BreedCost
Medium 13-year lifespan

Whippet Cost: What You'll Actually Pay in 2026

$1,150 to buy (breeders charge $800 to $1,500). Then $1,420/year to keep them healthy, fed, and insured. Over a 13-year lifespan, that's $20,510 total.

Purchase Price
$800–$1,500
Annual Cost
$1,420/yr
Lifetime Cost
$20,510

First Year: $3,470

The first year hits hardest. You're paying the purchase price plus one-time setup costs (spay/neuter, initial vaccines, crate, bed, bowls) on top of regular annual expenses.

Purchase price (avg) $1,150
First-year setup (vaccines, spay/neuter, supplies) $900
Food $360
Routine vet care $420
Grooming $40
Pet insurance $320
Supplies (toys, bed, leash, crate) $160
Training $120
First-year total $3,470

Annual Cost: $1,420/Year

After year one, ongoing costs settle into a rhythm. Here's where the money goes each year.

Vet (routine)
Food
Insurance
Supplies
Training
Vet (routine) $420
Food $360
Insurance $320
Supplies $160
Training $120
Grooming $40

That's $597/year less than the average medium-sized breed ($2,017/yr). Low-maintenance on the wallet.

Health Issues & Insurance

Pet insurance for a Whippet runs $22-$48/month. Worth knowing what you're insuring against.

Common Health Issues

Cardiac conditions Eye conditions Von Willebrand's disease Sensitivity to anesthesia
Monthly premium
$22–$48
Annual insurance cost
$320

Lifetime Cost: $20,510

Over 13 years, a Whippet will cost you roughly $20,510. Here's the math.

Purchase price (avg breeder) $1,150
First-year setup costs $900
Annual costs × 13 years $18,460
Total $20,510

Cost by Region

Where you live changes what you pay. West Coast and Northeast are 10-20% more expensive across the board. Midwest and Southeast save you real money.

Region Est. Annual vs. National
West $1,606 +$186
Northeast $1,572 +$152
Southwest $1,373 $-47
Midwest $1,315 $-105
Southeast $1,320 $-100

Get a personalized estimate

The numbers above are national averages. Costs vary by region, lifestyle, and where you buy. Use the calculator to dial in your specific situation.

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