Whippet
Whippets are gentle sighthounds built for speed, often combining athletic bursts with a calm, cuddly indoor personality. Many Whippets enjoy short sprints in safe areas, followed by plenty of lounging and close companionship. They can be sensitive and do best with positive training and gentle handling. Because of their thin coat, Whippets may need extra warmth in cold weather. With safe exercise and a cozy home, Whippets are often quiet, affectionate companions with graceful movement.
The Whippet is a medium dog in the Hound group, known for Gentle, Quiet, Affectionate. Adults typically weigh 25-40 lbs and stand 18-22 in, with a lifespan around 12-15 years.
Quick facts
- Group: Hound
- Size: medium
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Weight: 25-40 lbs
- Height: 18-22 in
- Temperament: Gentle, Quiet, Affectionate, Athletic
Temperament & day-to-day life
Temperament helps you predict what daily life with this breed may feel like. The Whippet is often described as Gentle, Quiet, Affectionate, Athletic. Individual dogs vary, but these traits are a solid starting point when you’re planning training, enrichment, and routines.
If you’re researching this breed because you’re trying to identify your own dog, use temperament as supporting evidence—not the final verdict. Compare size, proportions, and behavior patterns, then confirm with a photo using the AI dog breed identifier.
Training & exercise
Hounds were developed to follow scent or sight. Many have strong instincts to track, chase, or explore—traits that show up clearly on walks.
Recall and leash skills are especially important. Use high-value rewards and practice in low-distraction environments before leveling up.
Enrichment that taps into sniffing and tracking (scent games, long-line walks) can be as valuable as pure running for many hounds.
History
Whippets were developed in the United Kingdom as smaller sighthounds used for racing and hunting small game. They became popular as companions for their calm nature and elegant athleticism.
Care tips
Good care is less about perfection and more about consistency. Start with simple routines you can keep up—daily movement, a predictable feeding plan, and regular check-ins for ears, nails, and skin.
- Provide safe sprint opportunities in fenced areas or structured lure sports.
- Use positive, gentle training—sighthounds can be sensitive.
- Keep warm in cooler climates; consider coats for winter walks.
- Practice recall carefully; prey drive can trigger sudden chasing.
- Provide soft bedding—thin skin needs cushioning.
Similar breeds to compare
Many breeds share similar silhouettes and features. If you’re comparing AI results or deciding between breeds, it helps to read a few profiles side by side. Common look-alikes and close cousins to the Whippet include Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Saluki, Basenji.
When you compare, focus on structure (muzzle length, ear set, body proportions) as much as coat color. Then confirm by looking at temperament and daily care needs.
FAQ
How big do Whippets get?
Most adult Whippets fall around 25-40 lbs and stand 18-22 in. Genetics, diet, and activity level all influence where an individual dog lands within that range.
How long do Whippets live?
The typical lifespan is 12-15 years. Preventive vet care, healthy weight, and consistent daily exercise are some of the biggest factors that support longevity.
What is the Whippet temperament like?
Many owners describe this breed as Gentle, Quiet, Affectionate, Athletic. Early socialization and reward-based training help those traits show up as calm confidence at home and on walks.
How can I identify a Whippet from a photo?
Upload a clear photo (ideally with the full body visible) to our dog breed identifier. Use the results as a starting point, then compare likely matches in the breed directory.