FCI standard sets no weight. Hill's gives 25-40 lb (11.3-18.1 kg) for males and 20-35 lb (9.1-15.9 kg) for females; Wikipedia gives a typical 11-18 kg overall.
A very short, fine and close-lying coat over a lean, streamlined sighthound frame with a deep chest, arched loin and long, powerful hindquarters. The coat feels velvety and carries very little doggy smell.453
Coloursblackbluebrindlefawnredcreamwhiteparti-colours of theseany colour or mix except merle (FCI/RKC); UKC places no colour restriction465
Personality what they are like
An even-tempered, soft-natured dog that loves home comforts and tends to be peaceful and low-key in the house. Whippets bond closely with their own people and like having them near, can be a little reserved with strangers, and switch into focused, joyful chase mode the moment something runs. Their gentle, sensitive nature means they respond best to kind handling.4732
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: roughly 40 minutes to an hour of exercise a day. Besides walks they need regular chances to sprint flat out in a safely fenced area, since running is what settles them. Lure coursing, racing, agility and flyball suit the breed well.632
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-maintenance coat: a quick weekly going-over with a soft brush or grooming mitt is enough. With a thin coat and little body fat, they appreciate a dog coat in cold or wet weather and soft bedding to lie on.63
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to houses or flats as long as daily running is provided. A securely fenced garden or run area is valuable, and recall can be unreliable when prey is in sight, so off-lead running is best kept to enclosed spaces. Whippets seek out warmth and soft furniture indoors.432
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality diet suited to a medium-sized active adult dog (or puppy formula while growing), portioned to keep the naturally lean sighthound shape.3
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and prefers not to be left alone for long stretches. Usually gets along with children and other dogs in the household, but its strong chase instinct means small pets need careful introduction and supervision.32
The story where it all began
Small greyhound-type dogs appear in British hunting writing from the Middle Ages, and the word 'whippet', from an old term for moving briskly, was in print by 1610. The modern breed took shape in the Victorian era, mostly among working people in the mining and mill towns of northern England and Wales, who used these compact sighthounds to catch rabbits and later to race them on straight tracks, earning the breed the nickname 'poor man's racehorse'. Its ancestry is generally traced to greyhounds, with terrier and Italian Greyhound influence also suggested. The American Kennel Club recognised the Whippet in 1888, three years before The Kennel Club in Britain (1891), and mill workers carried the breed to Massachusetts. The FCI gave it definitive acceptance in 1955. Today it is a popular companion, show dog and competitor in lure coursing, racing and agility.2561
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Whippets can reach around 56 km/h (35 mph) using a double-suspension gallop, and are often described as the fastest dogs for their weight.2
2
In the 1800s they were nicknamed the 'poor man's racehorse' because working families raced them on straight tracks.7
3
A Whippet named Ashley Whippet ran onto the field at a Dodgers game in 1974 catching Frisbees, and helped launch the sport of disc dog. He won the first three Frisbee Dog World Championships (1975-77), and the event was later renamed the Ashley Whippet Invitational.8
4
Ashley Whippet was reported to leap about 9 feet (2.7 m) in the air to catch a disc.8
5
An older name for the breed was 'snap dog', from contests in which dogs raced to snap up rabbits.3
6
The AKC recognised the Whippet in 1888, three years before The Kennel Club in its home country did.2
7
The Royal Kennel Club breed standard accepts more than 40 colour and pattern combinations.6
8
Whippets are known for having very little doggy odour and for seeking out the warmest, softest spot in the house.3
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The name 'Whippet' is believed to derive from the early 17th-century English verb 'whippet,' meaning 'to move briskly,' or from the phrase 'whippet dog,' referring to a small, fast dog used in racing.7
Famous ones stars of the breed
Bully whippets (double-muscled dogs with MSTN mutation) First dogs in which a myostatin gene mutation was quantitatively linked to increased athletic performance and racing speed.9
This morning I stretched out on my soft bed, feeling the warmth of the sunbeam. My human smiled and gave me a gentle scratch behind the ears. Later, we went to the fenced field. I love the moment when something runs, a rabbit or a leaf, and I can chase it with all my might. Afterward, we walked home, and I curled up on the sofa, my head resting on my human's lap. I watched the birds outside the window, feeling peaceful and content. A perfect, ordinary day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 162, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 3 (Short-haired sighthounds); definitive acceptance 27 Apr 1955; current standard published 4 Sep 20191
Popularity Ranked 48th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (50th in 2024).10
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Whippet. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Cold care winterA jumper or coat on cold walksevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Whippet tip
Choose low-fat, single-protein treats and keep them small, as Whippets are prone to weight gain and sensitive stomachs. Always introduce new treats gradually and monitor for any digestive upsets.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Whippet, and at what times?
Feed your Whippet at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Consistent times help their digestion, but the exact schedule can vary; check the food label and your vet for portion guidance.311
What should a Whippet eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, good-quality diet suited to a medium-sized active dog is ideal. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts; these are especially risky for dogs, so keep them well away.312
How often should I bathe a Whippet?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, but you can adjust based on how dirty your Whippet gets. Their short coat stays clean easily, and bathing more than once every three months is usually fine if needed.13Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Whippet need brushing?
A weekly brush with a soft brush or grooming mitt is plenty to keep their short, velvety coat looking great. It’s a quick, gentle routine they’ll enjoy.6313Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Whippet's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the pink quick, and use dog-specific clippers for safety.13Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Whippet need?
Your Whippet needs about 40 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, plus regular chances to sprint in a safely fenced area. They love to run, and that really settles their happy energy.632Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Whippet's teeth and ears?
Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness, never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary’s plan suggests daily brushing for best results.13Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Whippet live?
Whippets typically live 12 to 15 years, bringing you many happy, snuggly years of companionship.362
Is a Whippet good with children and other pets?
Whippets are gentle and even-tempered, usually wonderful with children and other dogs. However, their strong chase instinct means small pets like cats or rabbits need careful, supervised introductions.32
Can a Whippet be left alone?
Whippets are very people-oriented and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They do best with company or a routine that avoids too much solitude.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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