Whippet

The whippet is a medium-sized sighthound dog developed in England in the 19th century for racing and hunting small game. It is one of the fastest dog breeds, capable of sprinting at high speed for short distances. The breed is valued as both a performance dog and a companion, known for its gentle and loyal temperament.

Whippets are lean, athletic dogs with a deep chest, narrow waist, and a short, smooth coat. They typically stand around 45 to 56 cm at the withers and weigh roughly 8 to 18 kilograms, with females generally smaller than males. Coat colors are diverse, including fawn, brindle, black, blue, white, or combinations. Ears are small and can be rose-shaped or semi-erect; the tail is long and tapering.

In temperament, whippets are affectionate and good with families, often reserved with strangers but rarely aggressive. They are intelligent and responsive to gentle training, though they can be independent. Regular daily exercise is important; they enjoy sprinting and short bursts of speed but also adapt to indoor living when provided with routine activity. They are usually sociable with other dogs if properly socialized from a young age.

Care needs are relatively modest: their short coat requires minimal grooming beyond regular brushing and nail care. Like other sighthounds, they may be sensitive to cold weather and thrive in homes with comfortable indoor temperatures. They tend to have a long lifespan for a medium-sized breed, typically around 12 to 15 years, and health issues, while not common, can include hereditary eye or orthopedic conditions in some lines.

Whippet can also refer to nitrous oxide cartridges used in whipped cream dispensers, a separate meaning from the dog breed.