| Height | 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25-40 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–15+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Playful / Affectionate / Calm [1] |
| AKC group | Hound Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 48 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Whippets are sprinters by nature, and adequate exercise could take the form of several vigorous retrieving sessions a week with ball or flying disc, regular walks, or play sessions with another dog in a safely fenced area. Always keep your Whippet on lead when not in a fenced area. Organized activities such as lure-coursing and agility also provide healthy outlets for the breed's energy and athleticism. [1]
Grooming
The Whippet's short, smooth coat needs little maintenance beyond regular weekly grooming with a brush and the occasional bath. The ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the nails should be trimmed often if not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Whippet frame is not well suited to carrying excessive weight. While young Whippets may appear gangly and have difficulty keeping their ribs covered when they are in the period of rapid growth, a mature adult should not appear ribby but should have two to four visible vertebrae, and the hipbones should not appear sunk into dimples of fat. A Whippet at a healthy weight will likely appear 'skinny' to those accustomed to heavier-bodied, less fleet breeds, but maintaining your Whippet at the correct weight through lifelong portion control will extend his life and avoid many of the orthopedic problems that are both painful and expensive to repair. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as cardiac disease, deafness, and eye disorders. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, BAER Testing. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Whippet in 1888. [1]
- It ranked No. 48 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 57 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “whippet.” [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 3 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 5/5)
Common questions
How long do Whippets live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
How big does a Whippet get?
AKC breed information lists height 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) and weight 25-40 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Whippet?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Whippet, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.