Whippet
Overview
A gentle, quiet "sofa sprinter" — happy to lounge at home between short bursts of explosive running.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Whippet is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a very quiet, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Whippet typically needs around an hour of exercise a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content; mental stimulation matters as much as the distance covered. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is low. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Whippet should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +Calm, affectionate and quiet indoors
- +Low grooming and surprisingly low overall exercise needs
Things to consider
- –Strong prey drive and a need to sprint off-lead in safe spaces
- –Thin-coated and sensitive to cold; needs a coat in winter
Is a Whippet right for you?
On space, a Whippet is best with a garden — they do best with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise. For experience level, they are good for first-time owners. That makes them a reasonable choice for a committed first-time owner.
Kit that suits a Whippet
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
Are Whippets good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Whippets tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Whippet need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Whippet needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Whippets shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Whippets easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Whippets are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Whippets bark a lot?
Very quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Whippets good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Whippets suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Whippet is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.