Whippet behind a white, transparent background

Whippet

Everything you need to know about Whippets

Size
Medium
Life Expectancy
typically 12+ years
Shedding
Short length with low shedding

Whippets have a lean build similar to Greyhounds, but they are smaller. They have short fur with delicate features, and are very fast runners. Whippets can come in a wide variety of colours: black, blue, cream, fawn, red, silver, tan and white. 

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Whippets, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.  

Thinking about giving a Whippet a forever home? Here are some Whippet facts that might help you decide.  

Caring for Whippets 

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Whippet.  

Health issues 

Before you give any dog a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.   

To find out more about potential health issues for Whippe...

How much food does a Whippet need? 

The amount of food a Whippet needs depends on their:  

  • age  
  • size  
  • activity levels  
  • fitness  
  • weight.   

You can use the informati...

An infographic showing the key indicators of healthy body condition for a dog

How much exercise does a Whippet need? 

Whippets are usually moderately active dogs who also enjoy their lounging time. They tend to enjoy a combination of short bursts of activity and relaxing strolls that allow them to explore. They'll need daily wal...

How much grooming does a Whippet need? 

Whippets have short fur that generally only requires weekly grooming (with a soft brush). 

To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time. T...

What size crate do you need for a Whippet?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: 

  • sit and stand up at their full height 
  • turn around without touching the sides 
  • lie down fully stretched out&...

Whippet behaviour and training  

Even if you think you know about Whippets, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.  

What’s the temperament of a Whippet? 

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Whippet temperament is different. As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop th...

Are Whippets easy to train? 

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, tra...

Are Whippets good with children? 

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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