Whippet

Do Whippets shed?

No — Whippets shed very little. This is one of their most appealing traits for people who'd rather not hoover twice a day. You'll still want to brush them regularly to keep their coat healthy, but you won't find hair on every surface you own.

Are Whippets good with kids?

Yes — Whippets are famously gentle with children. They tend to be gentle and quiet, which makes them a natural fit for busy family life. Always supervise any dog around young children, regardless of breed.

Are Whippets good with cats?

Whippets have a strong prey drive and will often chase cats. It\'s not impossible to have a Whippet and a cat together, but it takes careful management — separate spaces, slow introductions over weeks, and never leaving them unsupervised until you're absolutely certain they're safe together. Some Whippets raised with cats from puppyhood learn to coexist, but the prey drive is rarely fully extinguished.

Are Whippets easy to train?

Whippets are moderately trainable — capable dogs, but they have opinions and will test boundaries. Positive reinforcement works well. Avoid harsh corrections, which can make them shut down or become anxious. Consistency is the key word with this breed. Everyone in the household needs to use the same rules and commands, or they'll find the inconsistency and exploit it.

Do Whippets bark a lot?

Whippets are a quiet breed — they rarely bark without a good reason. This makes them an excellent choice for flat or terraced-house living where noise is a concern. They might bark to alert you to someone at the door, but sustained, excessive barking is uncommon. Neighbours tend to be fans.

Are Whippets hypoallergenic?

No — Whippets are not hypoallergenic. They shed low amounts of hair and dander, which is the main allergen trigger for most people. If allergies are a dealbreaker, consider a Poodle, Bichon Frise, or a Poodle-cross (Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Labradoodle) instead — all produce much less dander.

How much exercise does a Whippet need?

Whippets need 60–90 min/day of exercise daily. A couple of decent walks per day plus some off-lead time in a park will keep them happy. They're active enough to enjoy longer adventures at weekends, but calm enough to cope with normal weekday routines.

Mental exercise matters as much as physical. A Whippet with a bored brain will find its own entertainment — usually involving your sofa or your shoes. Training sessions, puzzle feeders, and nose-work games all count.

Whippet health problems

Like all breeds, Whippets are prone to certain conditions. Knowing about them upfront means earlier detection, better outcomes, and fewer surprise vet bills.

• Dental disease. Smaller breeds have crowded teeth and are prone to periodontal issues. Brush teeth regularly.
• Luxating patella. Kneecap slipping, especially common in small breeds.
• Obesity. The most preventable health problem across all dog breeds. Keep them at a healthy weight.
• Annual vet checks. Catching problems early makes all the difference.

How long do Whippets live?

Whippets typically live 12–15 years. This is fairly typical for a medium-sized breed.

Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, exercise, genetics, and access to regular vet care. A Whippet at a healthy weight, with good genetics and regular check-ups, will typically live toward the top of that range.

How much does a Whippet cost in the UK?

A Whippet puppy from a reputable KC-registered UK breeder typically costs £700–£1 800.

If you see a Whippet puppy advertised for significantly less than £700, be very cautious. Low prices are the most common red flag for puppy farms.

The purchase price is just the start. First-year costs typically include:

• Vaccinations: ~£80–120
• Neutering/spaying: £200–400 depending on size and vet
• Microchipping (mandatory in UK): ~£20–30
• Bed, crate, leads, collar: £100–250
• Food (per year): £400–£1,200+ depending on size and diet
• Pet insurance: £25–£55/month (see below)
• Routine vet visits: £50–200/year

Total first-year cost beyond the puppy price: typically £1,500–£3,000.

Whippet pet insurance

Pet insurance for a Whippet in the UK typically costs £25–£55/month for comprehensive lifetime cover.

Lifetime cover is strongly recommended over cheaper time-limited or maximum-benefit policies. Once a condition is diagnosed and treated, lifetime cover continues to pay for it every year. Time-limited policies exclude it after 12 months — exactly when chronic conditions become expensive.

Compare quotes from Petplan, ManyPets, Waggel, and Animal Friends — all have strong reputations for actually paying out claims. Always check the annual limit (aim for £7,000+ per condition) and whether hereditary conditions are covered.