Whippet | breed profile

History of Whippet

Whippets originated in England, where they were bred from crosses of Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds to create the perfect medium-sized racing dog, that was cheaper to house and feed than the much larger Greyhound, hence the somewhat unjust description of Whippets as “the poor man’s Greyhound”. The Kennel Club granted the Whippet official breed recognition in 1891.

Whippet appearance and characteristics

As a sighthound, Whippets have the classic streamlined look of dogs belonging to this group, with a graceful neck, deep chest, and small waist. With a lean, athletic figure, long limbs, and an endearing face, they make for an elegant-looking hound. They come in a huge variety of colours and markings. They also come in a variety of sizes, with males ranging in height from 47cm to 57cm tall and in weight from 9kg to 19kg. Females are typically smaller than males. They have a sleek, short-haired coat that requires little maintenance.

Whippet personality and temperament

Although they are natural athletes capable of garnering impressive speed with their streamlined build, Whippets are content to relax at home once exercised. On top of this, Whippets are generally quiet dogs that don’t tend to bark much, making them an adaptable breed that is amenable to apartment and inner-city living.

Whippets, like many dog breeds, enjoy company and, when left alone, can develop signs of separation anxiety. Anxiety and other unwanted behaviours can also develop when Whippets don’t get enough exercise or have enough mental stimulation. So, like any pet, be sure to provide them with ample opportunities for company, exercise, and healthy activities.

Whippet traits

Whippets are generally calm and gentle, with plenty of energy bubbling under the surface, ready for a great gallop in the park, agility, or other sport. Whippets may not be as eager to please as some other breeds, meaning that more patience, time, and care should be taken in providing a calm and steady learning environment for a Whippet. Short training sessions are ideal, and consistency is key when training. Whippets are intelligent and respond to reward-based training. Training benefits pup and pup parent by strengthening the bond, gaining trust in one another, learning and growing together, as well as providing valuable mental and often physical stimulation.

Hunters by nature, Whippets may not be suitable for a household with other small pets like Guinea Pigs or birds. Always supervise Whippets very closely when around these animals.

Whippet Lifespan

Whippets generally have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years.

The dos and don’ts of caring for a Whippet

Do: Brush at least once a week to keep coat soft and smooth and distribute natural oils.  Whippets are low shedding but will shed all year round.  

Don’t: Whippets do not need frequent bathing as overbathing can irritate the skin. Only bathe every few months or if your dog has become dirty after an outdoor adventure. Whippets don’t like being cold so ensure that you dry them thoroughly and keep them warm after a bath.

Do: Perform regular nail checks and cut when required. A trim is needed if you can hear your dog’s nails against the floor. PetSure’s Masterclass Video shows you the right way to master the technique. Also, make regular ear checks part of a grooming routine. Ear checks will allow you to spot problems like ticks, ear mites or an infection. Watch PetSure’s Masterclass if you would like tips on  how to clean your dog’s ears.