Dog breed profile
Longhaired whippet
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Longhaired Whippet is an uncommon sighthound type developed from Whippet ancestry and selected for a longer, feathered coat. It is not recognised as a separate breed by all major kennel organisations, and appearance and ancestry may vary between breeding lines. Adults are generally similar in size and build to the Whippet, commonly standing around 44 to 56 centimetres tall and weighing approximately 9 to 18 kilograms.
The dog has a narrow head, deep chest, tucked abdomen, long legs and a soft coat with feathering on the ears, legs and tail. Longhaired Whippets are typically gentle, affectionate, sensitive and capable of great speed over short distances.
They are often calm indoors when adequately exercised but may chase rabbits, cats, birds or other moving animals outdoors. Their light build and sensitive temperament make rough handling or harsh training unsuitable. Prospective owners should obtain clear information about pedigree, health testing and the breeding line because the type is relatively uncommon and lacks a universally applied standard. The Longhaired whippet's typical affectionate, calm, gentle qualities are most constructive when household rules are predictable and desirable behaviour receives regular reinforcement. Because movement can trigger the Longhaired whippet's chase response, calm exposure and physical management around wildlife and smaller pets remain important even after good training.
Appearance is only one part of deciding whether a Longhaired whippet is a suitable long-term companion. Responsible selection of a Longhaired whippet should consider stable temperament, functional structure and documented health history alongside colour, coat and outward breed type. A prospective Longhaired whippet owner should plan for a moderate activity commitment and long-coat maintenance, while allowing for the breed's affectionate and calm manner.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Longhaired whippet requires daily walks and regular opportunities to sprint in a large, securely fenced area. Off-leash exercise should not occur near roads or in open spaces because the dog may pursue moving animals and cover ground quickly. For the Longhaired whippet, fencing and lead equipment are part of welfare: gates should close reliably, boundary gaps should be checked and identification details kept current.
Training should use positive reinforcement, gentle handling and short, varied sessions. Recall should be practised, but secure physical management remains essential. Use each grooming session to examine the Longhaired whippet's skin, feet, ears and body outline, making the process cooperative enough that subtle changes are noticed early. Introduce brushing, foot handling, mouth examination and quiet restraint to the Longhaired whippet in brief rewarded steps before any of those procedures becomes urgent.
The longer coat should be brushed several times a week, with particular attention behind the ears, beneath the legs and around the tail where tangles may form. Routine hygiene for the Longhaired whippet includes regular tooth brushing, short nails and checking the ears for irritation. The breed has little body fat and may need warm clothing and padded bedding during cold weather. Measure the Longhaired whippet's food against actual workload and reassess portions after growth, desexing, illness or a change in activity rather than relying indefinitely on the packet guide. A monthly weight or body-condition record makes gradual change in a Longhaired whippet easier to detect than appearance alone, particularly when day-to-day familiarity masks a slow trend.
Food should maintain a lean but healthy condition. Regular veterinary care should monitor heart health, eyes, joints, dental condition and any breed-line-specific inherited concerns. Play with much larger or rough dogs should be supervised to reduce the risk of injury.
Conditions linked to this breed
General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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