Racing dog → family companion
Fast and soft
Whippets are among the fastest dogs for their size, yet most are quiet and calm at home.
Meet the parents and see how they settle, how they greet people and how they react to small animals.
Whippet · Hound
Whippet: temperament, training & chasing and recall
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound from northern England, built like a small Greyhound. Most are gentle, quiet and affectionate, with great speed outdoors and a love of soft beds indoors. Life goes well with safe, fenced sprints, a warm coat in winter, gentle food-based training and slow alone-time practice.
- Job: 1800s English rabbit catcher and racer.
- Energy: Moderate; walks plus safe sprints.
- Home: Fits calm homes, including flats.
First, the point
A Whippet is a gentle sprinter that needs safe running, a warm coat and slow alone-time practice
Public breed histories describe an 1800s English dog used by working people to catch rabbits and race.
Most Whippets are calm and loving at home. Typical struggles are chasing, no recall once running, feeling the cold and worry when left.
In the first months I teach recall games, muzzle comfort, short alone times and calm handling.
- Height
- 18–22 in (46–56 cm)
- Weight
- 25–40 lb (11–18 kg)
- Energy
- Moderate (sprint then snuggle)
- Coat / shed
- Short fine coat — light shedding; feels the cold
- Job
- 1800s English rabbit catcher and racer
Breed history
The working man’s racing dog
The Whippet was developed in northern England in the 1800s from small greyhounds and other dogs. Working people used them to catch rabbits and to race over short straight tracks, often towards a waved rag. That job made a gentle, quiet, affectionate dog that sprints very fast and then curls up to sleep.
Northern England, 1800s → rabbit catcher and racer
The poor man’s racehorse
Public breed histories describe miners and mill workers keeping Whippets for rabbiting and Sunday racing.
The breed was recognised by kennel clubs in the late 1800s.
What the breed was bred for
Gentle, quiet and affectionate
In plain trainer language: Whippets are soft, loving dogs that like comfort and dislike rough handling.
The hard parts are chasing small animals, no recall once a chase starts, feeling the cold, thin skin that tears easily, and worry when left alone. Safe sprints, a warm coat, gentle training and slow alone-time practice help most.
- Safe, fenced sprints
- A warm coat in winter
- Gentle, food-based training
- Slow alone-time practice
Public references: FCI 162, AKC Whippet, RKC.
Life together
A Whippet’s day is a sprint and a duvet
Whippets need daily walks and a chance to sprint safely. Afterwards, most want a warm lap or blanket.
Track · racing
A friendly race
Lure coursing and racing are safe ways to let a Whippet run.
See emergency U-turn.
Track · field
Race day
New places can worry a soft dog. Let it watch from a safe spot.
Track · jacket
Ready to go
A muzzle is normal at races. Teach it kindly so it is never scary.
See introducing a muzzle.
Show · profile
Elegant and calm
Whippets are usually gentle with people and quiet in the house.
See settle on lead.
Track · sprint
Full speed
A Whippet chasing a lure cannot hear you. Use fenced areas for free running.
See long-line recall.
Care and health themes
Monthly checks: skin, teeth, nails and warmth
A trainer’s checklist, not veterinary advice. See a vet for cuts, limping, low energy or changes in eating. For urgent signs, see when to call the vet.
Skin
Thin skin tears easily; check after running.
Teeth
Brush or use dental chews.
Nails
Trim regularly.
Warmth
Very little body fat; most need a coat in cold weather.
Health screening (not a diagnosis)
Ask the breeder which screenings the national breed club recommends, including eye and heart checks, and see results for both parents.
Toxins
I do not publish toxin amounts. Call a vet or poison-control line if the dog eats something dangerous.
Lines and types
Show or racing Whippet
Some Whippets come from show lines, others from racing and coursing lines. Both are gentle at home.
Show lines
- Elegant, deeper chest.
- Often calmer.
- Still a fast sprinter.
- Common family dog.
The typical pet Whippet.
Racing and coursing lines
- Lighter and very fast.
- Strong chase instinct.
- Need regular sprints.
- Great for sports.
Best for active, sporty homes.
Socialization windows
What to introduce — and what not to overload — by age
AVSAB-aligned in spirit: short, clean exposures at a distance the puppy can still eat, with hygiene while vaccines finish. See the puppy socialization schedule.
Soft start
Introduce: gentle handling, name games, crate naps, toilet routine.
Do not overload: rough play with big dogs.
Recall games
Introduce: long-line recall, muzzle comfort, short alone times.
Do not overload: off-lead in open spaces.
Teenage zoomies
Introduce: fenced sprints, settle, new places.
Do not overload: running on hard or icy ground.
Adult sports
Introduce: lure coursing, racing, canicross.
Do not overload: hard running before growth ends without vet advice.
Calm adult
Introduce: refreshed recall and alone time.
Do not overload: cold walks without a coat.
Before you buy
Who a Whippet usually fits
A Whippet suits calm, gentle people who want a quiet house dog and can give it safe places to sprint.
Good match
More likely a good fit if you…
- Want a quiet, clean house dog
- Have fenced areas for sprints
- Like cuddles and lap time
- Are home much of the day
- Do not mind coats in winter
Mismatch risk
A Whippet may be a poor choice if…
- You want off-lead walks everywhere
- You have small pets and no plan
- Long hours alone are routine
- You want a guard dog
- You want a rough-and-tumble playmate for big dogs
If you are torn between breeds
Whippet vs Greyhound and Italian Greyhound
Whippets are compared with Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds.
Size
Whippet Medium.
Greyhound Large.
Origin
Whippet 1800s England.
Greyhound Ancient sighthound.
Size
Whippet Medium.
Italian Greyhound Toy-sized.
Toilet training
Whippet Usually easy.
Italian Greyhound Often slower.
Chase
Whippet Strong.
Both compares All sighthounds chase.
Ownership without surprises
What a Whippet costs to keep
Prices vary by country. These are the spending themes, not figures.
Coats and jumpers
For cold and wet days.
Health checks
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends.
Soft bedding
Thin dogs need padding.
Secure field hire
Safe sprints.
Lure coursing
Club fees and events.
Insurance
Consider it early.
With a Whippet, coats, beds and safe running space are the main costs.
Before day one at home
What to prepare for a Whippet puppy
A Whippet puppy is playful and soft. Start recall games, gentle handling and short absences early.
Recall games
See the name game.
Muzzle comfort
See introducing a muzzle.
Tiny absences
See first absences.
Gentle handling
See puppy handling.
Toilet routine
Follow potty training.
Short walks
See walk length by age.
If the dog is already yours
Training a Whippet is soft and short
Whippets are sensitive. Food, play and a calm voice work best; harsh words shut them down.
My core list: recall games, muzzle comfort, a settle and short alone times.
Lure coursing, racing and fenced sprints are the best outlets.
Load balance
Sprint, then snuggle
A safe sprint and a warm, soft rest suit most Whippets.
Walk Sprint Sniff Snuggle Sleep
Walks, safe sprints, sniffing and warm rests suit most Whippets.
A Whippet with safe sprints and a warm bed is a quiet, loving companion.
Turning away
How to teach a Whippet to turn away from a chase
Practise a happy turn-away cue on lead, far from distractions, then closer.
- 01
Pick a cue
A happy word.
- 02
Practise on lead
Turn and reward.
- 03
Far from distractions
Easy first.
- 04
Bring it closer
Step by step.
- 05
Stay on lead
Until it is solid.
One scene close-up
Why your Whippet ignores you when a squirrel runs
Whippets were bred to chase rabbits on sight.
Teach a turn-away cue on lead with great food, far from anything moving.
Bring distractions closer slowly, and keep the dog on lead until it is solid.
Typical household scenes
Where Whippet owners most often need help
A breed page is only a starting point; the fix depends on health, environment, and the dog in front of you. Each row opens a step-by-step guide.
01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Chasing
Cats, rabbits and squirrels.
No recall when running
Sight takes over.
Alone time
Worry when left.
Muzzle comfort
Useful for races and safety.
Food stealing
Quick and quiet.
Lunging
At moving things.
Hates rain
Will not go out in the wet.
Sudden change
Cuts, limping or low energy — vet first.
Practical view
“With a Whippet, I plan safe sprints and a warm bed. We build a turn-away cue, muzzle comfort and short alone times — because a soft sighthound needs safe freedom.”
Sessions cover real scenes: chasing, no recall when running, worry when left alone, and lunging. I am a trainer, not a veterinarian. No invented reviews.
Andrew Darov Professional dog trainer and instructor
WhatsApp consult Talk through your Whippet
Describe age, living setup, and where the dog breaks first — chasing, no recall when running, worry when left alone, or lunging on the lead. Opens WhatsApp to Andrew.
Short answers
FAQ
Is a Whippet a good first dog?
Often yes, if you accept the chase instinct.
Are Whippets good with children?
Usually gentle with calm children; supervise.
Do Whippets shed?
A little; the short coat is easy.
How much exercise does an adult need?
Daily walks plus safe sprints a few times a week.
Can Whippets be off lead?
Only where safe; many chase small animals.
Are Whippets good with cats?
Some live with cats; many chase outdoors.
Can a Whippet live in a flat?
Yes; most are quiet indoors.
Do Whippets need a coat?
Most do in cold or wet weather.
What about health?
Ask which screenings the national breed club recommends and see the parents' results.
What is the typical lifespan of a Whippet?
Public breed references often give about 12 to 15 years. Individual dogs vary.
Whippet or Greyhound?
The Whippet is smaller; both are gentle sprinters.
If a Whippet’s chase instinct worries you
If you want a gentle, cuddly dog that is easier to trust off lead, consider this one.
Greyhound
A gentle, quiet sighthound, often a retired racer, that needs safe sprints, a lead in open areas, a soft bed and slow introductions.
Jack Russell Terrier
A small, bold English working terrier that needs daily exercise and training games, secure fencing and careful recall training.
Beagle
A friendly scent hound that follows its nose and needs patient recall training, sniffing walks and a secure garden.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Gentle, affectionate small spaniel that loves company.
More Hound group breeds
Other guides from the same group in the breed library. Same group does not mean same dog: read the fit and the failure modes, not only the outline.
Afghan Hound
An independent, dignified sighthound with a long silky coat that needs safe fenced sprints, long grooming sessions and gentle training.
Basenji
A clever, independent, cat-like dog from Central Africa that needs secure fencing, puzzle feeding and short, food-based training.
Basset Hound
A gentle, sociable scent hound with long ears and a deep voice that needs sniffing walks, patient training and careful portions.
Bloodhound
A gentle, persistent scent hound that needs a strong harness, trailing games, kitchen management and patient training.
Borzoi
A giant Russian coursing hound — calm and quiet indoors, fast and independent outdoors. Space, secure running, and gentle handling come first.
Dachshund
A bold, long-bodied German hunting dog that needs back-friendly habits, help with barking and patient house training.
Need a read on your exact situation?
Describe your Whippet’s age and the scene that repeats most: chasing, no recall when running, worry when left alone, or lunging on the lead. We check safety first, then pick the first skill.
Written by Andrew Darov, professional dog trainer. Not veterinary advice and not a diagnosis.
Not a kennel club. No invented reviews. No vaccine schedules or toxin doses. Photo credits in
/images/breeds/whippet-guide/credits.md.