Whippet
A quiet, clean and remarkably low-maintenance housemate that happens to be one of the fastest dogs alive. Whippets need short bursts of hard running, then sleep most of the day.
Key facts
Lifespan
12–15 years
Height
44–51 cm
Weight
10–16 kg
Exercise
~60 mins/day
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Training
Moderate
First-time owners
Suitable
About the Whippet
Bred in the north of England as a working sighthound, the Whippet is gentle and undemanding indoors — genuinely one of the easiest breeds to live with in a flat. Outdoors the prey drive is real: many can never be trusted off-lead near livestock or small animals. The thin coat means they feel the cold and need a coat in winter.
Living with a Whippet
Excellent flat dogs — they need a sofa and a safe place to sprint.
- Good with children
- Good with other pets— depends on the individual
- Suitable for first-time owners
Health
Conditions this breed is commonly predisposed to. This is general information, not veterinary advice — speak to a vet about any specific animal.
- Generally a healthy breed
- Sensitivity to anaesthetics (as with most sighthounds)
- Thin skin prone to tears; feels the cold
- Some lines carry a myostatin ('bully whippet') mutation
Ask the breeder for
- Eye testing; BAER hearing testing in some lines
Whippets for sale
No Whippet adverts are live right now. New adverts are posted daily — or set your sights a little wider.
All dogs for saleWhippet FAQs
How long do Whippets live?
A Whippet typically lives 12–15 years.
How much exercise does a Whippet need?
Around 60 minutes of daily exercise for a healthy adult, plus mental stimulation. Puppies need considerably less until their joints have matured.
Are Whippets good for first-time owners?
Yes — Whippets are generally suitable for sensible first-time owners who will train and exercise them consistently.
What health tests should a Whippet breeder have done?
Eye testing; BAER hearing testing in some lines.
Breed information is general guidance compiled by the PetHome team. Every animal is an individual — meet it, and its mother, before you commit. This is not veterinary advice.