A sleek sprinter that's calm and cuddly at home.
Origin
England
Height
18–22 in (46–56 cm)
Weight
25–40 lb (11–18 kg)
Lifespan
12–15 years
Coat
Short, smooth, fine — low-maintenance
Energy
Moderate
Overview
The Whippet is a medium sighthound built for speed, resembling a smaller Greyhound and capable of remarkable acceleration. Bred to course rabbits and race, it combines athletic prowess with a gentle, affectionate temperament.
Calm, sweet-natured, and quiet indoors, the Whippet is a devoted companion content to lounge between bursts of running. It is sensitive and people-loving, thriving on comfort and closeness while retaining a strong instinct to chase.
History
Developed in 19th-century England from Greyhounds and terriers, the Whippet was the “poor man's racehorse,” used for rabbit coursing and racing in mining communities. Its speed and gentle nature made it both a sporting and family dog.
Where it comes from
England
Highlighted in the Whippet's lineage color on the map.
Temperament
The Whippet is loving, quiet, and easygoing, bonding closely with its family and often shy with strangers. It is sensitive to harsh handling, has a strong prey drive, and is content with short sprints and lots of restful lounging.
Health to watch
Low body fat means sighthounds process anesthetics differently; surgical teams should use appropriate protocols.
Certain heart conditions occur in the breed; periodic cardiac checks help detect problems early.
The Whippet is a hardy breed with relatively few widespread inherited disorders.
General breed tendencies, not a diagnosis. Every dog is an individual — pair this with regular veterinary care.
Care essentials
Short daily sprints in a secure area plus walks suit this breed; its prey drive makes open spaces risky.
With little body fat and a thin coat, Whippets feel cold easily and love soft, warm places to rest.
A strong chase instinct means a secure fence and leashed walks are important around small animals.
XPET builds each pet a digital twin — modeling their real biology instead of breed averages, so care stays personal.