Whippet

Whippet

Medium breed · England

Whippets are sleek, medium-sized sighthounds that are the fastest domesticated animals of their size. Despite their racing ability, they are calm, gentle, and affectionate house dogs that adore lounging on the couch.

Breed Statistics

12–15 yrs
Lifespan
12–15 kg
Weight
60 min/day
Exercise
Low maintenance
Grooming

Temperament

  • Gentle
  • Affectionate
  • Playful
  • Lively
  • Quiet

Daily Calorie Range

600–900 kcal/day

For an average adult Whippet. Adjust for weight, age, and activity level.

5 Facts About the Whippet

  1. 1

    Whippets are the fastest domesticated animals of their size, capable of reaching speeds up to 56 km/h (35 mph).

  2. 2

    Despite being sprint machines, they are known as 'couch potatoes' at home and love to cuddle.

  3. 3

    Whippets were originally bred by poachers as a cheaper, smaller alternative to Greyhounds for rabbit hunting.

  4. 4

    They earned the nickname 'the poor man's racehorse' in 19th century England due to their racing popularity.

  5. 5

    Whippets are extremely sensitive to cold weather and often require a coat in winter.

Whippet Age Calculator

Affects aging rate — giants age fastest.

More Whippet Guides