Whippet
AKC & CKC Hound Group
Is This the Right Breed for You?
✔ Excellent Match For
- People who want a calm, affectionate house dog with “sprinter” energy outdoors
- Owners who can provide daily walks plus safe off-leash sprint time (fenced area)
- Fans of lure coursing, agility, or training games with a gentle, biddable dog
• “Fast outside, cozy inside” is the Whippet vibe.
• Usually polite, quiet, and easy to live with.
• Best in a home that values gentle handling and routine.
✖ Consider Carefully If
- You want a reliable off-leash dog in unfenced areas (strong chase drive)
- You prefer a dog that loves rough play (many Whippets are sensitive)
- You live in a cold climate without a plan for warmth (thin coat)
• Sighthound instinct: rabbits/squirrels can trigger instant pursuit.
• Sensitive temperament: thrives on calm, positive training.
• Needs sweaters/coats in winter and a warm resting spot.
Owner Suitability
“Whippets are ideal for owners who want a gentle companion that’s athletic in short bursts and relaxed at home. Provide daily walks, a safe place to sprint, and kind training — and you’ll have a devoted, easygoing best friend.”Stats
- Height: 18–22 inches
- Weight: 25–40 pounds
- Coat: Short, smooth, and close
- Colors: All colors and patterns (including brindle, fawn, black, blue, and white)
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
Quick note: Whippets are sighthounds — plan for a secure yard or long line if wildlife is common in your area.
Origin & History
The Whippet originated in 19th-century England as a smaller, more compact cousin of the Greyhound. Working-class families valued them for rabbit coursing and informal racing — earning the nickname “the poor man’s racehorse.”
Today, Whippets are beloved for their graceful build and sweet temperament. They excel in lure coursing and agility, and many are famously relaxed indoors once their daily exercise is met.
With the right balance of activity, warmth, and gentle guidance, Whippets offer one of the easiest “athlete + couch companion” mixes in the dog world.
| Traits: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy: Bursts of speed but calm indoors | ✓ | ||||
| Easy To Train: Intelligent and eager to please | ✓ | ||||
| Shedding: Low; short, smooth coat releases minimal fur. | ✓ | ||||
| Grooming: Minimal; occasional brushing | ✓ | ||||
| Family Dog: Excellent; gentle and affectionate | ✓ | ||||
| Watchdog: Minimal; rarely barks | ✓ | ||||
| Beginner Friendly: Excellent for first-time owners | ✓ | ||||
| Prey Drive: High; will chase small animals | ✓ | ||||
| Barking: Quiet; rarely vocalizes | ✓ | ||||
| Good with other dogs: Polite to fellow dogs, but may mistake your cat for a racetrack rival! | ✓ |
Health Concerns:
- Heart Murmurs: Some lines prone to cardiac issues
- Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid gland
- Congenital Deafness
Please check the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) and parent breed clubs for health information.
Glossary of general canine health conditions.