Whippet
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Whippet. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mitral valve disease | moderate | Heart murmurs appear in middle-aged and senior Whippets; monitor annually. |
| Anesthesia sensitivity | moderate | Low body fat requires sighthound-specific anesthetic protocols; confirm your vet knows them. |
| Eye disease (PRA, cataracts) | low | Inherited eye conditions occur occasionally; breeders screen via eye exams. |
| Deafness | low | Congenital deafness appears at low rates; BAER testing available. |
| Von Willebrand disease | low | Mild clotting deficiency reported in the breed. |
Pet insurance for a Whippet
Monthly accident-and-illness premiums for a healthy adult Whippet, based on current rate data across major insurers. Enrolling early locks in coverage before breed-linked conditions become pre-existing.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, budget $1,100–$1,900 per year for food, routine veterinary care, grooming, and supplies for a Whippet. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add significantly to that range — one reason breed-matched insurance matters.
About the Whippet
The Whippet is a Victorian English racing greyhound in miniature — the fastest breed of its size and one of the calmest house dogs alive. The pattern is sprinter logic: a daily burst of full-speed running, then hours of sofa time. Whippets are gentle, quiet, clean, and rarely bark, making them outstanding apartment dogs despite their athleticism. They are thin-skinned and cold-sensitive, needing coats in winter, and recall around small animals is unreliable. One of the healthiest, cheapest-to-own medium breeds for calm households.
Origin: England
Temperament
Whippet FAQ
How long do Whippets live?
The typical Whippet lifespan is 12–15 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Whippet?
Based on current rate data, expect to pay roughly $32–$58 per month for accident-and-illness coverage on a healthy adult Whippet. Premiums rise with age and vary by location and deductible.
Is the Whippet a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Whippet can live in an apartment, but its 4/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Whippets prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Mitral valve disease, Anesthesia sensitivity. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.