Whippet insurance
Is the Whippet the right dog breed for you?
Our guide to living with a Whippet
Sleek, swift, and surprisingly snuggly—the Whippet is the perfect blend of speed and affection. This elegant sighthound may be built for racing, but at home they’re famous for their love of lounging. Whether sprinting across fields or curling up under a blanket, Whippets make loyal and loving companions.
Whippet quick facts
- Country of Origin: England
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
- Height: 44–56 cm
- Weight: 9–19 kg
- Colours: Black, white, fawn, blue, red, brindle, or combinations of these
Where does the Whippet come from?
The Whippet was developed in Britain, notably by 19th Century miners and textile workers, who wanted a fast but compact hunting dog. Bred from Greyhounds and smaller terriers, Whippets became famous for their ability to chase rabbits and race competitively. Once known as the ‘poor-man’s Greyhound’ or ‘poor-man’s racehorse’, they excelled in a sport called snap dog racing, where they sprinted after a moving lure.
Today, Whippets are beloved as companion dogs, family pets, show dogs, and even therapy animals. Their gentle nature and adaptability make them ideal for a wide range of households.
Whippet temperament
Affectionate
Whippets are affectionate, playful, incredibly gentle, and they love human company.
Friendly
They are generally friendly with strangers and tend to get along well with children.
Sensitive
Whippets can be quite sensitive, disliking loud noises or rough handling.
Strong prey drive
They may chase small animals (like cats), but with early socialisation, many Whippets live happily with other pets.
Relaxed
Despite their athletic ability, they’re relaxed and calm indoors, often spending hours curled up on the sofa.
How fast can a Whippet run?
Whippets are slightly slower than Greyhounds, but they’re still exceptionally fast dogs and can reach speeds up to 35 mph. This speed is due to their lean and muscular build.
Are Whippets good family dogs?
Yes, Whippets are excellent family dogs. They’re typically gentle, affectionate, and generally good with children. Their calm nature makes them suitable for family life.
Whippet size & appearance
With their slender build, deep chest, and long legs, Whippets are built for speed. Their short, fine coat is low-maintenance and requires only occasional brushing.
Because they have very little body fat, Whippets can feel the cold easily. They often need coats in winter and enjoy snuggling under blankets indoors. Their delicate skin also means they need soft bedding to prevent pressure sores.
Do Whippets shed?
Whippets have short, smooth coats that don’t tend to shed too much. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy.
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You can trust us with your Whippet
Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products. **
** Agria is a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime, Lifetime Plus and Lifetime Premium dog insurance products*. Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2024. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. Read the Which? article.
Whippet training
- 1
Use positive reinforcement
Whippets are intelligent and eager to please but they can be a little independent. They respond best to reward-based training and a calm, consistent approach.
- 2
Practice recall
Due to their prey drive, their recall can sometimes be a bit unreliable, so off-lead exercise should ideally be done in a secure area. For more information, tips, and advice on training, read our guide ‘How to train a puppy.’
- 3
Give them regular exercise
Whippets require regular exercise to maintain their health and ideally should be walked twice a day, including an opportunity to show off their sprinting ability in a secure area. Despite their speed, they’re content to relax for large parts of the day too.
- 4
Watch out for barking
Whippets are mostly quiet dogs and don’t bark unnecessarily. However, they may bark if they’re feeling anxious or if they want to alert their owners to various things.
- 5
Give them company
Whippets can be left alone for short periods, but they prefer company. They’re generally affectionate dogs and thrive on human interaction. Leaving them alone too long can lead to stress or destructive behaviour.
- 6
Watch for separation anxiety
Whippets can also be prone to separation anxiety. They form strong bonds with their owners and can become anxious when left alone. Providing toys, training, and gradual alone time can help.
Whippet health issues
Like all dog breeds, Whippets can be prone to certain health conditions.
Heart disease (mitral valve disease)
Hip dysplasia
Eye conditions (progressive retinal atrophy)
Skin injuries (due to their thin skin) and allergies
For more information on everything from nutrition and diet to health conditions and exercise, Agria has a range of guides to help you care for your pet. And for peace of mind, dog insurance covers many common health problems, ensuring your pet gets the care they need without you worrying about hefty vet bills.
What we love most about a Whippet
Affectionate and loyal
They love being close to their owners.
Minimal grooming needs
Their short coat is easy to maintain.
Great for smaller homes
Unlike some sighthounds, they adapt well to apartment living.
A Whippet is a graceful, loving, and low-maintenance companion. Whether curled up next to you or racing across a field, they bring warmth and charm to any home.
Whippet insurance with Agria
With Agria, it's lifetime, every time
At Agria, we believe pet insurance should last your pet’s lifetime. Our policies provide lifelong vet’s fees cover for illnesses and injuries. This means that, provided your policy is renewed each year, your maximum benefit will be refreshed, providing cover for ongoing conditions.
So, whatever happens throughout your Whippet's life, we’ll always be there for you and your dog!
Up to £20,000 towards vet bills every year
So your dog can get the care they need.
We pay 98% of claims*
And we can pay your vet directly, so you can focus on your dog.
No increase in your premiums when you claim
So you don’t have to worry about the cost of insurance when you go to the vet.
Free vet video calls, 24/7
Which means help is always on hand if you’re worried.
Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.
*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance claims received between November 2023 and May 2024.
Want to know about our insurance policies? From multi-pet coverage to pre-existing conditions, we have lifetime insurance options for cats, rabbits, horses, and dogs, including older dogs.
Whippet FAQs
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