Whippets: Complete Guide to this Elegant Breed

The Whippet is a medium sized sighthound from England, known for its slim body, calm presence and short bursts of speed. It was created for racing and hunting small game, but today it is mostly a gentle family companion that loves a soft bed and quiet time with the people it trusts.

At OhMyDog&Co, we see Whippets as a great example of how deep the bond between humans and dogs can be when we respect their needs and personality.

What is a Whippet dog

Whippets are light, athletic dogs with a deep chest, narrow waist and fine, smooth coat. Most adults weigh between 9 and 18 kilos. They come in many colours and patterns, from plain fawn to brindle and white.

They are sighthounds, so they notice movement very quickly and often want to chase. This instinct is part of who they are and needs to be managed with good training and safe spaces.

Whippet temperament and family life

Whippets are usually gentle, affectionate and a little sensitive. They like to stay close to their humans and often choose one main person to follow. With strangers they may seem shy at first, but they rarely look for conflict.

At home, most are quiet and relaxed. They sleep a lot, love sofas and blankets, and do not bark much. This makes them a good match for calm homes and people who enjoy peaceful evenings.

They respond best to kind, reward based training. Harsh voices or punishment tend to shut them down rather than help.

Exercise needs for Whippets

Whippets are sprinters, not marathon runners. They need daily walks and regular chances to run freely in a safe, fenced place. A mix of two or three walks plus one or two sprint sessions per week works well for many.

Because of their prey drive, most Whippets are safer on leash in open areas or near roads. Sniff walks, food puzzles and short training sessions at home help keep their mind busy and their body relaxed.

If you are in Lisbon, our guide to dog friendly green spaces in Lisbon can give you ideas for safe, interesting walks together.

Best harness and leash for Whippets

Whippets have long necks, deep chests and sensitive skin. Good walking gear should respect this shape, avoid pressure on the throat and feel soft on the body.

At OhMyDog&Co we like the AKTIV set from Cloud7 for these slender athletes.

The Cloud7 Y-1 AKTIV Harness has a light Y shape that sits on the chest, not on the neck. The fabric is soft and breathable, which helps prevent rubbing and keeps the dog comfortable on longer walks. It is simple to put on and take off, which is useful for sensitive dogs that do not enjoy too much handling.

To match, the Cloud7 L-1 AKTIV Hands Free Leash and the L-2 AKTIV Jogging Leash lets you walk or run with your hands free while your Whippet stays close and secure. You can wear it around your waist or across your body, or use it as a standard leash. It is light, adjustable and practical for city walks or gentle runs.

You can find them online at our  Whippet and Greyhound collection  and also in person at our space in 8Marvila.

Living with a Whippet in the city

Whippets adapt very well to apartment life when they have regular walks and a quiet place to rest. Their coat is thin and they have little body fat, so they feel the cold and do not enjoy hard floors.

Soft beds, warm blankets and a light coat or jumper in winter make a big difference to their comfort. Many do not like to be left alone for long hours, so they fit best with people who can be home part of the day or arrange trusted dog care.

With respectful children and other dogs, they are usually friendly and playful. With small pets such as rabbits or guinea pigs, careful management is essential.

Whippet care summary

If you want a calm, loyal dog that enjoys short bursts of speed and long naps, a Whippet can be a wonderful companion. They need kindness, soft places to sleep, safe spaces to run and walking gear that fits their special shape.

You can explore more Whippet friendly essentials in our online  Whippet and Greyhound collection or visit us at 8Marvila.