Last Updated: 18/03/2026
Whippet Breed Guide
Thinking of a Whippet? Our breed guide covers facts, health, and care.
Author: Dr Kes Holliday DVM
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
Often called the "poor man's racehorse," the Whippet is a gentle, athletic, and incredibly fast sighthound. They are known for their quiet nature indoors and their ability to reach high speeds outdoors.
All about Whippets
Place of origin
United Kingdom
Weight range
9-19kg
Breed size
Medium
Height range
44-56cm
Breed group
Hound
Life expectancy
12-15 years
Coat colours
Various
Grooming needs
Low
Coat type
Short/Fine
Health issues
Skin tears; Mitral Valve Disease
Shedding factor
Low
Exercise needs
Moderate
Play style
Fast/Chasing
Housing needs
Adaptable
Trainability
Moderate
Social needs
Moderate
Family suitability
High
Tendency to bark
Low
Nutrition
Providing a Whippet with high-quality, balanced nutrition is vital to support their lean muscle mass and maintain their overall health. Because they have very little natural insulation, a diet rich in essential fatty acids is particularly beneficial for supporting their skin health and keeping their fine coat in top condition.
Best food for adult Whippets
Adult Whippets benefit most from a high-quality diet that focuses on maintaining lean muscle and supporting joint health, given their propensity for high-speed activity. Look for foods that contain high-quality animal proteins as the primary ingredient to fuel their athletic bodies without adding unnecessary weight, as carrying extra kilograms can put undue stress on their slender frames.
Diets enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are excellent for these dogs, as they help to support the skin barrier, which is inherently thin and fragile in this breed. As a breed predisposed to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and osteoarthritis, feeding a diet with added beneficial ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, green lipped mussel powder and fish oil can help to support joint health and promote better mobility.
What to look for
High-quality animal protein sources to maintain lean muscle mass and support an athletic physique.
Enrichment with omega fatty acids to support a healthy skin barrier and coat shine.
Balanced calorie density to prevent obesity, which can put significant stress on their delicate bone structure.
Best food for Whippet puppies
Growing Whippet puppies require a diet specifically formulated for medium-breed puppies to ensure they develop strong bones and healthy muscles at a controlled rate. It is important that the food contains precise levels of calcium and phosphorus to support their fast-growing skeletal system while avoiding developmental orthopaedic issues. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is another critical component to look for in puppy food, as it supports healthy brain and vision development during their most formative months.
What to look for
Controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy skeletal development in medium-sized breeds.
Highly digestible ingredients to support a sensitive young digestive system and ensure maximum nutrient absorption.
Inclusion of DHA to promote optimal brain and eye development during the growth phase.
Flea & worming
Consistent flea and worming prevention is essential for Whippets to prevent itchy skin reactions and internal parasites that can compromise their health.
Best flea and worming treatments for Whippets
For Whippets, choosing an all-in-one preventative that protects against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms in a single, easy-to-administer dose is ideal. Given their short coats and potential for skin sensitivity, many owners find that oral chewable tablets are a convenient and effective option compared to topical spot-on treatments. It is important to select a product that covers the common Australian parasites, including the deadly paralysis tick, especially if you live in or travel to coastal regions.
What to look for
An easy-to-administer format, such as a monthly chewable, to ensure high compliance and consistent protection.
Comprehensive protection that includes heartworm, intestinal worms, and the deadly paralysis tick.
Always double check the weight range to ensure an effective dose.
Health
Using the right health products, such as skin support supplements and dental care solutions, is important for Whippets to manage their breed-specific vulnerabilities. Proactive care can prevent minor issues from becoming significant health problems.
Products to keep Whippets healthy
Because Whippets have such thin skin, having a "pet first aid kit" with high-quality wound care products and skin-soothing balms is highly recommended for managing minor nicks and tears at home. Dental health is another priority; products such as dental chews, water additives, or dog-specific toothpaste can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which sighthounds can sometimes be prone to. Additionally, since they lack a thick coat, sun protection products specifically designed for dogs are a great idea if your Whippet spends time outdoors during the Australian summer.
What to look for
Skin-soothing balms or antiseptic ointments to help manage and protect minor skin tears and abrasions.
Dental care solutions like chews or additives to maintain oral hygiene and prevent periodontal disease.
Pet-safe sunscreen to protect their thin skin from UV damage during outdoor activities.
Training and activity
Choosing the right toys and walking products for Whippets is essential to satisfy their natural chasing instincts safely and manage their speed. Providing appropriate outlets for their energy prevents boredom and ensures they remain well-behaved members of the household.
Best toys for Whippets
Whippets excel at games involving speed and chasing, so toys that mimic the movement of prey, such as flirt poles or long-range fetch toys, are often their favourites. Soft, plush toys are also a big hit with this breed, as they have a relatively soft mouth and often enjoy carrying their "prize" around or snuggling with it after a play session. It is best to avoid very heavy or hard toys that might be difficult for their narrower jaws to grip, focusing instead on lightweight, interactive options that encourage short, intense bursts of exercise.
What to look for
Lightweight fetch and chase toys that cater to their high prey drive and love for sprinting.
Interactive puzzles that provide mental stimulation to keep their intelligent minds occupied indoors.
Soft plush toys that are gentle on their mouths and provide comfort during rest periods.
Best harnesses, collars and walking accessories for Whippets
Due to their unique anatomy - specifically a head that is often narrower than their neck - standard flat collars can easily slip off a Whippet, making a Martingale collar or a well-fitted harness a must-have for safety. A harness is particularly beneficial as it distributes pressure across the chest rather than the delicate neck, which is important if they catch sight of a rabbit and decide to bolt suddenly. Since they are sighthounds, a sturdy lead is important, as is keeping them on-lead in un-fenced areas to prevent them from chasing wildlife.
What to look for
A Martingale collar or a secure, adjustable Y-front harness to prevent the dog from slipping out due to their narrow head shape.
A lightweight but strong lead that provides security without adding unnecessary bulk for the dog.
Padded or wide straps to protect their thin skin from friction and pressure during walks.
Grooming
Choosing the right grooming products for Whippets is simple but important for maintaining their skin health and managing their light shedding. Regular, gentle grooming helps to distribute natural oils and allows you to check for any new skin tears or lumps.
Best grooming products for Whippets
Whippets have a very low-maintenance coat, but they still benefit from a gentle weekly brush with a rubber curry comb or a soft bristle brush to remove loose hair and keep the coat gleaming. Because their skin is so thin and they don't have a thick protective undercoat, it is crucial to use very mild, hypoallergenic shampoos during bath time to avoid stripping away essential oils and causing irritation. After bathing or walks in wet weather, ensure they are dried thoroughly and kept warm, as they can chill very quickly once their fine coat is damp.
What to look for
A soft rubber curry brush or grooming mitt that is gentle on their thin skin while effectively removing loose hair.
Microfibre towels or absorbent robes to dry them quickly and prevent them from becoming cold after a bath.
Hypoallergenic, soap-free shampoos that cleanse without causing irritation or dryness to the skin.
Sleep and home
Choosing the right sleep and home products is vital for Whippets because they lack natural padding and feel the cold much more than other breeds. Providing a warm, supportive environment ensures they can rest comfortably and stay healthy in all seasons.
Best beds for Whippets
Whippets are the ultimate comfort-seekers and require a bed that provides significant cushioning to protect their prominent bony points, such as their hips and elbows. An orthopaedic memory foam bed or a "donut" style bed that allows them to curl up and feel secure is ideal for this breed. Since they have almost no body fat and a very thin coat, they are prone to feeling the cold, so providing them with warm blankets or a bed with a "burrow" feature is a fantastic way to keep them cosy during the cooler Australian months.
What to look for
Deep, bolstered sides or hooded designs that provide a sense of security and help retain body heat.
Removable and washable covers for easy maintenance and hygiene in the home.
Thick, orthopaedic cushioning to protect their joints and bony prominences from hard surfaces.
Whippets FAQ
