Whippet
The Whippet is a British medium-sized sighthound renowned for its lightning speed, sleek build, and gentle temperament. At home they are calm and affectionate, often curling up beside their owners, yet outdoors they display a powerful prey drive and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. They are well-suited to family life, being devoted, rarely barking, and generally good with children.
Weight
9–19 kg
Height at withers
44–51 cm
Life expectancy
12–15 years
Size
medium
Activity
high
Shedding
low
Barking tendency
low
Apartment friendly
Yes — Whippets are quiet, rarely bark, and adapt well to apartment living provided they receive at least 30–60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
Care
Brush weekly with a soft brush; bathe as needed; check skin for cuts and abrasions after outdoor activity due to thin coat; use a dog coat or jumper in cold weather; brush teeth regularly; keep nails trimmed; annual vet checkups, more frequent for senior dogs
Health
Mitral valve disease, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV/bloat), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), congenital deafness, von Willebrand's disease, cataracts, corneal dystrophy
Coat
Short, smooth
Travel
Bring a soft bed or blanket as Whippets feel cold easily in air-conditioned environments; maintain a consistent feeding schedule; take regular breaks for exercise on road trips; fly as checked cargo only due to size; ensure all vet paperwork and ID are up to date; pack familiar toys to reduce anxiety
Carrier size
Large (L) carrier: approx. 81 cm internal length, 64 cm internal height; Whippets exceed typical cabin size limits and are suited to cargo travel or a car crate
Harness size
Size L (large) with adjustable straps; due to the Whippet's deep chest and narrow neck, a sighthound-specific or padded H-style harness with even pressure distribution is strongly recommended
Leash
Sturdy 1.5–2 m leash for walks; always keep on leash in unsecured areas due to strong prey drive; a long training line (5–10 m) is useful for recall practice
Airline cabin travel
usually not
This breed guide is always at hand in the Hani Walk app — along with the walk tracker, digital pet passport and vaccination reminders.
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