Who this breed is NOT for
Owners who need reliable off-leash recall in open areas, or who can't provide a secure space to run. Their prey drive and speed are a genuine safety consideration.
Bred to do
A small English sighthound bred for coursing and racing — built for explosive speed, then famous for being an utter couch potato at home.
Exercise needs
Moderate — a couple of good chances to sprint safely (a secure fenced area) plus walks. Between runs, they are among the laziest, most cuddle-loving dogs alive.
Temperament
Gentle, affectionate, quiet, and sensitive. Calm and undemanding indoors, sweet with their people, and generally not barky. A soft, easygoing soul.
Trainability
Moderate — willing and food-motivated but sensitive; harshness shuts them down. Recall is the hard part: a sighthound in chase mode is gone.
With kids & pets
Lovely with gentle kids and usually fine with dogs. Strong prey drive means caution with cats and small animals, especially outdoors.
Living situation
Excellent apartment or house dog — quiet, clean, and calm indoors. They feel the cold (thin coat, low body fat) and need warmth and soft places to sleep.
Grooming & shedding
Short, fine coat — minimal grooming and light shedding. One of the easier coats going.
Health & costs
One of the healthier purebreds. Watch for anesthesia sensitivity (typical of sighthounds), heart issues, and their thin skin tears easily. Provide warmth in winter.
Best fit
People wanting a quiet, affectionate, low-maintenance companion who can offer a daily safe sprint and a warm, soft spot to lounge.
Free guide
Get the free Whippet owner guide
The honest first-90-days checklist, plus the questions to answer before you bring one home.
No spam, and you can leave any time.
A note from Kerri
Whippets are one of my quiet favorites — gentle, clean, quiet, and hilariously lazy between sprints. The one honest caution: never trust the recall near a road or open field. Give them a safe place to run flat-out, and a heated blanket, and they're one of the easiest companions there is.
— Kerri, founder of Floyd's Love
Gear Kerri recommends
A few things that make this easier. As an Amazon Associate, Floyd's Love earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
Casfuy 2-Speed Electric Rechargeable Dog Nail Grinder
A quiet, rechargeable nail grinder that provides a gentle alternative to clippers for at-home nail maintenance.
Shop this
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
An effective tool for daily brushing to prevent mats and distribute healthy oils across your dog's coat.
Shop this
Oxyfresh Advanced Ear Cleanser for Dogs & Cats
A gentle, vet-approved ear cleaner that helps remove wax and debris without the use of harsh chemicals.
Shop this
Virbac C.E.T. Dual-Ended Dog Toothbrush
A soft-bristled brush with a small head is ideal for the final stage of the week-by-week plan to reach the outer surfaces of the teeth.
Shop this
WeatherBeeta Reflective Dog Parka
This insulated, waterproof coat provides essential warmth for short-coated or small dogs during cold winter walks.
Shop this
Safari Pet Products Double Row Flea Comb
An essential tool for early flea detection and removal to prevent infestations from spreading to your home and other household pets.
Shop thisFloyd's Love is educational. Our lessons, breed guides, and personalized assessments are for general information and preparation only — they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care or advice from a qualified veterinarian or animal behaviorist. Always consult your vet for medical concerns and a qualified professional for behavior issues.