Home
/
Dog Breeds
/
Whippet
Whippet
Origin
England
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
15º-30ºC
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Cost of buying
₹ 20,000 - ₹ 50,000
Top 5 Traits
Athletic
Energetic
Intelligent
Loyal
Playful
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 3,550 - ₹ 5,400
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 15 May 2025
Introduction to the Whippet Breed
The Whippet is a sleek and athletic breed with a long history. They originated in the 18th- century in England, they were bred from small Greyhounds and terriers. The breed was mainly used for hunting and racing due to their incredible speed and agility.
The breed became popular because of Coal Miners. They came up with a concept called “rag racing”, where Whippets would chase a lure. The game was a less expensive alternative to horse racing and the breed soon got its nickname ‘the poor man’s racehorse.’
The Whippet was officially recognized by the Kennel Club of England in the late 19th century. The breed was promoted by the Whippet Club established in 1899. Today, Whippets are a popular choice in dog sports, shows, and also as caring family pets.
Whippet Exercise & Training Needs
Dogs like whippets are energetic dogs and require daily exercise. Running is what they love, but they also enjoy lounging indoors.
Whippet Exercise Recommendations
- Daily Walks: At least 30-60 minutes per day.
- Running & Sprinting: They like short bursts of high-speed running.
- Interactive Play: They love toys, fetch and agility games.
- Socialization: Start introducing them to different environments and people early on.
- Training Tips for Whippet Dog
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise and treats help to shape good behaviour.
- Obedience Training: Start early to build discipline.
- Leash Training: Due to their strong prey drive, they should always be leashed outside fenced areas.
- Crate Training: Helps with housebreaking and providing a secure space.
Whippets are intelligent and are eager to please so they’re not difficult to train with a little patience and consistency.
Lifespan of a Whippet Dog
With proper care, whippets generally live for 12 to 15 years. Prices vary depending on pedigree, breeder, and location.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
How Much Does Whippet Puppy Cost?
Cost of buying
₹ 20,000 - ₹ 50,000
A Purebred Whippet Puppy costs around $800 – $2,500. If you go for adoption, Shelters and rescues may have Whippets too! In India, a Whippet Pup might cost around Rs 20,000 to 50,000.
Whippet adoption is a great way to give a Whippet a second chance at a loving home.
Shop or Adopt a Whippet: Make A Better Choice!
Are you thinking of adding a Whippet to your family? Whether you buy from a breeder or adopt, make an ethical choice!
When shopping, it is advised to investigate the background of breeders. The breeder you choose can help determine the health of the Whippet you bring home. You can choose a breeder from our site who is handpicked with background verification.
Request health certificates & lineage documents from certified breeders – To check the health & pedigree of Whippet puppies.
Prerequisites to pet a Whippet
Willingness to train
Lifestyle Compatibility
Appropriate Climate
Access to Veterinary
Financial Capability
Best Practices to Follow While Shopping or Adopting Whippet
Before making the decision to shop or adopt a Whippet, keep these best practices in mind for a healthy, happy pet:
When contemplating buying or adopting a Whippet, keep in mind:
- Get some information about the breed’s temperament, care requirements, and common health problems so you can decide if a Whippet will fit into your lifestyle.
- Be sure to adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder who upholds ethical practices. Check conditions in person.
- Get health certificates and pedigree details from certified Whippet breeders to be sure your Whippet has come from a healthy lineage.
- Establish a cozy, safe environment with food, bedding, and toys.
- Create a regular feeding, walking, and training schedule to make the transition easy.
- Don’t overwhelm them with too much in the beginning and allow them time to adjust to their new home.
Welcome your new pet smoothly by following these steps!
Nutritional Care of Whippets Dog
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 2,250 - ₹ 3,000
Calories per day
Puppies: 1100 kcal
Adults: 800 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fats
Fibre
Vitamins
Minerals
Omega3
List of foods
Dry Dog Food
Home made meals
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Fruits
Vegetables
Chicken
Whippets must have a well-balanced diet to help keep them lean and healthy. Since they are athletic they burn calories quickly so they need quality nutrition.
Essentials Nutritional Guidance
- Proteins: High-quality protein helps maintain muscle and overall health.
- Fats: These help keep the dog’s coat and skin healthy.
- Carbohydrates: Fuels daily activities but should not be used in excess
- Vitamins & Minerals: Supports immune health and essential body functions.
Guidelines following the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) guidelines help keep your pet fit.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Food habits of the Whippet Breed
Your whippet does best on a high-protein diet with minimal fillers. Make sure to avoid artificial additives, preservatives, and low-quality grains.
Recommended Ingredients for a Whippet Diet
- High-quality kibble for active breeds
- Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, or fish
- Vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach (occasional treats)
- Omega-rich foods like salmon or flaxseeds for a healthy coat
What to Avoid in a Whippet's Diet?
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Almonds
Alcohol
Cinnamon
Dairy
Xylitol
Sugar
Salt
Avocados
Mushrooms
- Chocolate (toxic to dogs)
- Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure
- Onions and garlic (harmful to red blood cells)
- Obesity can be caused by high-fat foods
Health
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 600 - ₹ 1,200
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Canine distemper
Hip Dysplasia
Kennel Cough
Heartworm
Leptospirosis
Parvovirus
Parasites
Well being
Exercise
Agility Training
Bonding
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
High
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Excessive Panting
Reluctance to move
Pacing
Increased laziness
Decreased play
Healthcare Tips for the Whippet Dog Breeds
Whippets are usually healthy but can develop certain health problems. Good care and regular vet checks help ward off any potential problems.
Common Whippet Dog Health Issues:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and corneal dystrophy (CD) are common eye problems.
- They may also have heart conditions, particularly mitral valve disease (MVD).
- There can be autoimmune conditions such as immune-mediated hemolytic anaemia (IMHA).
- Whippets can develop arthritis and spinal cord issues as they age.
Preventive Healthcare Suggestions for Healthy Whippet:
- Routine Vet Visits: By having regular checkups, potential problems can be easily caught.
- Healthy Diet: Prevent obesity and joint issues by maintaining a proper diet.
- Exercise: Keep them active, but don't overexert them.
- Vaccinations & Deworming: Follow your vet’s schedule.
- Monitor Weight: Prevent health complications by maintaining a lean body.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus
10-12 weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus
14-16 weeks
Rabies
18-20 weeks
Distemper, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis
Senior Dog Care for Whippet Breeds
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Visit the vet every six months for blood tests and health monitoring.
- Joint Support: Offers a bed to provide comfort and joint relief.
- Diet Adjustments: Switch to senior dog food that supports joint and overall health.
- Frequent Bathroom Breaks: Older Whippets might require more potty trips.
- Calm Environment: Reduce noise and stress to keep them comfortable.
- Gentle Exercise: Short walks and light activities help maintain mobility.
- Dental Care: Regular brushing prevents gum disease.
Providing proper care ensures a happy and healthy senior Whippet.
Grooming Tips for the Whippet Dog Breed
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
Low Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Bathing
Brushing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
Quality of life
Grooming your Whippet is a low-maintenance task. With their short coat, this breed is easy to care for.
Whippet Grooming Needs
- Brushing: Remove loose hair with a soft brush once a week.
- Bathing: Bathe only when necessary to avoid drying out their skin.
- Nail Trimming: Cut their nails once a month to avoid overgrowth.
- Ear Cleaning: Make sure you regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections.
- Dental Care: You can brush their teeth or give them dental chews to stop the buildup of plaque.
Whippets shed very little, making them a great option for owners preferring a low-shedding breed.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
Our cont
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Whippets good with children and other pets?
Whippets are gentle and family-friendly. Generally, they get along fine with children and other pets, particularly when socialized early. However, supervision is important so that interactions are safe.
Do Whippets shed a lot?
Whippets don’t have a long coat and shed little to none. Brushing weekly helps keep their coat in check and reduce loose hair.
How much exercise do Whippets need?
They need 1-2 hours of daily exercise. They run and play, but also love to lounge, so they’re adaptable to whatever you prefer.
What should I feed my Whippet?
Let your diet be 20-25% protein, with healthy fats. Choose fillers of good quality and talk to a vet to get specific dietary advice.
