Whippet
Graceful, affectionate, and gentle, this breed loves relaxing indoors as much as sprinting outdoors. Known for their sweet nature, Whippets make calm, loyal companions.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
47–51 cm (male)
44–47 cm (female)
WEIGHT
13–15 kg (male)
11–13 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–15 years
Whippet: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Whippet isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Whippet's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Whippets are gentle, friendly, and affectionate dogs that are typically calm indoors but may be reserved with strangers. They are known for their even temperament and adaptability.
Key Personality Traits
Gentle, sociable, and enjoys human companionship
Quick learner, responds well to training
Active but content with moderate exercise
Enjoys games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Strengths
- Gentle and affectionate with family
- Low grooming needs due to short coat
- Quiet and rarely barks excessively
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Excellent sprinting and athletic ability
Challenges
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Sensitive to cold temperatures
- High prey drive towards small animals
- Can be stubborn during training
- Requires daily exercise to prevent restlessness
Protect your Whippet
Whippet can develop heart disease and eye problems. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Whippets are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Whippets are intelligent and quick to learn but can be sensitive, responding best to positive reinforcement methods. Their willingness to please makes them generally easy to train.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
45–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
Whippets have moderate to high energy and require regular exercise, such as daily walks and opportunities to run. Mental stimulation and short bursts of intense activity help prevent boredom and promote well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Whippets are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Whippet would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Whippets are gentle and easy to train, but sensitive to harsh correction.
Apartment Living
Their quiet nature and moderate size make them well-suited for apartments.
Active Lifestyle
They enjoy regular exercise and thrive with active owners.
Kids
They are gentle but can be startled by unpredictable young children.
Multiple Pets
Whippets usually get along with other dogs but may chase smaller pets.
Being Left Alone
Whippets dislike being alone for extended periods and may develop anxiety.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Whippets compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whippet
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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