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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Whippet

The Whippet is a medium-sized British breed of sighthound, developed in England and closely resembling a smaller Greyhound.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Whippet is a medium-sized British breed of sighthound, developed in England and closely resembling a smaller Greyhound. It was bred for speed and used historically for rabbit hunting and racing, and is now also kept as a companion dog and for dog sports.

History

The modern Whippet was developed in England, with roots in sighthound breeding by working-class people in the north of the country. It was bred to be a smaller, faster dog suitable for racing and hunting small game.

Appearance

Whippets are slim, muscular dogs with a short, fine coat and a deep chest. They resemble Greyhounds but are smaller in size.

Temperament and behaviour

Whippets are generally described as gentle, affectionate, and calm. Despite their relaxed nature indoors, they retain a strong instinct to chase moving animals.

Use and activities

Historically, Whippets were used for coursing rabbits and racing. Today they are also popular in dog sports such as lure coursing, agility, and flyball.

Key facts

  • Whippets are medium-sized sighthounds closely related in appearance to Greyhounds.
  • The breed was developed in England, especially in northern working-class communities.
  • Whippets were historically used for rabbit hunting and informal racing.
  • They are known for speed, agility, and a generally gentle temperament.
  • Whippets have short coats and are typically lighter and smaller than Greyhounds.
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Canadian context

Whippets are kept in Canada as companion dogs and participate in dog sports such as lure coursing and agility, which have active communities in Canadian kennel and performance-dog circles.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of dog is a Whippet?
A Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound breed closely related in appearance to the Greyhound.
Where did Whippets come from?
Whippets were developed in England, especially in northern working-class communities.
What were Whippets originally bred for?
They were bred for racing and for hunting small game, especially rabbits.
How fast can a Whippet run?
Whippets can reach speeds of about 56 km/h.
What is the typical lifespan of a Whippet?
Whippets typically live about 12 to 15 years.
Are Whippets good family dogs?
They are often described as gentle and affectionate companion dogs, though they also have a strong chase instinct.

References

  1. PDSA — https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/medium-dogs/whippet
    Supports: Height, weight, lifespan, coat, exercise needs, and general temperament
  2. American Whippet Club — https://www.americanwhippetclub.org/about-whippets/
    Supports: Breed type, origin, purpose, history, height, weight, and lifespan
  3. Redhound For Dogs — https://www.redhoundfordogs.com/whippet-facts/
    Supports: Speed and typical adult weight
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whippet
    Supports: Breed classification, companion use, dog sports, and temperament