HomeBreeds › Whippet

Hound · Medium (25-40 lbs) · 12-15 years

Whippet

Calm, affectionate, quiet indoors; explosive sprinter outdoors.

25–40 lb

At a glance

Kid-friendly
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First-time owners
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Energy
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Shedding
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Good with cats
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Alone time
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Apartment OK
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Trainability
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What this is

What they’re great at

✓ Forgiving of first-timer mistakes
✓ Handles alone time better than most breeds
✓ Adapts beautifully to smaller spaces
✓ Quiet by nature
Why it matters

Honest challenges

Prey drive is hardwired
Small fast animals flip an ancient switch - this is wiring, not disobedience.

What helps: ['Management IS the training: never unsupervised with small pets, period', 'Secure fencing plus leash or long line outdoors for life', 'Feed the drive legally: flirt pole and lure-chase games']
What you can do

Exercise & training

Exercise: Moderate - daily walks plus sprint sessions
Training profile — Sighthound: The 40-mph couch potato pattern: brief intense exercise, then 20 hours of professional napping. Respect the sprint/rest rhythm.
Sports and outlets that suit them: Fast CAT · Lure coursing · Small-dog racing (WRA)
What you can do

Grooming & coat

Grooming: Very low.
Shedding: Light.
Good to know

Health to know about

Dental disease, cardiac issues (mitral valve), anesthesia sensitivity; very healthy overall
Breed-typical tendencies, not a diagnosis. Individual dogs vary enormously — your veterinarian screens for what matters for your dog.
Why it matters

Emergency red flags

Poisoning (chocolate, xylitol, grapes, medications, rodenticide)
Vomiting, drooling, tremors, collapse, or known ingestion
Call ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 immediately; do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed
Know your ER
Save your nearest 24-hour emergency vet's address and phone in your phone TODAY, not during a crisis
Cardiac event (documented heart-disease breed)
Fainting/collapse during activity, night coughing, resting breathing rate over 30-35 breaths/min while asleep, blue-tinged gums
Sleeping respiratory rate over 30 warrants a call today; collapse or labored breathing means ER immediately
This page never carries product links in the emergency section. ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.
Good to know

The numbers

Typical ranges for planning, not promises — costs vary by region, breeder and individual dog.

GroupHound
SizeMedium (25-40 lbs)
Lifespan12-15 years
Healthy adult weight25–40 lb
Original purposeCoursing rabbits; sprint racing.
Monthly care$60-$110
Typical puppy price$800-$2,000

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