Be Wise › Pet Wise guides › Dogs › Whippet
Whippet: temperament, health and care
Whippet: temperament, exercise and grooming needs, common health problems and who this dog suits.
This is general information for the UK. It is not veterinary or legal advice, and every animal is different. Speak to a vet about your pet's health. The Be Pet Wise app can also show rules for other countries.
At a glance
| Size | Medium, about 9–15 kg |
|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Exercise | Moderate: short bursts of running plus walks |
| Grooming | Very short coat; minimal grooming, but they feel the cold |
Temperament and who it suits
Gentle, calm indoors and affectionate.
Often suits: many homes, including quieter households.
They have a strong chase instinct, so work on recall and use safe, enclosed areas for off-lead running. Thin skin tears easily.
Health problems to know about
- Skin tears and injuries
- Eye problems
- Heart murmurs (often harmless, but should be checked)
Individuals vary. Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks, vaccination and weight control.
Before you get a Whippet
- See the puppy with its mother, where it was born
- Ask about health tests on the parents for the conditions above
- Check it is microchipped and registered by eight weeks old
- Consider adopting: breed rescues and rehoming centres often have dogs of this breed looking for homes
See buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights.
Care, law and costs
See our general guide to dogs for feeding, the law in the UK, what it costs and emergencies, and our guides to microchipping law and toxic foods and plants.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Whippet live?
A Whippet typically lives 12–15 years. Individual health, diet and weight all matter.
How much exercise does a Whippet need?
Moderate: short bursts of running plus walks.
What health problems are common in a Whippet?
Common concerns include skin tears and injuries, eye problems and heart murmurs (often harmless, but should be checked). Ask breeders about health testing, and keep up with vet checks.
How much grooming does a Whippet need?
Very short coat; minimal grooming, but they feel the cold.
Who does a Whippet suit?
It often suits many homes, including quieter households. They have a strong chase instinct, so work on recall and use safe, enclosed areas for off-lead running. Thin skin tears easily.
Similar dogs
Sources
- The Royal Kennel Club: breed information and health schemes
- BSAVA: Microchipping legislation in the UK
- Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: Lucy's Law
Want answers for your situation?
The Be Pet Wise app lets you choose your country and pet, and ask PetBot follow-up questions.
Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-09-23. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.