the standard gives no weight, a single number on the scales is a poor criterion for choosing a dog or judging its health. It is better to assess proportions, muscle, movement and current body condition with the breeder or a veterinarian.
The coat should be fine, short and close. All colours and colour combinations are permitted except merle. The breed standard does not state whether the Whippet has an undercoat. You should therefore assess the individual dog's coat density and tolerance of cold rather than assume that every Whippet has exactly the same protection.
The fine coat provides little protection from cold and wet weather. Some Whippets need a well-fitting coat on cold walks, while the weather, activity and individual dog determine when it is necessary. Shivering, slowing down or clearly seeking warmth are signs to stop or provide more protection. Grooming is otherwise straightforward, but the skin, paw pads and nails should be checked after activity in scrub, crusted snow or uneven terrain.
¶Temperament & Personality
The breed standard describes the Whippet as gentle, affectionate and even-tempered, with the ability to adapt both at home and in sporting settings. This is the breed ideal, not a guarantee for every individual. Breeding, early experiences, health and everyday training all affect how an individual dog behaves.
Swedish BPH behavioural assessment results provide a more nuanced picture. By July 2024, 373 Whippets had been assessed. Among Swedish-born dogs from 2004–2023, participation amounted to 323 of 8,641 dogs, or 3.7 percent. On average, the assessed group was moderately social, relatively playful and fairly secure and curious. At the same time, there was greater variation in areas including greeting, curiosity and play. The results describe the participating dogs and should not be treated as a promise about a puppy or the whole breed.
With children, calm handling and an undisturbed resting place matter more than the label “family dog”. An adult needs to supervise, and children should not disturb a dog that is eating or resting. Meetings with other dogs should also be introduced in a controlled way, particularly if the dogs differ in size, play style or experience.
A Whippet can live with a cat, but the breed name does not guarantee success. Prey drive and reactions to fast movement vary. Start at a distance with a physical barrier, keep the dog on a lead, give the cat a safe escape route and supervise until both animals are relaxed. A dog accepting the family cat does not reliably predict how it will react to unfamiliar cats or small animals outdoors.
¶Training & Exercise
A Whippet needs daily physical and mental activity, but neither the breed standard nor Swedish authority guidance specifies a fixed number of minutes or requires the dog to run off lead at full speed every day. Adjust the workload to age, health, fitness and surface. Walks, scent work, everyday obedience and occasional opportunities to stretch out in a safe place provide a good mix.
Training should be reward-based, progressive and tailored to the individual. Short sessions with a clear goal often work better than many repetitions. Prioritise recall, checking in around movement, waiting calmly, accepting paw handling and settling after activity. Start in easy environments and increase distractions once the behaviour is reliable.
Prey drive is a safety consideration, not a character defect. The breed's background means that fast movement can trigger pursuit, but the strength of that response varies. Recall reduces risk without making every open space safe. Use a lead or long line where wildlife, traffic, cyclists or small animals may appear, and choose properly enclosed areas when the dog is to run free.
Swedish rules also require particular care around wildlife. From 1 March to 20 August, dogs must be prevented from running loose in the countryside, and during the rest of the year you must still be able to stop the dog from driving or pursuing wildlife. Lure coursing and other organised sighthound activities can provide a controlled outlet for the chase, but they are options rather than requirements for a good life.
¶Health
The Whippet is not included in any of the Swedish Kennel Club's health programmes, so there are no breed-specific health examinations that must be completed before mating in Sweden. This does not make documentation unimportant. The Swedish Whippet Club's current breed-specific breeding strategy recommends examinations and follow-up that a puppy buyer should ask about specifically.
The breed club recommends cardiac auscultation of breeding dogs, meaning that a veterinarian listens to the heart with a stethoscope. If a murmur is heard, the dog should be examined further by a veterinarian specialising in cardiology. MMVD occurs in the breed, but a murmur is a finding, not a diagnosis in itself. The club also recommends eye examination and BPH behavioural assessment, and advises waiting until the dog is at least two years old before breeding. These are recommendations, not Swedish registration requirements for the breed.
The eye situation needs equally careful wording. A small number of Swedish PRA cases have been documented, while only a small proportion of dogs have been examined for inherited eye disease. The issue can therefore neither be described as common nor dismissed. Ask to see dated results for the parents and how the breeder uses results from relatives.
Injuries deserve more attention than a long list of possible diseases. In the breed club's 2020 health survey, which received responses concerning 367 individual dogs, owners reported that 42.7 percent had experienced an accident requiring veterinary care; wounds were the most common. A survey does not show the risk for every dog, but it supports checking skin, paws and movement after fast activity and choosing surfaces and enclosures carefully.
Also ask about testicular status in males and immune-mediated disease among close relatives. The breed strategy describes clustering in families but not a simple mode of inheritance that a single DNA test can resolve. Information about parents, littermates and older relatives can therefore be more useful than a general statement that the line has been health tested.
Cardiac findings in a Whippet also need to be interpreted with knowledge of the breed. Studies of healthy Whippets show that some ECG and ultrasound measurements can differ from general canine reference values. Tell the veterinarian that the dog is a Whippet and how it is trained. This can reduce the risk of misinterpretation, but must not be used to dismiss a murmur, symptoms or the need for further investigation.
¶History & Origins
The Whippet's documented history begins in Great Britain. The breed was mentioned in an official show context in England in 1876, and The Kennel Club recognised it in 1890. Whippet racing is documented from the 1890s, while the breed standard states that the dog was originally used for hunting by sight or scent.
The breed is associated particularly with northern England and racing, but the earliest breeding decisions are not fully documented. Greyhounds and some terrier breeds are often cited as possible influences, while the Swedish breed strategy notes that written accounts from the earliest breeders are lacking. These crosses are therefore best described as likely theories rather than a precise recipe.
The breed's earlier work is still apparent in its construction and interest in movement. Today's Whippet is also an established companion and sporting dog. Its history helps explain speed and prey drive, but should not be used to claim that every individual must compete or reacts to wildlife in the same way.
¶Living with the Breed
A Whippet can live successfully in a flat if daily life provides enough time outdoors, activity and opportunities to settle. The size of the home matters less than access to suitable outdoor areas, the noise environment and how often the dog needs to be left alone. For an individual that reacts to sound or struggles to settle, a noisy apartment building can be more demanding than the floor plan suggests.
Being left alone should be trained gradually. Start when the dog feels secure at home, leave for a very short time and increase it only while the dog remains calm. The breed often being described as affectionate does not mean every Whippet develops separation problems, and a second dog is not a reliable solution. Assess the individual dog's behaviour and take a step back in training if it shows signs of distress.
Plan for warmth, rest and safe transport as well. A short-coated dog may need extra protection in cold weather, but fit and freedom of movement matter more than a long equipment list. A quiet, sheltered sleeping place and gentle handling after strenuous activity also help you notice wounds, soreness or changes in movement early.
Before buying a puppy, ask for specific evidence:
- registered information and dated heart and eye results for both parents;
- BPH results or a clear description of temperament in the parents and close relatives;
- information about injuries, heart disease, eye disease, testicular status and immune-mediated disease in the family;
- the breeder's plan for socialisation, habituation to different environments and support after the puppy goes home.
The Whippet is best suited to someone who values a close companion while respecting that it is a fast sighthound. The deciding question is not whether the breed is always calm, easy or family-friendly, but whether you can provide safe exercise, consistent training and room for the variation between individuals.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 2/5 |
| Child Friendly | 3/5 |
| Energy | 3/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 2/5 |
| Health | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 2/5 |
| Learning Ability | 3/5 |
| Barking Level | 3/5 |
| Height | 44 – 51 cm |
| Weight | 9 – 19 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 14 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
Are Whippets good apartment dogs despite their sprinting background?
They can do very well in apartments because they are quiet, clean, and typically calm indoors. The key is providing at least one or two good exercise sessions each day, preferably with opportunities to run safely off leash in a secure area. Without this outlet, they can become restless or destructive.
How much exercise does a Whippet really need?
They need a mix of daily walks and several chances each week to run at full speed in a safe, enclosed space. Short, intense bursts of running suit them better than hours of slow walking. Mental stimulation, such as scent games or training, also helps keep them settled at home.
Do Whippets get cold easily and need to wear coats?
Their very short coat and low body fat make them sensitive to cold, wind, and damp conditions. Many need a well fitting coat in chilly weather and should not be left outside for long in winter. Indoors, they often seek warm spots and blankets to stay comfortable.
Are Whippets good with children and family life?
They are generally gentle, affectionate, and tolerant, which suits family life, especially with respectful older children. They do not usually enjoy rough handling or noisy chaos, so supervision and teaching children appropriate interactions are important. Many form close bonds and prefer to be near their people most of the time.
Can Whippets live safely with cats or small pets?
They have a strong prey drive, so caution is essential around cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Some can live peacefully with indoor cats if raised together and carefully managed, but many will still chase unfamiliar small animals. Outdoor encounters with wildlife or loose pets should be expected to trigger chasing behavior.
What are the most common health problems in Whippets?
They are generally healthy but can be prone to heart disease, eye conditions, and some inherited blood and muscle issues. Like other deep chested breeds, they can be at risk for bloat, though it is less common than in larger breeds. Reputable breeders screen for known genetic problems and discuss any line specific concerns.
Do Whippets bark a lot or are they usually quiet?
They are typically quiet dogs and are not known as nuisance barkers. Many will alert to visitors or unusual noises but settle quickly once they understand there is no threat. Excessive barking is more often linked to boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise than to breed tendency.
How fragile is a Whippet’s thin skin and body when playing or running?
Their skin is relatively thin and they have little protective padding, so they are more prone to nicks, scrapes, and muscle strains than heavier coated breeds. Play with much larger or very rough dogs should be supervised to avoid injury. Regular checks for cuts after runs, especially through brush, help catch problems early.
What kind of grooming does a Whippet need?
Grooming is low maintenance, with weekly brushing to remove loose hair and occasional baths as needed. Nails should be kept short and teeth brushed regularly. Because their coat gives little protection, checking the skin for injuries or irritations is an important part of routine care.
Are Whippets prone to separation anxiety or clingy behavior?
They are very people oriented and often bond closely, which can lead to distress if left alone for long periods without preparation. Many do better with a consistent routine, gradual alone time training, and enrichment such as safe chews or puzzle toys. Some individuals are quite independent, but potential owners should be prepared for a companion that likes to be near them.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Whippet with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
