Whippet Guide: Size, Weight, Temperament, Lifespan and Adoption
Whippet dog origin and overview
The AKC places the Whippet in the Hound Group and lists England as its origin. The breed was developed in Great Britain and nicknamed the poor man's race horse because working-class owners used it for sprint racing. It is believed to include early working terriers, the Greyhound and the Italian Greyhound in its background.
Whippet dog size and weight
The AKC categorizes the Whippet as a medium-sized breed. The AKC publishes a height of 19-22 inches for males and 18-21 inches for females, and a weight of 25-40 pounds. VCA Animal Hospitals gives a weight of 20 to 40 pounds, a slightly different lower figure than the AKC.
Whippet personality and dog breed temperament
The AKC describes the Whippet's temperament as playful, affectionate and calm. Most Whippets are quiet and gentle indoors, friendly to visitors rather than watchful, and fond of joining people on the couch. The breed standard calls the Whippet amiable, friendly and gentle, and describes it as adaptable at home or in the field.
How fast can a Whippet run, and how much exercise is needed?
The Whippet is built for speed and work, and its sprint-racing history reflects that. The references give no top speed, so ask a rescue or your veterinarian rather than relying on a figure. A Whippet's prey drive can override its attachment to people when it spots a small animal, so keep it on a leash or in a fenced area outdoors. Enthusiasts suggest lure coursing as an outlet that suits the breed's speed and prey drive.
Do Whippets shed? Coat and grooming
The coat is short, close and smooth. A weekly brushing with a hound glove or small brush is usually enough, with baths as needed.
Training a Whippet
Whippets may not take well to monotonous, repetitive training, so short positive sessions with edible rewards work better, at least early on.
Whippet lifespan and health
The AKC gives a general life expectancy of 12-15 years for the Whippet, which answers the question of average whippet lifespan. VCA Animal Hospitals names sebaceous adenitis, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye problems, and heart defects among the more worrisome genetic issues. A veterinarian can explain what those conditions could mean for an older dog.
Whippet rescue and adoption: what to ask
If you want to adopt a whippet, ask the organization caring for the dog about its prey drive around small animals and whether it needs a fenced yard.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Whippet as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Hound Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1888
- Height (AKC published)
- 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female)
- Weight (AKC published)
- 25-40 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-15 years
- AKC size category
- Medium
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 4 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 4 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 1 of 5
- Shedding: 2 of 5
- Vocalization: 1 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Playfulness: 4 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 3 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 5 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 5 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- BAER Testing
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Breed Standards : Whippet | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Whippet | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Whippet - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
