Whippet
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Weight
9 – 19 kg
Height
44 – 51 cm
Lifespan
12 – 15 years
Origin
England
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Temperament
Compatibility
Pros
- Calm and quiet indoors — one of the best breeds for apartment living
- Gentle and affectionate with a sweet, sensitive temperament
- Low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and grooming needs
- Healthy breed with few inherited conditions and a good lifespan
- Adaptable exercise needs — happy with a sprint and a couch session
Cons
- High prey drive — will chase small animals and may be unreliable off-leash
- Thin skin that is prone to cuts, scrapes, and tears
- Sensitive to cold — needs a coat in cooler weather, though less of an issue on the Gold Coast
- Can be timid without proper socialisation from puppyhood
Care guide
Exercise
Whippets need 45 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, ideally including opportunities to run at full speed in a secure, fenced area. They are sprinters, not endurance runners — a few short bursts of speed satisfy their exercise needs. Lure coursing is an ideal activity. On the Gold Coast, they handle the warm climate well due to their lean build and short coat. After their exercise, they are happy to spend the rest of the day relaxed on the couch. They enjoy walks but truly come alive when given space to run.
Grooming
Whippets are one of the lowest-maintenance breeds for grooming. Their short, fine coat needs only a weekly wipe-down with a grooming mitt or soft brush. They shed minimally. Bathe every six to eight weeks or as needed. Their thin skin is prone to nicks and scrapes, so check them regularly after off-leash running. Clean ears weekly and trim nails fortnightly — their thin, hard nails grow quickly. Dental care is important; brush teeth several times per week.
Feeding
Feed one to one and a half cups of high-quality food per day, divided into two meals. Whippets have lean physiques and efficient metabolisms. They should always look slim with visible ribs — this is healthy for the breed, not underweight. Choose a moderate-protein, moderate-fat formula. Avoid overfeeding, as extra weight stresses their slender frame and joints. Some Whippets are sensitive to certain proteins — if skin issues develop, try a novel protein source. Fresh water should always be available.
Training
Whippets are intelligent and learn quickly, but they are independent sighthounds, not eager-to-please retrievers. Training requires patience and positive reinforcement with high-value rewards. Harsh corrections will make them shut down and become fearful. Recall training is important but may never be fully reliable due to their prey drive — always exercise in secure areas. Start socialisation early and extensively, as they can be timid without it. They respond well to gentle, consistent training and enjoy short sessions. Focus on building confidence and a trusting bond. A well-socialised Whippet is a delightful, calm companion.