[9] Originally bred as hunting and racing dogs, Whippets have a strong prey drive, which may lead them to chase small animals.

However, their short coat and low body fat make them particularly sensitive to cold temperatures, so they may require extra protection, such as a dog jacket, in cooler weather.

The concept of greyhound-type dogs of various sizes—large, medium, and small—has been well-documented in hunting manuals and natural history works dating back to the Middle Ages.

In the early 15th century, Edward of Norwich, 2nd Duke of York, translated and expanded the late 14th-century French Livre de chasse, a comprehensive manual on instructions for hunting with dogs.

[10] Later, in the 16th century, English physician and academic John Caius referenced both greater and lesser types of Leporarius, Grehounde (Greyhound) in his book De Canibus Britannicis.

[11] Notably, he described a type connected to the Whippet: the tumbler, a 'lesser sort of mungrell greyhounde' that was an excellent warren dog used for catching rabbits.

[15] This breed was primarily developed for catching rabbits, coursing competitions, straight racing, and the growing trend of show fancy.

[16][17] Whippets, like all sighthounds, were bred to hunt using their sight-driven prey instinct, coursing game in open areas at high speeds.

John Taylor, an English writer, noted that "In all the shapes and forms of dogges; of all which there are but two sorts that are useful to man's profits, which two are the mastiffe and the little curre, whippet, or house-dogge; all the rest are for pleasure and recreation.

It has a deep chest for efficient lung capacity, long, slender legs, and a narrow, muscular build characteristic of breeds developed for running.

[37] While they are well-suited for indoor living due to their minimal grooming needs and low shedding,[38] they may require additional protection, such as a coat or sweater, when exposed to cold weather.

[41] The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes them as "quiet and dignified in their owner's living room"[23] and says they make "excellent house dogs.

"[23] Despite their calm nature indoors, they enjoy outdoor activities, especially short bursts of explosive running that allow them to reach high speeds.

[44] Though not prone to excessive barking, Whippets will occasionally vocalize in the presence of intruders, making them passable watchdogs, similar to other small-to-medium dogs.

[46] While their gentle demeanor makes them a good choice for households with children or other pets, it is important to note that Whippets possess a highly developed prey drive.

[47][48] This instinct, though manageable with proper training and socialization, can make them prone to chasing small animals, such as cats, rabbits, or squirrels, especially in uncontrolled environments.

[50] Whippets are known as the fastest dogs of their weight class, capable of achieving speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph),[23] due to their ability to run in a double suspension gallop.

[51] Combined with their muscular build, this running style enhances their agility and athleticism, making them highly skilled competitors in racing and field trials.

As a result, the Whippet is typically free from the common hereditary conditions found in more exaggerated dog types, making it a relatively low-maintenance breed in terms of health.

Despite their unusual appearance, bully Whippets experience no significant health issues beyond those typical of the breed, although they may be slightly more prone to muscle cramping.

[62] Interestingly, this mutation has not been observed in Greyhounds, other sighthound breeds, or heavily muscled dogs such as Bulldogs, Rottweilers, or American Staffordshire Terriers.