Whippets: Everything You Want to Know About This Crazy-Fast Dog Breed

This genetic trait, while advantageous for speed, also means they have lower body fat reserves compared to other breeds, making them more susceptible to cold and certain anesthetic sensitivities. If your whippet sees something outside his yard that he wants to chase, he’ll run right through the electronic field before he remembers he’ll be shocked by it. Invisible fences also leave dogs vulnerable to attack by loose dogs in the neighborhood.

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While Whippets prefer company, they can be left alone for short periods if properly trained. Separation anxiety can be an issue, so crate training or having a companion animal might help. Whippets aren’t prone to obesity and generally don’t develop the same attachment to food as other dogs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be overweight. But like all breeds, there are a few inherent conditions that you need to be aware of as a prospective Whippet parent. Before we dive into them though, we’ll spend a little time talking about a few of the other dog-centric things that might be preying on your mind. As they’ve been bred for the same purpose for generations, Whippets are a hardy strong breed that have few health issues that pose any real threat to their wellbeing.

If the only fence you are able to have is an invisible fence, a whippet is not a good choice for you. However, the desire to be around people makes some whippets hard to crate successfully; some howl, scream, and moan in their crates even if they were properly crate-trained as puppies. Sometimes this behavior is connected with claustrophobia and/or separation anxiety; sometimes it’s just a spoiled whippet! Many whippets who pitch fits in a crate alone will do fine if paired with another whippet in the same (large) crate for company. These quiet and sensitive dogs need plenty of exercise before lazing in bed for the rest of the day. You’ll need to have a lot of patience with your Whippet when training, but once they’ve mastered the basics they can be great dogs.

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Seasonal care for senior Whippets means adjusting their environment and routine to protect them from temperature extremes, ensuring comfort and health as they age. Without insurance, owners face big bills that could limit care; with good insurance, most costs are covered, letting owners focus on recovery. Numerous breed clubs worldwide continue to cherish and promote the Whippet through racing, dog shows, and companion events. From its English hunting origins to worldwide recognition, the Whippet remains a beloved blend of speed, grace, and gentle companionship. The Whippet, often called the “poor man’s racehorse,” originated in England during the 19th century. It was developed primarily for hunting small game and racing, as a smaller, faster relative of the Greyhound.

Minimum Exercise (per day)

From helpful advice, tips, and insights to thoughtfully selected products and resources, we’re here to support pet owners at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re caring for a playful pup, a wise old cat, or anything in between, SniffnTail offers tools and knowledge to make pet parenting easier and more joyful. Try to feed your dog at similar times every day as they like routine. They enjoy being part of everything going on at home, so definitely suit households where they can be included in everything. They have a lot of character although can be a little shy when meeting new people so early socialisation is a must. Whippets don’t really drool, mainly because their long muzzles are adept at ensuring that their saliva and spit stays where it should, inside their mouths.

Tolerates Cold Weather

• Dogs are, after all, not generic, and a whippet is very, very different to live with than a setter or a shepherd.
• Choose shorter car rides or direct flights and take breaks for gentle stretching and bathroom needs.
• Hip and elbow dysplasia are rare, though older dogs may face arthritis or spinal issues.
• Whippet puppies benefit greatly from early education and socialization to grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs.
• In contrast, adoption may involve less thorough health history, especially if the Whippet comes from a shelter or rescue.

The coat is short and close, requiring little grooming, but whippets do shed as much as any other dog. Greyhounds are much taller and weigh pounds; and the Italian greyhound, a toy breed that also looks much like a whippet, is only inches tall at the shoulder. Whippet puppies benefit greatly from early education and socialization to grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs. Exposure to various people, environments, and other animals helps reduce shyness and anxiety. Puppy classes, walks in diverse settings, and gentle positive reinforcement make training enjoyable and effective for their curious, sensitive nature. The Whippet is a truly exceptional dog breed – a blend of athletic grace, profound gentleness, and unwavering loyalty.

Exercise and Activity Needs

• They live in mansions or shacks, go to racing events and shows or stay home on the couch.
• You find them happy in rural settings and in New York apartments, with large families and single people who live alone.
• Exposure to various people, environments, and other animals helps reduce shyness and anxiety.
• However, like all breeds, Whippets come with their own set of considerations when it comes to their health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
• The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) consistently emphasizes the importance of a safe environment and owner education for pet well-being.

Some owners use wellness plans or discount programs for routine care like vaccinations, but these don’t cover emergencies or surgeries. Pet insurance mainly covers accidents and illnesses but not preventive care. Deductibles, co-pays, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions are common, important for owners of young healthy Whippets. Maintain a comfortable temperature since Whippets have thin coats. Never leave your Whippet alone in a parked vehicle, especially in extreme temperatures. Proper nutrition is key for Whippets to maintain their lean build and energy.

Decrease the dog’s daily food intake by one-fourth, and add an extra walk or play period to its daily exercise schedule. Pet insurance usually covers illnesses, injuries, and surgeries, which is important as Whippets may experience issues like dental problems or bloat. Some policies exclude hereditary or breed-specific conditions, so everything you need to know about whippets and how to stay safe reviewing terms is key. Premiums and deductibles mean owners still pay part of the costs. Whippets have low cold tolerance due to minimal body fat and thin coats.

Though all breeds have some genetic defects, none have been proven to be a serious problem in whippets thus far. Some isolated incidents of deafness and some genetic eye defects have been reported, but they are rare so far. There is some evidence that heart problems are on the rise in this breed, and there have been a few reports of a bleeding disorder called von Willebrands. Many breeders do test for those problems and screen for eye and hearing disorders.

Ears, Eyes, Nose

Some breeds are promoted as hypo-allergenic and they do seem to cause fewer problems than other breeds. These dogs usually have dense, curly coats that keep the dander, as well as the fur, on the dog until it’s brushed out or clipped. Since they have short coats, they don’t leave wads of hair around the house, but they definitely shed as much as any other dog. If you brush your whippet thoroughly once a week, you’ll minimize the amount of fur you find around the house.

Establishing a Daily Routine:

If instead you’re buying a Whippet puppy from a breeder, you’ll need to factor in this cost. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you’d like to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder.

Moreover, their gentle and sensitive temperament means they respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and can become easily stressed by harsh corrections. Whippets are generally healthy but prone to skin cuts due to their thin coat, so gentle play and prompt care are vital. Hip and elbow dysplasia are rare, though older dogs may face arthritis or spinal issues. Eye defects are uncommon but eye checks are advised for breeding dogs. Regular vet screenings, dental care, heartworm prevention, and exercise keep them fit and happy. In general, an owner who is involved with his dog, who considers his dog part of the family, and who has an easygoing nature himself is happiest with a whippet.