Whippet
Weight
25-40 lbs
Height
18-22 inches
Lifespan
12-15 years
Origin
England
Temperament
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound known for its speed and gentle nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Whippet
Are Whippets good apartment dogs?
Yes, Whippets are excellent apartment dogs. Despite being fast runners, they are calm indoors and often called 40-mph couch potatoes. They love lounging on soft furniture.
How fast can a Whippet run?
Whippets can run 35-40 mph, making them one of the fastest dog breeds. They are second only to Greyhounds and can accelerate faster than any other breed.
Do Whippets bark a lot?
No, Whippets are very quiet dogs. They rarely bark, making them ideal for apartments and close neighbors. They are one of the least vocal breeds.
How much exercise does a Whippet need?
Whippets need 1-2 hours of exercise daily with opportunities to run. They need secure areas to sprint. Between runs, they are content to rest.
What health problems do Whippets have?
Whippets are generally healthy but may develop heart conditions, eye problems, and anesthesia sensitivity (like all sighthounds). They have low body fat and feel cold easily.
How long do Whippets live?
Whippets typically live 12-15 years. They are generally healthy dogs with good longevity.
Do Whippets shed a lot?
Whippets are light shedders. Their short, fine coat sheds minimally. Weekly brushing keeps their coat healthy.
Are Whippets easy to train?
Whippets are intelligent but can be independent. They are sensitive and respond best to gentle, positive training. Harsh methods do not work with this breed.
Are Whippets good with children?
Yes, Whippets are gentle and kind with children. They are patient companions but should be supervised with very young children due to their slender build.
Do Whippets need a sweater?
Yes, Whippets need coats in cold weather. Their thin skin, lean body, and minimal body fat mean they get cold easily. Winter coats and pajamas are common.
Can Whippets be off-leash?
Whippets should only be off-leash in securely fenced areas. Their prey drive is strong and they will chase small animals at high speed. They cannot always recall mid-chase.
Are Whippets good with cats?
Whippets have high prey drive and may chase cats, especially outdoors. Some coexist well with indoor cats but supervision is recommended. Early socialization helps.
How big do Whippets get?
Whippets weigh 25-40 pounds and stand 18-22 inches tall. They are medium-sized, elegantly built sighthounds.
Are Whippets greyhounds?
Whippets are not Greyhounds but are closely related. They were developed using small Greyhounds and terriers. Whippets are smaller and often called mini Greyhounds.
Are Whippets good for first-time owners?
Yes, Whippets can be excellent for first-time owners. They are gentle, quiet, and adaptable. Just understand their prey drive and need for secure exercise areas.