The Whippet is a medium-sized dog with a sleek, aerodynamic body typical of sighthounds, adapted for speed and agility. It has a deep chest for efficient lung capacity, long, slender legs, and a narrow, muscular build characteristic of breeds developed for running. [30] Is the Whippet the right breed for you?

Understanding the Context

Learn more about the Whippet including personality, history, grooming, pictures, videos, and the AKC breed standard. The whippet is a dog breed quite similar to the greyhound, though smaller in size. They can run as fast as 35 miles per hour, making the whippet the fastest dog breed of its size. This sighthound is also known for its alert, friendly, and playful demeanor.

Key Insights

The Whippets are a medium-sized British breed, one of the significant members of the sighthound family known for their magnificent speed. Their physical appearance is as unique as their disposition, epitomizing gentleness, elegance, and sophistication. Is a Whippet your perfect match? Get answers to your Whippet questions on characteristics, temperament, history, and health with our Whippet guide. Discover everything about the Whippet dog breed — from history, temperament, and intelligence to health issues, diet, and exercise needs.

Final Thoughts

The Whippet dog breed didn’t get its name until the mid-1800s, but these dogs have probably been around for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. You can find them in paintings and sculptures throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where they resemble small Greyhounds.