Yes, Whippets shed; however, when compared with other dogs, the shedding isn’t something to stress about.

Are Whippets hypoallergenic?

No, Whippets are not hypoallergenic dogs . In fact, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

All dogs bark sometimes, but Whippets aren’t known to be very vocal. They might let you know when a package arrives, but they’re otherwise quite reserved when it comes to being chatty.

Are Whippets good family dogs?

Yes, Whippets are excellent family dogs . They love being around people and do well in a household that will give them plenty of exercise along with opportunities to be lazy and stretch out on the couch.

Whippet vs. Greyhound: What’s the difference?

Both are friendly and sensitive, and both love to run, but the Greyhound is larger. While Whippets top out at about 40 pounds, Greyhounds tend to be 60 pounds or more.

Whippet vs. Italian Greyhound: What’s the difference?

Both are elegant and affectionate, and both love to run, but the Whippet is larger. Italian Greyhounds weigh only 7–14 pounds.

Whippet

Updated October 24, 2025

Whippets are graceful, gentle pups who need to run—fast, and often. But once they work out their energy, they’re happy to snooze the rest of the day away at home. With minimal grooming needs and a friendly nature, these dogs can fit perfectly into all kinds of families.

Temperament

Athletic, Intelligent, Sensitive

Weight

25–40 pounds

Height

18–22 inches

Life Expectancy

12–15 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Fawn, Cream, Black, Blue, White, Red, Blue Brindle, Blue Fawn, Fawn Brindle, White and Fawn, White and Red, Red Brindle, White and Blue Fawn, White and Black, White and Blue, White and Blue Brindle, White and Red Brindle, White and Fawn Brindle

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Whippets love to run. When they’re not running, they’re thinking about running. And when they’re done running, they’re dreaming about running. But that doesn’t mean you need to love running like they do. They’re perfectly happy to have you cheer them on from the sidelines.

In fact, Whippet dogs glide through the air so effortlessly that you might think they need nothing else in the world to be happy. But you’d be wrong: These clever, social canines adore their people, and if you’re not there to snuggle with them, all is not right in their kingdom.

Whippet Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Whippet Appearance

Often mistaken for a Greyhound or Italian Greyhound, the Whippet is somewhere in the middle.

Their faces are full of expression with their alert, intelligent eyes and small, neatly folded ears. They have a natural curve to their body, which is useful for sprinting short distances. And while Whippets aren’t as tall as their Greyhound cousins, they carry themselves with a graceful dignity.

Ears
Whippet dogs have small ears that fold over slightly behind themselves, called a rose ear. Even when their ears are at attention, they usually don't perk straight up.
Eyes
They have dark brown, nearly black eyes that are round with an intelligent expression.
Nose
Whippet noses are a solid color, ranging from dark blue to dark brown to black.
Coat Length
Whippet coats are short and silky smooth on their heads, and firm across their backs.
Coat Color
Whippet colors include fawn, red, blue, cream, and black. Some Whippets may also have brindled fur (subtle tiger stripes).
Tail
Their tail is long and tapered at the end, with a slight upward curve. While walking or running, their tail is lower so they can use it to navigate, like a steering wheel.

Whippet Temperament

Whippets are bright and eager to learn, but these smart dogs also have an endearingly sensitive side.

Though they’re quiet dogs who rarely bark, Whippets are eager to say hello to new friends—and they’d love to be loved as much as they give.

Because they are so social, the Whippet dog breed may struggle with separation anxiety. If you’re gone for long periods, tap in a dog walker or pet sitter to help keep them company.

Whippet dogs are smart and crave mental stimulation. They were originally bred to work as hunting dogs, and today’s Whippets will still enjoy tracking games and games of chase in a fenced backyard. Running is an especially beloved activity.

Once they’ve exhausted their energy, Whippets can be a bit lazy at home. You’ll probably find them curled up in a dog bed or on a favorite spot on the couch.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Whippet

Find Whippets to Adopt Near You

How to Care for a Whippet

Whippets have minimal grooming needs, but you’ll spend plenty of time exercising with these cuties.

Bathing: Bathe your dog every four to six weeks with a dog-friendly shampoo.
Brushing: Whippet dogs don’t shed much, but you’ll still need to use a bristle brush or grooming glove once a week to keep their coat shiny.
Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs vet attention. Talk to your veterinarian about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections.
Dental care: Brush your dog’s teeth every day with a dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, which can be toxic for pups. It’s a good idea to start when your Whippet puppy is young, so they get used to the routine.
Nail care: While the quick-moving Whippet can wear down their nails naturally, you’ll probably still need to trim them regularly. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor as they walk, it’s time to cut your dog’s nails.

Start obedience training and socializing your Whippet puppy as soon as possible.

Whippets are brainy dogs, and if they don’t like something, they’ll avoid it—even your very well-intentioned training plan. So, if they’re not picking things up right away, it’s not for lack of intelligence, but more so because they can be very independent-minded.

Be patient and practice encouragement during training. Always use positive reinforcement—praise, training treats, and favorite toys—to teach your pup how to be on their very best behavior.

Keep training sessions short and fun to hold their attention. These dogs get bored with too much repetition, so it’ll be a challenge for you to think of fun new ways for your dog to learn—and the two of you to build your bond.

Whippets, like all dogs, need a complete and balanced diet that meets AAFCO standards.

There is no one “best” dog food for Whippets, so talk to your vet about which formula is ideal for your dog. Whippet puppies will need a well-balanced puppy food before transitioning to an adult dog formula.

The Whippet’s deep chest puts them at risk for a life-threatening condition called bloat, in which their stomach distends with food and/or gas. To reduce the odds of this from happening to your pup, take certain precautions around feeding times:

Feed your Whippet two or three smaller meals throughout the day instead of one big breakfast or dinner.
Offer their food in a slow-feeder bowl to stop them from gobbling too quickly.
Do not elevate their food bowls; leave them placed on the ground.
Restrict exercise for two hours before or after your Whippet eats.

Your Whippet is a runner—and you’re not going to be able to keep up. These speedy canines can reach speeds of up to 35 mph, so they need a place where they can expend all that energy on their own. A fenced yard is ideal for these pups.

That doesn’t mean they don’t need you, though. They love neighborhood walks, playtime, and running with you (and will politely reduce their speed so as not to embarrass you). Plan about spending an hour a day exercising your Whippet.

Always keep your Whippet on a leash when you’re out and about. If they see a squirrel across the street, they’re going to sprint to get to them. A sturdy leash will keep everyone safe.

Ideally, your Whippet will have access to a fenced backyard where they can run freely and get all that energy out. They may do fine in an apartment with no yard, too, if there’s somewhere nearby they can exercise that fits these criteria.

Whippets can also tend to chase after tiny critters (it’s all due to their hunting history). So when you’re at the park, they should always be kept on a leash or in an enclosed space if off-leash.

Whippets usually get along great with other dogs, though cats will depend on your pup’s personality (again, they might be tempted to chase). They love people, so they’ll probably adore kids, though they will prefer calm humans in general. Older kids might be a better fit then tiny tots.

These pups aren’t well-suited for cold weather, so consider investing in some clothes for when it’s chiller outside, like a good dog sweater.

Whippet Health

The average Whippet lifespan is 12–15 years. Here are some health issues to be aware of.

Bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Bloat is a dangerous condition that happens when the stomach gets distended with air and/or food. A serious complication of bloat is when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the organs. This is called gastric dilatation-volvulus, and symptoms include abdominal distension, restlessness, and dry heaving. If you notice these signs, go to the vet immediately.
Corneal dystrophy: Whippets can have a condition called corneal dystrophy, where small white crystal deposits form in their corneas. It progresses slowly, and it’s fortunately not painful, but there’s also no cure. While it often leads to blindness, most dogs adapt well and still have wonderful, happy lives.
Deafness: Deafness is often hereditary in Whippets and can occur in one or both ears. There’s no treatment, but most dogs acclimate well to the condition and lead a full, happy life.
Heart issues: Whippets can be prone to heart murmurs and mitral valve disease, where the heart does not pump blood efficiently. A heart murmur can be the earliest sign of mitral valve disease, but other symptoms include exercise intolerance, a cough, heavy breathing, an inability to rest, and decreased appetite.
Hypothyroidism: Common in Whippets, hypothyroidism includes symptoms like lethargy, hair loss, skin and ear infections, and weight gain. A blood test can diagnose it, and treatment is a daily oral medication.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA leads to blindness in dogs, and while there is no cure, pups who lose their eyesight tend to adapt well and can still live full, happy lives.
Von Willebrand disease: Whippets are susceptible to von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. Your veterinarian can test your dog for this. There’s no cure, so your vet may recommend a stress-free lifestyle and to avoid medications that interfere with clotting.

Whippet History

The Whippet dog breed didn’t get its name until the mid-1800s, but these dogs have probably been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

You can find them in paintings and sculptures throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where they resemble small Greyhounds. In fact, several hundred years ago in Great Britain, people who couldn’t afford Greyhounds would keep Whippets, which is how they earned their nickname “the poor man’s Greyhound.”

Once used for hunting rabbits via sight, these gentle sight hounds now have better pursuits—like making their families feel happy and loved. The Whippet started showing up in New England with European immigrants in the 19th century, and in 1888, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed.

Whippet puppies tend to cost between $1,000–$2,500 or more. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.

You can also adopt a Whippet, as there are many patiently waiting for their forever homes. Look for a local Whippet rescue or a sighthound rescue like Fast Friends Greyhound Adoption, check out your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Whippet

Whippet