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Whippet Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Whippet so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank61
Reviews2
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Whippet dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland
Other Names
What other names does the Whippet have?
Snap DogEnglish Whippet
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Whippet is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Whippet Mixes.

Photo Gallery of the Whippet Breed

Whippet Size and Weight

Size
Is a Whippet small, medium or large dog?

How big do Whippet get?

What is the average size of a Whippet?

Medium
Weight
How much does the Whippet weigh? How much should a Whippet weight? What is the normal weight of a Whippet? How much does a full-grown Whippet weight?
25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Whippet?
25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg)
Height
How tall is the Whippet? Whippet height:
Male: 18.5-20 inches (46-51 cm), Female: 17.5-19 inches (44-48 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Whippet?
Male: 19 inches (48.5 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm)

Whippet Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Whippet puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Whippet in the United States? How much money is a Whippet?

Where to buy a Whippet with a good pedigree?

$800-$1200
If you choose to purchase the Whippet, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Whippet for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Whippet gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Whippet? How many Whippet are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Whippet is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Whippet Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Whippet? Is the Whippet breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Whippet ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Whippet dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Whippet?
Whippet dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is Whippet good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Whippet dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Whippet dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Whippet dogs can't provide protection for their territory. It's better to leave them out of the duty of protecting your valuables and property.

Whippet Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Whippet have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
IntelligentFriendlyAffectionateLivelyGentleOutrightCompanionableAdaptableQuiet
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Whippet sensitivity:
Sensitive: Whippet dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.

This breed's emotional level reflects their owner's feelings and they don't handle punishments well.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Whippet a good family dog?
Average: Whippet dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. Some breeds are forthcoming and friendly, while others are independent and don't bond too closely with their owners.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Snap Dog need? Whippet social needs:
Whippet dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Whippet to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Whippet roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Whippet have high prey drive?
Whippet dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Whippet dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Whippet Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Whippets, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Whippet dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Snap Dog bark?
Low: The Whippet barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Whippet good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Whippet in an apartment?
Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Whippet Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Whippet dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Whippet be left alone? How long can you leave a Whippet alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Whippet Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Whippet has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Whippet? How much bite force does a Whippet have? How strong is a Whippet bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Whippet bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Whippet measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Whippet is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Whippet bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Whippet bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Whippet puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Whippet, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Whippet bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Whippet can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Whippet bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Snap Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Whippet? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Whippet do?
Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Whippet dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Whippet Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Whippet dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Whippet is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Whippet breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Whippet breed? Most common health risks of Whippet:
Heart MurmursHypothyroidismVon Willebrand's DiseaseHeart ProblemsDeafnessVaccination SensitivityDrug SensitivityArthritisKidney IssuesAddison's Disease
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Whippet breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Whippet see the vet?
Average
The Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Whippet dogs live? How old can a Whippet be? What is the age limit of the Whippet? How many years can the oldest Whippet live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Whippet?

How long is the lifespan of a Whippet?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.

Whippet Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Whippet have? What is the activity level of the Whippet?
Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Whippet need? How much exercise do Whippet dogs require per day?

Do Whippet dogs need a lot of exercises?

Whippet dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Whippet breed need?
Whippet dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Whippet Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Whippet need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Whippet breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Whippet? How much food should I feed my Whippet?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Whippet risk for obesity:
Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics. This breed doesn't need to worry about obesity. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Whippet weight regularly.

Whippet Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Whippet have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineShortClose in texture
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Whippet coats?
Black Red Blue Cream White FawnAny colour or mixture of colours.
Grooming
How to groom the Whippet and how often? How often should I take my Whippet to the groomer?
Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Whippet is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Whippet dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Snap Dog? Do Whippet dogs shed a lot?
Whippet dogs are low shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Whippet need a bath? How often should you give a Whippet a bath? Can I bathe my Whippet every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Whippet breed hypoallergenic?
No
Whippet dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Whippet drool?
The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Whippet could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Whippet.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Whippet Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Whippet dogs get along with other pets? Are Whippet dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Whippet dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Whippet temperament with other people:
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Whippet dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Whippet temperament with children:
Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Whippet dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Whippet breed live with a cat?
Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Whippet good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Whippet dogs get along with other dogs?
Whippet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Whippet breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Whippet breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Whippet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Whippet dogs good office canines? Do Whippet dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Whippet is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Whippet dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Snap Dog temperament with senior people? Are Whippet dogs good for elderly owners?
Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.

Whippet As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Whippet be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Whippet is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Whippet be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Whippet be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Whippet is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Whippet be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Whippet is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Whippet be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Whippet is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Whippet be a boat dog?

Not really

Whippet breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Whippet be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Whippet is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Whippet dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Whippet Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Whippet pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Whippet breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Whippet: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Whippet have in a litter? How many puppies can the Whippet breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Whippet have? How many puppies can a Whippet give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Whippet Recognition

AKC Group
Is Whippet recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed.
FCI Group
Is Whippet recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Whippet breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubCanadian Canine Registry

Whippet Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Trainability: Whippet dogs are easy to train.
  • Apartment Friendly: Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Whippet requires minimal grooming.
  • Shedding Level: Whippet dogs are low shedders.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Whippet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
  • Adaptability: Whippet dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Whippets are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Whippet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Whippet dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthiness: Whippet dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Whippet is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Cat Friendly: Whippet dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Whippet is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Whippet History

The origin of the breed is surrounded by many stories and theories. For many years there have been arguments about whether the Whippets are two hundred years old or much older. For a long time, the most popular theory suggested that the breed actually dates back to ancient Rome and Egypt because they have found evidence in painting, statues, pottery, and artifacts that show the existence of a small type of Greyhound, with the Whippet’s rose-shaped ears. The British Museum actually possesses a painting, which is from the mid-14th century that represents a dog that looks just like the Whippet.

On the other hand, some people rely on another theory which suggests that the Whippet developed during the 18th century in Northern England probably by crossing Greyhounds with the long-legged Terriers. The Whippet was generally used to describe a small quick moving dog that was only recognized as a separate breed in the late 19th century by the Kennel Club. Furthermore, The Whippet Club was also formed in 1899.

The breed became extremely popular with the working class, coal miners, and tenant farmers, who spent their free time seeing whose dog could hunt more rabbits and rats or could perform better in games, which became known as “Snap-dog coursing”. A number of Whippets were placed in the same enclosure and the dog that snapped up the most rabbits was the winner, then the owner collected on the bets. Afterward, human societies worked very hard to get these contests outlawed and eventually were successful. However after this game was banned because of its cruelty, the Whippet became known as the ‘poor man’s racehorse’. As there was a need for entertainment for the working class, they figured that their dogs would eagerly chase a waving rag which became known as ‘rag racing’. This way many families earned extra money. Until the First World War, this sport was the most popular, even more, famous than greyhound racing.

Several authors mentioned this breed in their writings such as, F.C. Hignett who published his book, ‘New Book of the Dog’, and stated that “the Whippet existed as a separate breed long before dog shows were thought of, and at a time when records of pedigrees were not officially preserved”. Moreover, another author, Mr. Frederick Freeman Lloyd, actually wrote a book about the Whippet, called ‘The Whippet and Race Dog’ published in 1894 before the breed was even fully recognized.

Moreover, it is thought that the name Whippet may have its origins in the words “whip it”, which in English slang means to move quickly. However, its name’s origin is still unknown but people have tried to guess its meaning as it does not necessarily mean what it does today. For example, The Oxford Dictionary of English defines a Whippet in 1550 as “a lively young woman”. By 1610 the word became used for “a small breed of dog” and as late as 1841, the Whippet was described as “a dog betwixt a greyhound and a spaniel”.

Overall, the Whippet is an amazing athlete, covering 200 yards in 12 seconds, and they require outdoor time as they will be overactive inside the house if their exercise needs are not met.

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Whippet Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • WhippettyQuick

    Dec 5, 2022, 8:47:15 PM:

    Some whippet descriptions need more explanations. Sleep - They sleep most of the day. Energy - it’s either very high or very low. When young, need to feed many times a day in small quantities due to a sensitive stomach.

  • Jen

    Feb 16, 2020, 10:54:29 AM: