Whippet
Hound Medium
Ranked #55 by the AKC, the Whippet is a medium hound dog with roots in England. Known as 'the poor man's racehorse,' they were bred for rag racing in mining communities and for catching rabbits to supplement the family diet.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Whippet
Developed in Victorian England by crossing small Greyhounds with terriers, Whippets were the racing dogs of coal miners who could not afford Greyhounds.. As of 2026, they hold the #55 position in the American Kennel Club's popularity rankings.
Standing 18 to 22 inches tall and weighing 25 to 40 pounds, the Whippet is a medium-sized dog. The fastest domesticated animal of their weight, capable of reaching 35 miles per hour and accelerating faster than a Greyhound. They are well-suited to owners who can provide the exercise, training, and companionship this breed thrives on.
Excels in lure coursing, agility, and flyball; increasingly popular as an apartment-friendly companion for active owners..
Lifespan Overview
The Whippet typically lives 12–15 years. Learn more about Whippet lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $800–$1500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Whippets weigh 25–40 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Energy level: 3/5. Trainability: 3/5. A velvet-coated sprinter who transitions seamlessly from explosive athlete to the ultimate couch companion. Full temperament guide →
History
The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1888 and has maintained popularity as both a racing dog and companion throughout its history.. Known as 'the poor man's racehorse,' they were bred for rag racing in mining communities and for catching rabbits to supplement the family diet..
The breed gained AKC recognition and currently sits at #55 in popularity. Excels in lure coursing, agility, and flyball; increasingly popular as an apartment-friendly companion for active owners..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Mitral Valve Disease | Occasional | Serious |
| Eye Disorders | Occasional | Moderate |
| Anesthesia Sensitivity | Common | Serious |
| Corneal Dystrophy | Occasional | Mild |
| Deafness | Rare | Moderate |
Similar Breeds
Compare Whippet
Is the Whippet Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Whippet is a medium-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Whippet has moderate energy levels, needing around 30–45 minutes of daily exercise. A combination of walks and play sessions will keep this breed content. They adapt reasonably well to different activity levels without becoming hyperactive or overly lethargic.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 4/5, the Whippet adapts well to smaller living spaces. They can thrive in apartments or condos as long as their basic exercise needs are met and they receive enough mental stimulation throughout the day.
Children and family: Scoring 4/5 with children, the Whippet is an excellent family companion. They tend to be patient, gentle, and tolerant of the unpredictable behavior of young children. Supervision is always recommended, but this breed naturally gravitates toward being protective and affectionate with kids.
Grooming commitment: The Whippet is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $65–79/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Whippet home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–15 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $800–$1500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $3,611. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $126, broken down as follows: food ($50–78/mo), grooming ($65–79/mo), insurance ($42–67/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($423–849/yr) and supplies ($257–484/yr). As a medium breed, the Whippet falls in the middle range for food costs, medication, and equipment sizes.
Over a full 12–15 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $42–67/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Whippet owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Whippet fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Whippet belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.
With a family friendliness score of 5/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 2/5, the Whippet presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (3/5) and barking tendency (1/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Whippet is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Whippet may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Whippet's low shedding (2/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Whippet Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Whippet requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Whippet if: You maintain moderate daily routines with regular walks and occasional adventures, have children or plan to start a family, live in any housing situation including apartments, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Whippet's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You need a dog for extreme athletic activities, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a medium breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Whippet seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Whippet owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Whippets before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.