Whippets have unexpectedly become one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK, having seen a surge in popularity.The breed is loved by celebrities including Gemma Collins, Jennifer Saunders and Kit Harington.And they have become prize winners too: in 2025, an Italian whippet was also named best in show at Crufts, setting the stage for an influx of the breed into homes across the country. In the first quarter of 2026, 727 new whippets were registered, an 18 per cent rise from last year and making the breed the 11th most popular in the UK.And the breed once dubbed 'the poor man's racehorse' and mainly kept only by farmers is increasingly now being seen as a family pet.But experts have warned that owning a whippet is not straightforward. The whippet was bred from greyhounds back in the Middle Ages and was even once referred to as the 'greyhound in miniature' TV personality Gemma Collins jas joined the craze and here is pictured with her whippet BlueThe experts were surprised to discover a surge in the popularity of whippets in the UK, with 727 registrations in Q1 of 2026 – an 18 per cent year–on–year increase. Jennifer Saunders (left) and Kit Harington (right) are fansDog behaviour expert Harry Holden said that whippets can be 'lovely dogs' but warned potential owners that they needed to take training seriously 'from day one'.Mr Holden, founder of the London-based dog training company Holdens Hounds, said the dogs are prone to chasing, which can create problems in big cities.He said: 'Whippets are sighthounds, so recall is something that owners really need to take seriously from day one.'Young whippets can be very excitable and quite sensitive dogs. Obviously, on social media, people see the calm side of things, but they are very clever dogs and they do learn very quickly. That can be good habits and bad habits, unfortunately.'One of the biggest things is helping them to learn how to stay calm and not be constantly excited.'Sighthounds, once they see something, they will go and they are pretty quick. In London or other cities, that can be a challenge.'People need to understand the breed and be realistic about training.'I wouldn't describe them as a difficult breed but they do benefit from early training. A lot comes down to an individual owner, whether they are prepared to put the time into training and routine.'Mr Holden said the breed is not considered aggressive, but can develop behavioural problems through poor socialisation.Issues can also develop from overexcitement or separation anxiety.He added: 'In my experience, most issues with whippets come from overexcitement, a bit of anxiety or chase instincts, rather than active aggression.'They also form really close bonds with their owners, a lot of it is owners accidentally creating clinginess without meaning to, early on.'In my business, we have certainly seen that a lot post-COVID, with dogs that are three or four years old that can't be left alone.'The key is teaching them at an early age.'