Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound known as the poor man's racehorse. They combine incredible speed with a gentle, affectionate nature at home. Often called couch potatoes, they are surprisingly calm indoors despite their athletic abilities.
Key Stats
Weight
25-40 lbs
Height
18-22"
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Energy
4/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
Whippets were developed in England in the 1800s by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terriers. Working-class owners used them for rabbit coursing and racing. They became known as the poor man's racehorse. AKC recognition came in 1888.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual dogs may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Physical Traits
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for Whippet owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 60+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- High energy breed
Watch For
- Heart Disease
- Anesthesia Sensitivity
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a Whippet
Grooming
weekly
Exercise
60+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your Whippet
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with treats and praise. Be gentle and patient. Keep sessions short and positive. Recall training is especially important due to prey drive.
Training Tips
- Start training and socialization early
- Use positive reinforcement only
- Be patient and gentle
- Work extensively on recall
- Never trust off-leash in unfenced areas
Common Challenges
- Strong prey drive difficult to override
- Cannot be trusted off-leash
- May be timid without socialization
- Sensitive to harsh corrections
Is a Whippet Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train dog
- You have other dogs
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You want a low-energy dog
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Whippets are surprisingly excellent apartment dogs. They are calm, quiet, and clean indoors despite their athletic abilities. They need access to fenced areas for running but are couch potatoes at home.