Breed Guide
Whippet
All the elegance of a greyhound, perfectly sized for real life
Size
Medium
Weight
12–18 kg
Lifespan
12-15 years
Origin
England, 19th century
Did you know?Whippets can reach 56km/h, making them one of the fastest breeds in the world.
7/10
Exercise
6/10
Trainability
8/10
Kid-friendly
2/10
Grooming
Personality at a glance
How this breed rates across key traits.
Lower is better
Lower is better
Lower is better
What it's actually like to own one
Whippets might be the best-kept secret in Australian dog ownership. They're sleek, elegant, and built like little sports cars — capable of hitting 56km/h in a straight line. But for 22 hours of the day, they are deeply affectionate couch potatoes who live to be curled up with their person under a blanket.
The honest part: that 2 hours of speed needs to happen somewhere. Whippets need a safe enclosed space for a proper full-speed sprint a few times a week — a park isn't enough; their prey drive will launch them after a bird before you can blink. They're also quite sensitive emotionally — harsh training doesn't work, and they feel the vibe of a tense household. But for calm, active owners who want a gentle, low-maintenance dog with an unexpectedly deep bond and virtually no grooming? The Whippet is genuinely underrated.
🎓 Training snapshot
Whippets have an independent streak, early, consistent training is key. Short sessions with high-value treats work far better than repetition.
Lifestyle match
Is a Whippet right for you?
You'll love it if
- Active owners in apartments or smaller homes — surprisingly adaptable
- Owners who want a gentle, quiet, non-barky companion
- Families with gentle older children
- Anyone who values a low-grooming, low-odour dog
- Owners who can access a securely fenced oval or dog park for sprints
Pause if
- Homes with cats or small pets — prey drive is real and fast
- Owners who rely on off-leash recall in unfenced areas
- Anyone wanting a guard dog or watchdog
- Families with rough, boisterous toddlers — Whippets are sensitive
- Owners who want a dog that thrives in the cold — they feel the chill keenly
Life in Australia
What Australian owners need to know.
Heat Tolerance
Good — short single coat handles Australian heat better than most. Still needs water and shade in extreme summer temperatures
Tick Risk
Moderate on east coast — short coat makes ticks easier to spot; check after any bushland or long-grass outing
Apartment Fit
Excellent with daily exercise — among the most apartment-friendly large-ish breeds; quiet, clean, and minimal shedding
Monthly Cost
$160–$260 AUD including food, vet, minimal grooming
Health watchouts
Common conditions to be aware of with this breed.
Cardiac Conditions
Whippets can develop dilated cardiomyopathy — ask vet for cardiac auscultation at annual checks
Anaesthesia Sensitivity
Like all sighthounds, Whippets are sensitive to certain anaesthetics — always inform your vet before any procedure
Bone & Muscle Injuries
High-speed athletes — keep puppies off hard surfaces and avoid forced exercise under 12 months
Skin Sensitivity
Thin skin over bony prominences is prone to cuts and pressure sores — check bedding and fence lines
Your first year together
Key milestones from day one.
Start gentle, be consistent
Whippets are sensitive — positive-only training from day one. Harsh corrections cause anxiety that is hard to undo
Socialise with other dogs
Whippets can be timid with large boisterous dogs — gentle, positive puppy class introductions build confidence for life
Find a fenced sprint space
Locate your nearest fully enclosed oval or dog park — a Whippet needs at least 2–3 full-speed sessions a week to stay settled
Nail the couch rules early
They will absolutely be on the furniture — decide your house rules now and stick to them; Whippets settle beautifully into routine
What Whippets need
Vet-recommended picks sized for this breed.
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Orthopaedic Dog Bed — Medium
Whippets have almost no body fat and very thin skin — a quality padded bed prevents pressure sores on hips and elbows. They spend a lot of time in it.
Martingale Collar
The correct collar for a sighthound. Whippets have necks wider than their heads — a standard buckle collar will slip straight off. A martingale tightens safely without choking.
Whippet Dog Coat — Waterproof
Whippets genuinely need a coat in Australian winter. Zero body fat + single short coat = a cold, shivering dog. A well-fitted waterproof coat is not optional in southern states.