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== Health ==
[[File:MyostatinMutantWhippet.jpg |thumb|A 'Bully Whippet'|alt=a Whippet dog with extreme large muscles]]
The Whippet is a generally healthy breed, with a robust constitution. Having been bred for coursing, working, and racing for many years, it has maintained a structurally sound build. This long history of selective breeding has helped it avoid many of the physical exaggerations that often lead to health issues in other breeds. 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://whippet-health.co.uk/#/home/4531648088 | title=Whippet Health | publisher=www.whippet-health.co.uk | year=2010 | access-date=29 December 2011 | author=Ewing, Patty | archive-date=20 July 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720113251/http://whippet-health.co.uk/#/home/4531648088 | url-status=dead }}</ref> 

The Whippet, like other sighthounds, is intolerant of [[barbiturate]] anaesthetics. This is partly due to its low body fat concentration, which affects its ability to metabolize these anaesthetics. Additionally, the Whippet’s liver is not well-equipped to process barbiturates, making it more susceptible to adverse reactions during anaesthesia.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.salukiclub.org/SalukiHealth/salukhealthanesthesia.html | title=Saluki Anesthesia | publisher=Saluki Club of America | access-date=29 December 2011 | archive-date=22 March 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322015730/http://salukiclub.org/SalukiHealth/salukhealthanesthesia.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.4 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 years for purebreeds and 12 years for [[Mongrel|crossbreeds]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 }}</ref> They are generally healthy, and are not prone to the frequent ear infections, skin allergies, or digestive problems that can afflict other breeds. Genetic eye defects, though quite rare, have been noted in the breed. [[Hip dysplasia (canine)|Hip dysplasia]] is rare in Whippets, with only 1.2% of 161 evaluations performed by the [[Orthopedic Foundation for Animals]] being determined as dysplastic.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.offa.org/stats_hip.html | title=Trends in Hip Dysplasia (selected breeds) | publisher=Orthopedic Foundation for Animals | access-date=26 January 2013 | archive-date=19 October 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019034631/http://www.offa.org/stats_hip.html | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Whippet's heart is notably large and slow-beating, often exhibiting arrhythmic or even intermittent patterns when the dog is at rest. This trait can occasionally alarm owners or veterinarians unfamiliar with the breed. During exercise, however, the Whippet's heart demonstrates a regular and efficient rhythm, supporting its exceptional athletic abilities. A health survey conducted by The Kennel Club revealed that cardiac issues are the second leading cause of mortality in the breed, highlighting the importance of regular veterinary check-ups to monitor heart health.<ref name="KC health">{{cite web | url=http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/1642/hswhippet.pdf | title=Summary results of the Purebred Dog Health Survey for Whippets | publisher=The Kennel Club/British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee | access-date=6 February 2013 | archive-date=21 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021041915/http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/1642/hswhippet.pdf | url-status=dead }}</ref> Heart failure is particularly common among Whippets in their senior years, with [[mitral valve disease]] (MVD) being one of the most prevalent heart conditions affecting the breed. MVD involves the weakening and deformation of the mitral valve, preventing it from closing tightly, which leads to mitral regurgitation (MR) and increased strain on the heart. While many Whippets exhibit heart murmurs, distinguishing functional murmurs from those associated with MR can be challenging, as functional murmurs often occur in healthy, athletic dogs. The study indicated that additional evaluation methods, such as echocardiography, are necessary to differentiate between functional murmurs and murmurs indicative of MVD in this population.<ref>{{cite web |last=L. Stepien |first=Rebecca | title=Update: Adult Onset Mitral Valve Disease in Whippets |url=https://whippethealth.org/AppFiles/WhippetCardiacHealthProjectUpdate_2014.pdf | access-date=1 December 2024 | publisher=Whippet Cardiac Health Project, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College, London |date= }}</ref>

A 2007 study identified a [[myostatin]] mutation specific to the Whippet that is strongly associated with its athletic performance.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mosher |first1=Dana S |last2=Quignon |first2=Pascale |last3=Bustamante |first3=Carlos D |last4=Sutter |first4=Nathan B |last5=Mellersh |first5=Cathryn S |last6=Parker |first6=Heidi G |last7=Ostrander |first7=Elaine A |date=25 May 2007 |title=A Mutation in the Myostatin Gene Increases Muscle Mass and Enhances Racing Performance in Heterozygote Dogs |journal=PLOS Genetics |volume=3 |issue=5 |pages=e79 |doi=10.1371/journal.pgen.0030079 |pmc=1877876 |pmid=17530926 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Whippets with a single copy of this mutation are generally unaffected, while those with two copies develop disproportionately large musculature and are referred to as "[[bully whippets|Bully Whippets]]". 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.<ref name="Coile">{{cite journal | title=Breeder's Notebook: The Double-Muscle Phenomenon | publisher=BowTie Inc | journal=Dog World | date=June 2008 | author=Coile, Caroline | pages=24–25}}</ref> Interestingly, this mutation has not been observed in Greyhounds, other sighthound breeds, or heavily muscled dogs such as [[Bulldog]]s, [[Rottweiler]]s, or [[American Staffordshire Terrier]]s.<ref name="Coile" />