Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized English sighthound developed in Victorian-era northern England by crossing Greyhounds with terriers for rabbit coursing. Capable of reaching 35 mph, Whippets are the fastest dog breed for their size. Indoors they are calm, gentle couch companions; outdoors they transform into explosive athletes with strong prey drive toward small animals.
12–15
years lifespan
25–40
lbs (male)
19–22
inches tall (male)
moderate
energy level
Temperament
How Old Is Your Whippet in Human Years?
Use our breed-specific calculator to find out, plus get personalised health and care guidance for your dog’s exact age.
Open Whippet Age CalculatorCommon Health Conditions
Mitral Valve Disease
Progressive degeneration of the mitral valve causing regurgitation and eventual congestive heart failure. Whippets have moderate predisposition. Heart murmur is the first clinical sign. Regular cardiac auscultation and echocardiography enable early detection and medical management.
Typical onset: 6–12 years
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Inherited retinal degeneration.
Typical onset: 3–7 years
Anesthetic Sensitivity
All sighthounds, including Whippets, metabolize barbiturate and thiobarbiturate anesthetics differently due to extremely low body fat (10-15% vs 25-35% in most breeds). Fat-soluble drugs have prolonged effects. Veterinarians must use sighthound-specific anesthetic protocols — propofol and sevoflurane are safer alternatives.
Typical onset: 0–15 years
Corneal Dystrophy
Inherited eye condition.
Typical onset: 1–5 years
Lifespan Factors
The median lifespan for a Whippet is 13.5 years. Key factors that influence longevity:
- heart murmurs
- eye diseases
- deafness
- BOAS (not applicable)
When Is a Whippet Considered Senior?
Whippets are generally considered senior at around 8 years of age. At this point, you should increase vet visits to twice yearly and watch for age-related health changes.
Check your Whippet’s age in human years →