How much exercise does a Whippet need?

By Tyler Polk, founder of PupnikUpdated September 24, 2026How we calculate

Most adult Whippets need about 45–60 minutes of exercise a day, split into 2 walks, plus some play.

ModerateEnergy

1.5–2.5 miDaily distance

ModerateHeat tolerance

LowCold tolerance

Get a plan for your Whippet's exact age with the walk calculator.

Why Whippets need this much exercise

Whippets were bred in England to course rabbits. They are sometimes called "the poor man's racehorse" for their speed.

Whippet exercise by age

Life stage	Daily exercise	How to split it
Puppy (2–12 months)	5 min per month of age, per walk	Up to 2 short walks, plus free play
Adult	45–60 min	2 walks, plus some play
Senior (8+ years)	25–45 min	2 to 3 shorter, gentler walks

Whippet puppy walk schedule

Age	Per walk	Per day
2 months	about 10 min	up to 20 min
3 months	about 15 min	up to 30 min
4 months	about 20 min	up to 40 min
5 months	about 25 min	up to 50 min
6 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
8 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
10 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min
12 months	about 30 min	up to 60 min

Free play doesn't count toward these numbers. Skip jogging and long hikes until growth plates close, around 12–15 months for a medium breed.

Best exercise for Whippets

Moderate leash walks
Sprints in a fenced area
Lure coursing
Fetch

Walking tips for Whippets

Whippets love short bursts of speed. A fenced field for sprinting is ideal.
Very little body fat means they get cold fast. Use a coat in winter.
Recall around small animals is unreliable, so keep them leashed in open areas.

Whippets in hot and cold weather

Heat: Whippets handle heat about as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks. Check today's heat risk.

Cold: Whippets feel the cold. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks. Check today's cold risk.

Whippet exercise FAQ

How long should I walk my Whippet?

A healthy adult Whippet needs about 45–60 minutes of exercise a day, best split into 2 walks, plus some play. Walks, play, and training games all count toward the total.

How far can a Whippet walk?

At a normal walking pace, that works out to roughly 1.5–2.5 miles (2.5–4 km) a day for a healthy adult. For Whippets, time and sniffing matter more than distance, so keep the pace comfortable.

When can a Whippet puppy go on long walks or runs?

Wait until growth plates close, around 12–15 months for a medium breed like the Whippet. Until then, follow the 5-minutes-per-month rule: about 20 minutes per walk at 4 months, up to twice a day, plus free play.

Can Whippets handle hot weather?

About as well as the average dog. That means care above about 75°F (24°C): shade, water, shorter walks, and a pavement check. Above about 82°F (28°C), stick to potty breaks.

Do Whippets need a coat in winter?

Usually, yes. A coat helps once it’s near freezing, and walks should get shorter below about 20°F (−7°C). Wipe paws after walking on salted sidewalks.

Ranges are typical for healthy dogs and rounded on purpose. Individual dogs vary, and your vet's advice comes first. How we calculate.