Whippet at a glance
| Adult weight | 11 to 16kg |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical lifespan | About 14 years |
| Grooming | Brushing at home; no regular groomer |
| Health | Fewer breed problems than most |
What a whippet costs
| First yearIncluding a £1,000 puppy, kit, vaccinations, spaying and training | £3,202 |
|---|---|
| Each year after | £1,372 |
| A month, after year one | £114 |
| Over about 14 years | £21,038 |
| With a dog sitter 3 days a weekAt £90 a week | +£4,680 a year |
These assume a girl puppy, about £32 a month of mid-range dry food for a 13.5kg adult, a week of kennels a year and no daycare. The calculator above shows every line.
Health problems to know about
Whippets are known to be prone to:
- Skin tears and injuries
- Heart problems
- Sensitivity to some anaesthetics
Ask the breeder for health test results for both parents. Not every whippet will have these problems, but they’re why insurance matters: a long-term condition can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds a year.
Insuring a whippet?
Look for lifetime cover with at least £5,000 a year for vet fees, and check what it says about skin tears and injuries.
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Next steps
- Check which insurance a whippet needs
- See how big your whippet puppy will get
- Work out how much to feed a whippet puppy
- Check a whippet breeder before you pay a deposit
Questions
How much does a whippet cost a month?
About £114 a month after the first year, for insurance, food, flea treatment, grooming, boosters and small vet bills. Daycare or a dog sitter is extra.
How much does a whippet cost in the first year?
About £3,202, including a £1,000 puppy price, kit, vaccinations, spaying, training, insurance and food. Breeders’ prices vary a lot, so put in yours.
How much is insurance for a whippet?
Our starting figure is £35 a month for lifetime cover for a young whippet, but quotes vary with where you live and the policy. Look for a vet fee limit of at least £5,000 a year.
How long do whippets live?
About 14 years on average.
Cocker spaniel £1,790 a year
French bulldog £1,492 a year
English springer spaniel £1,576 a year
Border collie £1,504 a year
Staffordshire bull terrier £1,444 a year
Bulldog £1,744 a year