This is not the breed for you if you need a little more distance between you and the dog. Occasionally you may encounter an aloof whippet, but that’s not true of most of them. In addition to being one of the most affectionate breeds, whippets are also funny, clever, and playful.
- Adopting a Whippet is generally less costly, with fees typically covering spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping, which helps reduce upfront veterinary bills.
- Some isolated incidents of deafness and some genetic eye defects have been reported, but they are rare so far.
- Again, their general disposition means that they’re usually good with children, providing the children know how to interact with dogs and won’t accidentally distress or hurt them.
- Eye defects are uncommon but eye checks are advised for breeding dogs.
- Be aware of local leash laws and pet rules to keep your dog safe.
Checklist for buying or adopting this breed
- At eight weeks, Whippet puppies usually weigh around 5 to 8 pounds.
- Puppy classes, walks in diverse settings, and gentle positive reinforcement make training enjoyable and effective for their curious, sensitive nature.
- Hard surfaces are uncomfortable for them, and whippets do love their comfort!
- Don’t be fooled by their calm, gentle personalities, Whippets were made for the chase, and to ensure that you expend all of their natural energy, they’ll need at least an hour of exercise a day, seven days a week.
- Non-slip socks can add extra grip, while ramps assist them in reaching furniture or cars without strain, preserving their mobility and preventing pain.
Regular vet visits, vaccinations, parasite control, dental care, and early detection of health issues help ensure their wellbeing. Whippets have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming; regular brushing with a soft brush helps remove loose hair and keeps their skin healthy, with baths needed only occasionally. Dental care is important too, so brushing their teeth with dog-specific toothpaste regularly supports good oral health. The Whippet’s unique physiology and genetic predispositions inform many of the specific care recommendations we’ve discussed. Their sighthound lineage, for example, is directly linked to their exceptional speed and unique muscle composition.
Eye Disorders
Their slender bodies and sensitive skin mean it’s important to avoid harsh weather or tough environments. The main benefit is protection against expensive, unexpected health issues, encouraging prompt care and easier budgeting. Whippet owners should consider their breed’s relatively low chronic disease risk alongside accident coverage advantages.
Are they good apartment dogs?
Positioning their food and water bowls at a comfortable height minimizes bending. These thoughtful changes help senior Whippets stay safe, comfortable, and happy at home. While younger Whippets love bursts of high-speed running, seniors benefit from controlled, low-impact exercise to prevent stiffness and support mobility and heart health.
Tolerates Cold Weather
If you’re considering pet insurance, our PDSA Pet Insurance could be a great option for you and it’s quick and easy to get a quote online. You can expect your Whippet to cost you a minimum of £65 per month after purchase and set-up costs and over £11,000 across their lifetime. Regular vet visits ensure your Whippet stays healthy, preventing any aggression caused by pain or discomfort. Introduce your Whippet to various people, pets, and environments early in life. Whippets, like every other dog, do end up in shelters, and even specialist rescues have been set up to help rehome unwanted dogs. So before you buy a puppy, call your local shelter and rescue(s), because your new best friend could be waiting for you there.
Whippets quickly gained prominence in American dog shows, appearing at events like the Westminster Kennel Club show by the mid-1890s. Their speed, elegance, and friendly nature appealed widely as both racing dogs and companions. A whippet’s desire to please and to be clean make him one of the easier breeds to housetrain.
As long as you socialise everything you need to know about whippets and how to stay safe your Whippet with other dogs from a young age they should be fine meeting them out and about. Whippets do have quite thin skin though, so make sure playtime with other dog friends doesn’t get too boisterous as it could result in bruises or cuts. Whippets are a popular choice for families as they are so calm and gentle around children. As they are a little sensitive, we’d recommend a home with slightly older children who understand when to give your dog space. Whippets have short fur, so a weekly brush is usually more than enough to keep it in good condition. They do have quite sensitive skin, though, so it’s better to look for a soft brush for them.
The Basset Bleu de Gascogne: A Comprehensive Veterinary Guide for Health-Conscious Pet Parents
Choose shorter car rides or direct flights and take breaks for gentle stretching and bathroom needs. For air travel, use a padded crate with absorbent material to manage any accidents. Bringing familiar items, such as a favorite blanket or a shirt with your scent, helps reduce anxiety. Senior Whippets benefit from a living environment that promotes comfort and safety, as their thin coats and lean bodies make them sensitive to cold and joint issues. Soft, padded resting spots placed away from drafts keep them warm, and avoiding slippery floors reduces the chance of injury.
Due to their affectionate and gentle natures, they are the very best therapy dogs as well as psychiatric service dogs. They are not psychologically or physically suited to being kept in a yard. They certainly enjoy (and need) a daily romp in the yard or an hour or so spent stretched out in the sun, but you should not plan to leave your whippet in the yard indefinitely. Because of the low percentage of body fat they carry, these dogs have very little natural insulation against the elements. They overheat rather easily and they suffer terribly from the cold.
In cold weather, they should wear warm clothing outdoors to prevent chills, and have cozy, draft-free resting spots inside. Cold can worsen joint stiffness or arthritis, so added warmth and gentle care are important. Hereditary eye conditions may affect vision and eye health in some Whippets. Check airline pet policies early; small Whippets may travel in the cabin. Whippets enjoy short bursts of outdoor activity but need secure, supervised areas. Training and socialization are crucial for shaping a well-mannered and confident Whippet.
Keeping your Whippet fit and monitoring for signs of heart, ear, or eye issues is key to their well-being. Regular vet visits and choosing breeders who screen for health problems help ensure your Whippet thrives. In contrast, adoption may involve less thorough health history, especially if the Whippet comes from a shelter or rescue. While adopters usually receive basic veterinary checks, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering status, genetic screening and detailed medical lineage information are often not available.
The Whippet Club was founded in 1899 in England, led by the Duchess of Newcastle who became its first president. This official breed club helped promote responsible breeding and expanded the breed’s popularity. Meanwhile, in the U.S., kennels such as Bay View and Mardormere developed distinct Whippet lines that reflected variations between English and American types. Adhering to these best practices will significantly reduce risks and contribute to your Whippet’s long-term health and safety. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) consistently emphasizes the importance of a safe environment and owner education for pet well-being. Remember to make sure you can recognise your dog’s body language so you can put a stop to any potentially stressful situations before they escalate.