The Whippet is a sleek, elegant sighthound originally bred in England to hunt rabbits and small game. Closely related to the Greyhound but smaller, Whippets can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, yet indoors, they’re calm, loving companions who make excellent family dogs.
If you want a dog that’s fast outdoors and cuddly on the sofa, the Whippet could be the perfect match.
What Are Whippets Like?
- Friendly and gentle – affectionate with their families.
- Athletic sprinters – built for bursts of speed.
- Calm indoors – love snuggling on the sofa.
- Sensitive souls – respond best to kind, patient handling.
- Low-maintenance coats – short, sleek, and easy to care for.
Whippets and Families
Whippets are loving, loyal, and excellent with children of all ages. They’ll happily run around the garden playing with older kids, then curl up with you afterwards as lapdogs.
Because they’re sensitive, they don’t enjoy rough handling, but with gentle children, they’re wonderful companions.
Exercise & Lifestyle
Whippets may be couch potatoes indoors, but outdoors, they need regular exercise.
- Daily walks: Long walks every day are essential.
- Running space: They need a chance to sprint off-lead a few times a week in a safe, enclosed area.
- Apartment living: They can adapt well to flats if appropriately exercised.
Bringing a Whippet puppy home? Our Ultimate Puppy Planner helps you track training, routines, and milestones in a fun, keepsake style.
Personality & Training
Whippets are intelligent but sensitive. They respond best to gentle, reward-based training; harsh methods will only make them sulk or shut down.
Need training help? Ask Pickles, our AI Dog Trainer, for friendly step-by-step guidance tailored to your pup.
Living With a Whippet
- Other pets: Usually fine with other dogs. Cats can be tricky; some Whippets live peacefully with house cats, others see them as prey. Outdoors, they’ll almost always chase neighbourhood cats and small animals.
- Strangers: They can be a little timid or wary at first, but with good socialisation, they become friendly.
- Grooming: Low-maintenance coat. Weekly brushing keeps shedding under control.
Quick Facts: Whippet
- Origin: England, bred for rabbit and hare hunting
- Role: Hunting/companion
- Weight: 6–14 kg
- Height: 44–51 cm
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Best trait: Quiet, gentle companion
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Challenging trait: Needs lots of exercise and space to run
Pros & Cons of Owning a Whippet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Calm, affectionate indoors | Needs lots of running space |
| Great with children | Prey drive makes cats/small pets a risk |
| Low-maintenance grooming | Sensitive and timid without socialisation |
| Adaptable to flats with exercise | May be destructive if under-stimulated |
Health Notes
Whippets are generally hardy dogs, but they can be prone to:
- Heart problems – some genetic lines are predisposed.
- Eye issues – such as progressive retinal atrophy.
- Sensitivity to cold – their thin coats mean they may need a jumper in winter.
Thinking of buying a Whippet puppy? Download our free Best in Breeder Question Guide to make sure you ask the right questions and choose a healthy pup from the start.
History & Fun Facts
- Whippets were nicknamed “the poor man’s racehorse” in Victorian England, as they were popular among working-class miners for coursing and racing.
- Their Greyhound cousins were used for larger prey like deer and wild boar, while Whippets specialised in rabbits and hares.
- Despite their hunting history, modern Whippets are gentle, quiet, and devoted family companions.
Want to capture your Whippet’s elegance forever? Order a Cartoon-style Pet Portrait and turn your pup into a work of art.
FAQ
Are Whippets good family dogs?
Yes, they’re gentle, affectionate, and great with children.
Do Whippets need lots of exercise?
Yes, daily walks plus a safe space to sprint a few times a week.
Are Whippets easy to train?
They’re intelligent but sensitive. Gentle, reward-based training works best.
Do Whippets shed a lot?
They shed lightly year-round, with seasonal moults in spring and autumn.
Great Names for Whippets
With their sleek looks and gentle nature, Whippets suit all kinds of names:
Elegant Names
- Grace
- Beau
- Duchess
- Sterling
Speed-Inspired Names
- Dash
- Rocket
- Bolt
- Aero
Cute & Playful Names
- Noodle
- Biscuit
- Poppy
- Tinker
Classic Names
- Alfie
- Bella
- Milo
- Daisy
Need more ideas? Try our Dog Name Generator for hundreds of personalised suggestions.
Is a Whippet Right for You?
If you want a dog that’s fast outdoors, calm indoors, and loving with the family, the Whippet could be your ideal match. They’re adaptable, affectionate, and make brilliant companions, but they do need regular exercise and space to run.
Still deciding? Take our Which Dog Is Right for Me Quiz to see if the Whippet matches your lifestyle.
Pickles’ Top Tip: “Whippets love a warm blanket almost as much as a good sprint. Keep one on the sofa, and you’ll never sit alone again!”