By Breed
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Combining athleticism and energy with a surprising amount of chill, Whippets are a charming breed that’ll have you wrapped around their tiny paws in no time.
Known for their graceful build and sleek coats, these little Greyhound lookalikes have a real need for speed, but don’t expect much action indoors. Despite being lightning quick on the race track, they’re actually lazy love bugs that want to spend most of their time curled up on the couch with their humans. Or on a blanket. Or bed. Or cushion. Anything soft and comfortable, the Whippet will claim as its own.
They’re a gentle, loyal, affectionate breed that forms strong bonds with their families, and are generally wonderful with children and other dogs. However, Whippets are highly sensitive – both physically and emotionally. They can be a bit timid and easily spooked by loud noises, and a stern voice can feel like the end of the world to a Whippet. They thrive in calm, understanding households and don’t do well in chaotic environments. Some Whippets can be a little shy or reserved, especially around strangers or in new places. It’s not that they’re unfriendly – they just need a bit of time to warm up. Socialisation from an early age and positive reinforcement training is essential for these placid pups.
When they’re not relaxing on a plush piece of furniture, Whippets can be found doing what they do best – whipping around at a top speed of 35 mph! As Sighthounds, they were bred to hunt and chase using their vision, so anything that scurries across their line of sight becomes an instant target for a high-speed pursuit. This super strong prey drive means they should only be exercised in a very secure environment where there’s no risk to squirrels, rabbits, and other small critters.
Along with chasing anything that moves, there are a couple more behavioural problems to watch out for in your Whippet. They’re prone to suffer from separation anxiety, becoming distressed if left alone for too long. Also, if they’re bored, understimulated, or haven’t had enough walkies, Whippets can unleash their mischievous, destructive side. Expensive pillows, your favourite slippers, and even their own beloved dog bed could fall victim to this breed’s innate desire to kill prey.
Owning a Whippet is a truly unique experience though, and it’ll certainly keep you on your toe beans! One minute they’re melting into your lap like a snuggle puddle, and the next, they’re zooming about at high speeds.
So, if you’re looking for a speedy dog with a sensitive soul, the Whippet could be the breed for you.
Friendly and affectionate
Happy and easy to please
Loving and loyal
Thrives on companionship
Loves cuddles and human touch
Likes to be comfy and warm
Calm in the house
Energetic when outdoors
Super high prey drive
Independent nature
Quiet and rarely barks
Doesn’t like loud noises
Enjoys peace and quiet
Can be nervous and fearful
Needs lots of socialisation
Prone to separation anxiety
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Calm, gentle, and affectionate | Very strong prey drive |
| Good with children | Can be nervous and shy |
| Adaptable to different living environments | Sensitive to cold weather |
| Moderate exercise needs | Slow to pick up commands |
| Low maintenance grooming needs | Can be prone to separation anxiety |
| Not prone to barking | Thin skin prone to injury |
Yes, the Whippet is a wonderful choice for laidback families as they’re extremely calm, gentle, and friendly. Due to their mild-mannered, sweet nature, they’re not well suited to busy, bustling households, and feel more at ease in a quiet environment. From watching your favourite shows with you on the sofa, to snuggling up next to you while you sleep, Whippets slot right into peaceful family life. As they’re prone to separation anxiety, there should be someone home with them most of the day.
Yes. Whippets are known to be gentle, tolerant, and patient with children, and they can have a cheeky, playful side too. However, the chaotic whirlwind of a toddler might be too stressful for these sensitive souls, as they don’t do well with loud noises and busy households. They make a good furry friend for slightly older children who are more sensible and know how to handle a dog with care.
You should always teach children how to properly interact with dogs, regardless of breed. This includes no pulling, smacking, poking, or disturbing them while they’re eating and sleeping. Great care should also be taken when introducing dogs and children, making sure to never leave little ones unsupervised no matter how well trained your pooch is.
Yes and no. Whippets are generally friendly with other dogs if they’ve been socialised properly from a young age. Many often prefer the company of another dog in the house. However, they have a very high prey drive and aren’t recommended for homes with cats and other small pets. Even though some may be able to live with a cat if they’ve been raised together, the Whippet’s desire to chase is too deep-rooted and could kick in at any time. Supervision and caution is required.
Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully. Remember, every Whippet is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour.
We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Whippet properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.
Adult Whippets need up to 1 hour of exercise a day, ideally split into two walks with some indoor playtime in between.
Just like their Greyhound cousins, Whippets are built for sprinting and speed, not stamina and endurance, so they spend their energy in short bursts. Letting them run freely and explore their surroundings is essential to keeping them happy, however it needs to be done in a very safe environment.
Whippets have a super strong prey drive and will chase after squirrels, cats, and other small critters without giving you a second thought. If they’re let off lead in an open area or busy park, this could put them (and the local wildlife) in danger. They need a secure, fenced-in area to let off steam and stretch their legs, as well as a secure back garden they can’t escape from.
Athletic and agile with a playful streak, Whippets enjoy fetching a ball or playing frisbee, but nothing can beat the thrill of the chase. That’s why lure coursing and agility could be a good outlet for these small speed machines. If you’re a runner yourself, Whippets will happily be your jogging partner too.
Due to having delicate skin, a lack of protective fur, and a love of darting about in zigzag formations, Whippets are more prone to injury than other dogs. It’s safer for them to run on even, grassy ground as opposed to rough woodland, as sticks and stones could quite literally break their bones.
When it’s cold, Whippets need to wear a jumper or coat to keep them warm, and they shouldn’t be kept outside for too long.
Whippets need unique collars to stay safe on walks. They have slender necks and small heads, making it easy for them to slip out of traditional collars. Also, normal collars can cause injury to their delicate throats if they lunge forward. Wider collars, such as the Fishtail collar, distributes pressure more evenly to provide more comfort, and the shape prevents it from slipping over the dog’s head. The Martingale style collar is another good choice as it has a loop that gently tightens if the dog pulls, preventing them from backing out of their collar and bolting off.
Whippets are a clever breed but they’re certainly no Einstein. It can take them longer to master the basics than other dogs, and as they were bred to hunt without humans, they have an independent streak that can make things challenging. However, they’re eager to please and enjoy the one-on-one time with their owner that training brings.
With the right approach, and lots of patience and paw-sitivity, you can train and raise a truly well-behaved Whippet.
Unleash your Whippet’s potential with some fun training tips.
1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as our high protein Baltic Beef Jerky. While keen to please you, only the best reward will do for the Whippet, so whether it’s food, a ball, or a toy, use the thing they love the most.
2. Be gentle. Whippets are highly sensitive dogs and won’t respond to harsh tones or criticism. A gentle, encouraging approach will ensure they stay motivated to learn and also build trust between you.
3. Teach them to ‘lie down’ instead of ‘sit’. Most Sighthounds aren’t too fond of the sitting position, as they find it uncomfortable due to their muscle tone and unique shape. ‘Lie down’ or ‘stay’ are better commands to use.
4. Socialise from the start. Whippets have a nervous disposition and can be quite timid, so expose them to new people, dogs, animals, children, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.
5. Keep training sessions short and sweet. Avoid too much repetition and do short 5–10 minute bursts of training several times a day. Whippets get bored easily, so rotate between different commands and games to help them stay interested.
6. Focus on lead training. Whippets have a high prey drive and shouldn’t be let off-lead in open areas, so they’ll need to get used to a lead from the get go. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions, and gradually move to busier environments as they become more comfortable. As they have slender necks and small heads, it’s recommended to use a wide collar designed specifically for Sighthounds.
7. Practise recall. This is an important skill for all dogs, but it’s unlikely your Whippet will ever fully master it. They have a deep, instinctual drive to chase after small furry things that move, so recall will rarely work out in the open. Even still, it’s good to teach these independent dogs to come back when called, especially if an emergency situation arises. Use a long-line lead and some tempting treats, but don’t be too discouraged if they don’t get it – it’s just not in their nature! As long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, Whippets can lead perfectly fulfilled lives even if they have to be kept on a lead for walkies.
8. Tap into their inner athlete. Whippets were born to chase, so lean into this instinct with lure courses, flyball, and agility training, and let their athleticism shine. You can also play chase in your back garden or a fenced-in space; just be prepared to lose when you’re up against the Whippet!
9. Work on separation anxiety. While dogs should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.
Whippets are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They’re a low shedding breed with a short, smooth, single coat that just needs a weekly brush to stay healthy.
A little more attention is needed when it comes to their skin though. Whippets have very fine, sensitive skin that’s easily damaged, especially after running outside where even a twig might cause an abrasion.
Common Whippet colours include fawn, cream, brindle, blue (grey), black, red, white, and various different combinations and patterns too. This makes each pup super unique.
Here are some Whippet grooming tips to ensure they look wonderful all year round.
Brush once a week using a hound mitt to remove any loose hairs, massage their muscles, and make their coat extra shiny. A soft bristle brush can also be used when they shed more during spring.
They don’t need to be bathed very often, but when you do, use a dog-friendly shampoo. Too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin.
Check their skin for cuts, nicks, and scrapes after they’ve been outside, as they might have an injury that needs veterinary care.
Clean your Whippet’s ears regularly to prevent a buildup of wax and infection. Use a soft, damp cloth but don’t insert anything down their ear canal.
Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Whippets are prone to dental problems, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!
No, the Whippet coat is not hypoallergenic. Even though they have a short, single coat and don’t shed as much as other breeds, Whippets still shed, more so during spring. It’s important to note that all dogs produce allergens and there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog.
Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Whippet lifespan is 12–15 years. However, like all dogs, they’re prone to a few health problems.
Healthy Whippets should be seen by a vet at least once a year, with senior dogs (seven years and older) needing more frequent visits. Monitor your pooch regularly and ensure they’re getting what they need for a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Mitral Valve Disease. This affects the heart, causing the mitral valve to separate the left atrium from the left ventricle. When the valve doesn’t function correctly, blood flows in the wrong direction. This causes an audible heart murmur and sadly leads to heart failure. Signs can include a cough, a reduced ability to exercise and a bloated abdomen. While not a condition that can be cured, many do well once started on medication and low sodium diets.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). More commonly known as ‘bloat’, this typically affects deep chested breeds. It’s a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off food and water and stopping circulation to the stomach and intestines. Signs include retching without vomiting, drooling, a distended stomach, and general abdominal pain. Urgent veterinary care is needed.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD). This is an inherited bleeding disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot, often causing spontaneous or prolonged bleeding after injury or surgery. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Blood transfusions or special IV medications can treat vWD.
Drug Sensitivity. Sighthounds, such as Whippets, can be highly sensitive to certain drugs and anaesthesia due to a genetic condition called Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1), which affects a dog’s ability to process certain drugs and toxins. They can also have a gene mutation that impacts the liver’s ability to metabolise drugs. It’s recommended to work with a vet that has experience with Sighthounds and understands how to adjust dosages accordingly.
Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.
Corneal Dystrophy. This is an inherited condition where an opaque patch develops on the cornea. It affects the vision but doesn’t cause any discomfort. Treatment is only required if it becomes advanced.
Deafness. Whippets are predisposed to a genetic defect which causes deafness at birth, but like all dogs, they can lose their hearing over time too. Puppies born deaf need more care, but with unique training using signals and vibrations, they can lead happy, fulfilling lives. Responsible breeding is crucial to prevent deafness.
Feeding your Whippet a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant!
The amount you feed your Whippet will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.
As these dogs are prone to bloating, it’s best to feed them 2 times a day using a slow feeder bowl, so they don’t guzzle it down too quickly.
You'll find a handy food calculator for your Whippet at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!
Feed a balanced diet
The best food for a Whippet is a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. High protein dog food could be a good choice as this supports their lean muscle mass and energy levels. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.
Regular exercise
Whippets might not need to run for miles, but a quick sprinting session in a secure area each day will help keep them happy and healthy.
Prevent bloat
These pooches are prone to bloating, so make sure to space food and exercise an hour apart, and keep their food bowl on the floor as opposed to being elevated.
Protect their joints
These agile dogs are built for high speed running, so consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet if they’re going to be involved in racing.
Look after their eyes
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts and other eye conditions, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health.
Monitor weight
A healthy adult Whippet weight is 9–19 kg, depending on whether they’re male or female, and their hip bones and a few vertebrae on the spine should be visible. While this may look like they need a few more treats, it’s healthy for the breed. If a Whippet has to carry extra weight, it puts pressure on their joints and organs, reducing their quality of life.
Monitor their heart
These pups are prone to develop to MVD, so schedule regular cardiac evaluations with your vet to monitor and manage their heart health.
Keep them warm
Whippets have thin skin and barely any body fat, so cold weather can be their nemesis. Invest in some warm canine attire to stop the shivers when out on walks.
Use a special collar
Invest in a wide collar such as the Fishtail style or Martingale style. They’re designed especially for sleek and slender Sighthounds to prevent them from backing out of their collar on walks.
Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.
Always speak to your vet about the best course of action in treating health problems in your dog.
Take a look at the Whippet’s dream home.
| Type of owner? | Individuals, couples, and families with quieter households who can dedicate time to training and spend more time at home. |
| Outdoor space? | A very secure back garden or access to safe, enclosed areas where they can exercise without the risk of chasing and attacking prey. |
| Adaptability? | They’re adaptable to different living environments and can live in flats, providing they get daily walks and any balcony area is highly secure. |
| Multi-pet home? | They can live with other dogs if trained and socialised well, however they can’t live with cats or other small animals due to their high prey drive. |
The unconditional love of a Whippet is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.
Greyhound puppies can cost anywhere between £500 and £1,200. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Whippet is around £65 per month.
Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.
Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost anywhere between £15-50 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.
Insurance costs
It’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Whippet should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)
Get to know the Whippet even more with these interesting tidbits and tales!
Ever wondered how fast a Whippet can run? The Whippet’s top speed is a whopping 35 mph! While not as fast as its Greyhound cousin, these dogs are the fastest accelerating breed, so they can reach their top speed quicker than any other dog.
Their name is thought to have derived from a now obsolete 17th century word that meant ‘to move briskly’, which is very fitting for these keen sprinters.
National Whippet Day is celebrated on the 19th February every year, so stick it in the calendar and ‘whip’ out their favourite treat!
Whippets are often pictured wearing jumpers and coats, making them fashion icons of the dog world, however this is actually necessary for their wellbeing. Having such low body fat and a very short coat means Whippets are highly sensitive to the cold, and need extra protection to keep them warm on walks.
Whippets are world record breakers! The Guiness World Record for ‘longest flying disc catch’ is held by a Whippet named Davy, while the Guinness World Record for the ‘farthest jump by a dog’ is held by a Whippet named Sounders.
The Long-Haired Whippet is actually a separate breed and not a Whippet at all. Now known as Windsprites, or Silken Windsprites, these dogs were created in the 1970s by Walter Wheeler, who most likely crossed Whippets with Shetland Sheepdogs. He denied this, claiming them to be purebred Whippets with a recessive long hair gene. However, genetic testing in the 80s revealed these dogs to have a herding breed in them. Formerly known as Long-haired Whippets, they got their new whimsical name in 2017.
Whippets absolutely love their creature comforts, including blankets, dog beds, and cosy fires to curl up in front of. It can be uncomfortable for them to lie down on hard flooring, so any potential owners need to be ready to share the sofa or ensure there’s a soft blanket on the floor to cushion their body.
Whippets aren’t Lurchers.The term Lurcher is used to describe a cross between any Sighthound and another type of dog, usually a Pastoral or Terrier type breed, such as the Whippet Collie cross (known as the Whollie or Whipollie), or the Staffy Whippet cross. Lurchers can also sometimes be a cross between two Sighthounds, such as the Whippet Saluki mix, making them extra long and lean!
There are many adorable Whippet cross breeds. The Bedlington Whippet (or Whipplington) is half Bedlington Terrier, and has been a popular ratting breed for around 100 years. Some others include the Bulldog Whippet cross, known as the Bullwhip, and the Poodle Whippet cross, known as the Whipoodle.
The Whippet is more like the Greyhound’s cousin. They’re both members of the Sighthound family, using their razor sharp vision to detect and chase after prey. Smaller than the Greyhound but bigger than the Italian Greyhound, Whippets are a medium sized dog that combine speed and agility with sweetness and affection, making them a dream dog for many. They share a similar graceful physique as the Greyhound, as well as lightning-quick instincts to pursue prey. While the Greyhound is the fastest breed in the world, Whippets are the fastest accelerators. When they’re not running, both dogs are quiet, sensitive, and notoriously lazy, but the Whippet is slightly more playful and energetic.
Both breeds are elegant, athletic, and lean, and at a glance, they look identical, but the Whippet is a much larger breed. Italian Greyhounds are pint-sized pooches that are part of the Toy group, weighing in at 3.5–5 kg, whereas Whippets weigh 9–19 kg and are part of the Hound group. Both dogs are cuddly and calm indoors, but come alive when their paws touch grass, however it’s thought Italian Greyhounds are a touch more playful and quirky than Whippets.
Originally bred in northern England during the 19th century, Whippets were known as the ‘poor man’s Greyhound’. Working-class miners often couldn’t afford the kennel space or upkeep of Greyhounds, so they developed their own smaller version that still delivered on speed and agility, but was cheaper to keep.
Thought to have been created by breeding Greyhounds with smaller Terriers, the Whippet was a sleek, speedy little Sighthound used in competitive hunting races. The dog who could catch the most rabbits, or was the first to snap one up, would win, leading to their nickname of ‘Snap Dog’.
When blood sports were eventually abolished, rabbits were replaced with a rag of cloth, which the Whippets would chase after down a straight track. These events were known as ‘rag races’, and they were a favourite pastime in England, combining the thrill of the chase with the Whippet’s boundless energy and lightning fast reflexes.
By the early 1900s, Whippets made their way to the United States, where they continued to steal hearts. Over time, they transitioned from working dogs and racers to beloved family companions, couch potatoes, and show dogs. Whippets are still wonderfully athletic but are also known for their calm, affectionate temperament, making them the perfect blend of history’s high-speed hunter and today’s gentle, loyal friend.
Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Whippet.
1. Research the breed. Whippets don’t do well in loud, busy households, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited.
2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.
3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings.
4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Whippet puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old.
5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Whippets and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.
6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.
When adopting a Whippet, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Whippets in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.
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