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Whippet temperament & health issues

Whippet insurance

Discover the benefits of insuring your Whippet with Agria

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Our guide to living with a Whippet

Whippets are gentle, affectionate dogs known for their speed and athletic build, but like all breeds they can still develop health conditions over their lifetime that may require ongoing treatment, vet visits, medication, or specialist care. Taking out pet insurance early can help protect you against unexpected vet bills and ensure your Whippet can get the care they need throughout their life.

Whippet puppy

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

The UK's most trusted pet insurer*

We're a Which? Best Buy for Dog Insurance 2026

You can trust us with your Whippet

Agria's Lifetime Premium £20,000 dog policy has been the highest-scoring Best Buy for 3 years. We are also a Which? Best Buy for our Lifetime and Lifetime Plus dog insurance products. **

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*Based on Agria Pet Insurance's number 1 Trustpilot ranking in the category Pet Insurance, correct as of Feb 2026.

** Which? policy score ratings are based on an analysis of policy cover levels conducted in November 2025. Best Buy providers have a high policy score and a good track record for paying claims. 

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.

A small grey and white whippet puppy lies on a brown sofa in a living room setting.

Whippet training

  1. 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. 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 guideHow to train a puppy.’  

  3. 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. 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. 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. 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

Whippets are gentle, affectionate dogs known for their speed and athletic build, but like all breeds they can still develop health conditions over their lifetime that may require ongoing treatment, vet visits, medication, or specialist care. Taking out pet insurance early can help protect you against unexpected vet bills and ensure your Whippet can get the care they need throughout their life.

Getting to know the health issues Whippets can face can help you plan ahead and decide whether lifetime dog insurance is right for you.

  • Heart disease (mitral valve disease)

    Some Whippets can develop heart conditions such as mitral valve disease, which may require ongoing monitoring, medication, cardiac scans, and repeat veterinary assessments.

  • Hip dysplasia

    This joint condition can affect mobility and comfort, leading to stiffness, pain, and arthritis as dogs age. Some dogs may need long-term pain management, physiotherapy, or surgery.

  • Eye conditions (progressive retinal atrophy)

    Inherited eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can affect vision and may require specialist eye examinations and ongoing monitoring.

  • Skin injuries (due to their thin skin) and allergies

    Because Whippets have thin skin and very little body fat, they can be more prone to cuts, wounds, and skin injuries. Some Whippets may also develop allergies or skin sensitivities that require repeat treatment, medication, or long-term management.

  • Osteoarthritis

    As Whippets age, they can develop arthritis and other mobility issues, which may require ongoing pain relief, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, or repeat veterinary care.

While regular exercise, a balanced diet, weight management, and routine vet checks all help support your Whippet’s health, they can’t prevent every illness or injury. That’s why many owners choose to insure their Whippet early, before signs of illness appear.

Common conditions for the Whippet

Here are the top 5 most commonly-claimed health conditions for the Whippet breed, based on Agria pet insurance claims data:

Sleepy Whippet puppy
  1. 1

    Thoracic limb

  2. 2

    Addison's disease (primary hypoadrenocorticism)

  3. 3

    Wound

  4. 4

    Osteoarthritis

  5. 5

    Polyarthropathy

Many of these conditions, like Addison’s disease, can need ongoing care throughout a dog’s life. This might mean regular check-ups, medication, or support from a specialist vet. Having insurance in place early can help you feel more prepared if your Whippet develops a long-term condition later on, helping to cover the cost of ongoing treatment and care.

Top 5 common conditions based on Agria Pet Insurance claims for Whippet in 2025.

For dog breeders and puppy buyers, it’s also important to note that Royal Kennel Club recommends checking the puppy’s mum for a number of specific genetic conditions.

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.

Stuck on what to call your Whippet puppy?

Looking for name ideas? Check out the most popular puppy names our customers chose for their Whippet in 2024!

Top 10 names based on Agria Pet Insurance policies purchased for Whippets in 2024

  • Tick icon

    Willow

  • Tick icon

    Betty

  • Tick icon

    Juno

  • Tick icon

    Monty

  • Tick icon

    Winnie

Whippet

For more name inspiration, discover our top puppy names of 2025.

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 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!

Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'best pet insurance overall' from The Telegraph.

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.

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Dotty about dogs? Get a 5% multi-pet discount when you insure more than one pet with us.

*Based on all Agria Pet Insurance and Royal Kennel Club Pet Insurance claims received between January 2025 and December 2025.

 

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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Trustpilot and Defaqto ratings correct at time of print. Defaqto rating applies only when all optional add-ons are included. Agria Pet Insurance has been awarded 'Best Pet Insurance Overall' by The Telegraph. Terms, conditions and excesses apply. Promotions may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Vet fees reinstated each year provided you renew your policy each year without a break in cover.

For UK customers: 
Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Financial Services Register Number 496160. Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is registered and incorporated in England and Wales with registered number 04258783. Registered office: First Floor, Blue Leanie, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 7QW. Agria insurance policies are underwritten by Agria Försäkring who is authorised and regulated by the Prudential Regulatory Authority and Financial Conduct Authority.

For Jersey customers:
Agria Pet Insurance Ltd is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC). Ref: 0001498. Registered office: As detailed above.

For Guernsey customers:
Clegg Gifford Channel Islands Limited is licensed by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. Ref: 2722221. Registered office: Admiral House, Place Du Commerce, St Peter Port, Guernsey GY1 2AT.

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