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 |
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Popularity Rank | 61 |
Reviews | 2 |
User Ratings | |
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Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion. | |
Origin | England |
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Whippet known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed. | Snap DogEnglish Whippet |
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Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Whippet? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category. | 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
Size Classification
What size category is a Whippet? Learn how big the Whippet breed typically grows. | Medium |
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Weight Statistics
How much does a Whippet weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Whippet breed. | 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) |
Price Range
How much does a Whippet puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Whippet costs. | $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. |
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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. |
Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Whippet? Discover the Whippet's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities. | 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. |
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Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Whippet? Learn about the Whippet's trainability and response to training methods. | Whippet dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly. |
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Whippet as a watchdog? Learn about the Whippet's alertness and guarding instincts. | Whippet dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
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Territorial Protection
Is a Whippet protective of its territory? Learn about the Whippet's guarding instincts and behavior. | 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. |
Personality Traits
What personality does a Whippet have? Learn about characteristic Whippet temperament and behavior traits. | IntelligentFriendlyAffectionateLivelyGentleOutrightCompanionableAdaptableQuiet |
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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. |
Barking Frequency
Does a Whippet bark a lot? Learn about typical Whippet vocalization patterns and triggers. | 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. |
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Playful Nature
How playful is a Whippet? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Whippet 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. |
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Whippet live in an apartment? Learn about the Whippet's suitability for apartment living. | 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. |
Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Whippet to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Whippet's flexibility to new situations. | 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. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Whippet be left alone? Learn about the Whippet's tolerance to solitude. | 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. |
Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Whippet biting potential? Learn about the Whippet's bite risk factors. | 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.) |
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Mouthing Tendency
Is a Whippet mouthy? Learn about the Whippet's tendency to use mouth during play. | 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. |
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Whippet bite? Learn about the Whippet's bite force measured in PSI. | 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. |
Average Lifespan
How long does a Whippet live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Whippet breed. | 11-15 years The average lifespan of Whippet: 13 years |
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Climate Tolerance
How well does a Whippet handle different weather? Learn about the Whippet's climate adaptability. | Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. |
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Whippet? Discover typical conditions affecting the Whippet breed. | The Whippet is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly. |
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Whippet need vet visits? Learn about the Whippet's veterinary care requirements. | Average The Whippet should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
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 |
Energy Rating
How energetic is a Whippet? Understand daily activity needs of the Whippet breed. | Whippet dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy. |
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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. |
Obesity Tendency
Is a Whippet prone to weight gain? Learn about the Whippet's obesity risks. | 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. |
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Food Consumption
How much food does a Whippet need daily? Learn about the Whippet's feeding requirements. | 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. |
Allergy Friendliness
Is a Whippet hypoallergenic? Learn about the Whippet's suitability for allergy sufferers. | 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. |
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Coat Colors
What colors does a Whippet come in? Discover all possible Whippet color variations. | Black Red Blue Cream White FawnAny colour or mixture of colours. |
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Whippet need? Learn about Whippet coat maintenance requirements. | 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. |
Drooling Tendency
Does a Whippet drool a lot? Learn about the Whippet's drooling habits. | 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. |
Stinkiness Rating
Does a Whippet smell bad? Learn about the Whippet's natural odor levels. | Low 🔽 The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Whippet have? Learn about the Whippet's fur characteristics. | FineShortClose in texture |
Bathing Needs
How often does a Whippet need baths? Learn about the Whippet's bathing requirements. | 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. |
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. |
Child Compatibility
Is a Whippet good with children? Learn about the Whippet's behavior around kids of different ages. | Whippet dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children. |
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Pet Compatibility
How well does a Whippet get along with other pets? Discover the Whippet's compatibility with other animals. | 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. |
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. |
Service Dog Capability
Can a Whippet be a service dog? Learn about the Whippet's service work potential. | 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. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Whippet good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Whippet's therapy work aptitude. | 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. |
Scent Detection Ability
Is a Whippet good at detection work? Learn about the Whippet's scenting abilities. | 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 & Rescue Potential
Can a Whippet do search and rescue? Learn about the Whippet's SAR capabilities. | 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. |
Maritime Work Ability
Is a Whippet good on boats? Learn about the Whippet's maritime capabilities. | 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. |
Draft Work Capability
Can a Whippet pull carts? Learn about the Whippet's drafting abilities. | 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. |
Military Service Background
Was a Whippet used in military service? Learn about the Whippet's military history. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Whippet usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes. | 4-8 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Whippet pregnant? Learn about the Whippet's gestation period. | 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. |
Breeding Frequency
How often can a Whippet have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals. | 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. |
AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Whippet in? Learn about the Whippet's AKC classification. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Hound breed. |
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FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Whippet in? Learn about the Whippet's international classification. | Recognized by FCI in the Sighthounds group, in the Short-haired Sighthounds section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Whippet? Learn about the Whippet's official recognition. | 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
- Training Difficulty: Whippet dogs are easy to train.
- Apartment Adaptability: Very house-friendly dog the Whippet breed.
- Grooming Requirements: 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 Rating: The Whippet has a low chance of bad smell.
- Obesity Tendency: Low: The Whippet has good luck with genetics.
- Lifestyle Adaptability: Whippet dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
- Child Compatibility: 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.
- Allergy Friendliness: Whippet dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
- Mouthing Tendency: 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: