Whippet Dog Breed Information: Traits, Facts, Care & More

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

History and Origin

The Whippet, an elegant and affectionate sighthound, traces its origins to 19th-century England, where it was developed by crossing small Greyhounds with terriers and Italian Greyhounds. Originally bred by working-class people, the Whippet earned the nickname “the poor man’s racehorse” due to its incredible speed and agility in chasing rabbits and competing in rag races.

Unlike larger racing breeds, the Whippet was small enough to live comfortably in modest homes yet fast enough to excel on the track and in the field. Its combination of athletic ability, grace, and gentle nature quickly won over both hunters and families alike.

By the early 20th century, the Whippet gained recognition from kennel clubs and transitioned from a racing and hunting companion to a beloved household pet. Today, it is cherished worldwide for its sleek appearance, affectionate temperament, and balanced blend of energy and calm, making it equally at home on the sofa or sprinting across an open field.

Appearance

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Whippet Characteristics

The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).

Exercise & Activity Breakdown

Whippets are athletic and graceful dogs known for their bursts of speed and love of relaxation. While they’re capable sprinters who thrive on short, high-energy play, they’re also famously calm indoors—earning them the nickname “the 35-mph couch potato.” Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential to keep them happy, prevent boredom, and maintain their lean, muscular build.

• Puppy (0–12 months): Whippet puppies are curious and full of energy, needing plenty of supervised play and early training. Gentle fetch games, interactive games, short walks, and socialization with other dogs help them build confidence. Avoid intense running or jumping at this stage to protect their developing joints.

• Adult (1–6 years): Adult Whippets thrive on daily exercise such as brisk walks, off-leash sprints in secure areas, and agility or lure coursing sessions. They enjoy chasing games, canine sports, and mentally stimulating activities like puzzle toys. A mix of physical and mental challenges helps balance their natural drive to run with their calm, affectionate temperament.

• Senior (7+ years): Older Whippets tend to slow down but still benefit from gentle walks and light play to maintain flexibility and muscle tone. Short sniff walks, soft toys, and regular interaction help keep them mentally engaged and emotionally content without overexertion.al stability.

Nutrition

Whippets need a balanced, high-quality diet that matches their life stage (puppy, adult, senior) and activity level. As a lean, athletic breed with low body fat and high metabolism, Whippets thrive on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy for their bursts of activity while supporting muscle tone and joint health. It’s important to feed them food formulated for medium-sized or active breeds to maintain their sleek physique and overall well-being.

Their diet should include lean proteins for muscle maintenance, healthy fats like omega-3s for coat and skin health, and complex carbohydrates for steady energy. Because Whippets have thin skin and little body insulation, nutrients that promote skin elasticity and coat condition—such as zinc, vitamin E, and fish oil—are especially beneficial. Portion control is also key, as even a small amount of excess weight can affect their agility and joint health. As they age, Whippets benefit from diets enriched with antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support mobility and cognitive function. Read our “Best Whippet Dog Food” guide to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.

Common Health Issues

Most Whippets are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:

*ALGY: Allergies (Skin/Irritations)
*MSCL INJ: Muscle Injuries

Recommended Health Tests for Whippets:

Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Whippet lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.

💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.

Care Requirements

Whippet Dog Trainability

Whippets are intelligent, gentle, and eager-to-please dogs, making them relatively easy to train with the right approach. While they’re quick learners, their sensitive nature means they respond best to calm, positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections. Consistent, reward-based training that uses treats, praise, and encouragement helps bring out their best behavior. Because of their strong prey drive, early recall and leash training are especially important.

When compared to other breeds, Whippets thrive under patient, understanding trainers who use gentle guidance and consistent routines. Their intelligence and affectionate temperament shine in environments where trust and encouragement are prioritized. With repetition, kindness, and structured socialization, Whippets become obedient, well-mannered, and deeply loyal companions.

Intelligence

According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:

1. Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
2. Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
3. Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.

IQ Comparison

Whippets are known for their quiet intelligence and emotional sensitivity, excelling in environments where calm, consistent training and trust are prioritized. Though not as driven by commands as working breeds, Whippets demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and an excellent memory, especially when tasks are tied to routine or play. Their keen perception and ability to read human emotions make them intuitive companions who quickly learn household manners and social cues.

Whippets shine when training is gentle and reward-based. While their independent streak may give the impression of aloofness, they’re observant learners who respond best to encouragement and positive reinforcement. Their combination of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and instinctive awareness allows them to perform exceptionally well in agility, lure coursing, and obedience once motivated by trust and fun.

Breeding

Whippets are admired for their elegance, speed, and gentle temperament. Like many purebred dogs, however, they can be prone to inherited health conditions such as mitral valve disease, hypothyroidism, eye disorders (PRA and cataracts), deafness, and anesthesia sensitivity. This makes responsible breeding practices essential to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the breed. Ethical breeders should perform comprehensive health screenings and genetic tests to minimize the risk of passing on these conditions. Proper litter spacing and careful selection of breeding pairs help protect the well-being of both the dam and puppies.

• Age: Whippets should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically between 18 and 24 months of age.
• Litter size: A typical Whippet litter includes 5–7 puppies.
• Temperament: Breeding dogs should display gentle, affectionate, and stable temperaments, showing no signs of shyness, fearfulness, or aggression. Whippets bred for temperament contribute to the breed’s reputation as calm, loyal, and well-mannered companions.

Is The Whippet A Good Family Dog?

If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, a Whippet could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.

✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended

Annual Cost of Ownership

Best Places to Get A Whippet

Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.

Rescue shelters: While Whippets are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.

Breeders: Finding a reputable Whippet breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The American Whippet Association’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource for finding ethical breeders.

Avoid breeders who:

• Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
• Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
• Have frequent litters with no waiting list
• Emphasize appearance over health and temperament

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.