Whippets have a slender, athletic build with long legs and a deep chest.
Top 6 vital stats about Whippets...
1
Social
Good with other kids and other pets
2
Exercise
1+ hour per day
3
Grooming
4-6 weeks
4
Feeding
2 times a day
5
Training
Requires frequent exercise and stimulation
6
Shedding
Light
Whippet health conditions & temperament
Do Whippets need a lot of grooming?
A quick weekly brush-through is enough to keep their coat shiny and healthy, ensuring they look their dapper best.
Do Whippets suffer from health conditions?
Whippet’s may experience hip dysplasia, heart, ear, eye complications, and dental issues. Their low body fat may also make them susceptible to cold weather.
How often to feed them?
Typically, these canines should be fed twice daily – once in the morning and again in the early evening.
General summary
These graceful dogs don't require frequent trips to the groomers, making them a low-maintenance companion. In addition, regular feeding not only supports their fast metabolism but also aligns with their need for regular exercise and play.
Whippet feeding & attention
Do Whippet’s bark a lot?
Unlike some breeds that seem to have an opinion on every leaf that flutters by, Whippets tend to save their barks for occasions they deem worthy.
What energy levels do Whippets have?
These dogs are bred for speed, with a history rooted in racing, and they require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
Easy to train?
They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise, when training for obedience or agility.
Care summary
Whippets are known for their intelligence and amiable nature, which makes them generally easy to train. Whippets also possess a rather reserved demeanour.
Whippet personality & good to knows
Good with children?
The Whippet possesses a distinct personality marked by a gentle and affectionate nature with children.
Good with people?
Whippets are known for their affectionate disposition and enjoy being around people, often seeking out the company of their human counterparts.
Good with other pets?
Whippets tend to be sociable and can enjoy the company of their canine counterparts, making them good candidates for multi-pet households.
Personality summary
They often exhibit friendly demeanour towards their owners and are known to be quite amiable with children.
Did You Know?
A fun fact about Whippets is that they can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, making them the Ferrari's of the dog world.
Whippets are a breed of dog known for their unique blend of elegance and athleticism. Originating in England, they were initially bred for hunting by sight, pursuing game in open areas at high speeds.
Their short coat and slim build are distinctive traits, contributing to their aerodynamic shape and swift movement.
Package available for your Whippet includes
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Complementary treatment
Up to
£500
per illness/injury
Up to
£750
per illness/injury
Up to
£1000
per illness/injury
3rd Party Liability (dogs only)
Up to
£1M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Up to
£2M
per illness/injury
Death from Illness*
*Death from illness does not apply to dogs aged 9 and over & cats aged 11 and over
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Death from accident
£1,000
£1,500
£2,000
Whippet Training & Exercise
Grooming
-
Whippets, with their sleek and fine coat, are the epitome of elegance and ease when it comes to grooming. These graceful dogs don't require frequent trips to the groomers, making them a low-maintenance companion for those who'd rather spend time playing in the park than brushing out tangles.
-
Bathing can be done as needed, given their short fur that doesn't trap odours. So, rest easy knowing your Whippet won't demand hours of primping.
Suitability for an owner
-
Consistency and patience are key when training a Whippet, as is starting from a young age. Their natural inclination towards pleasing their owners, combined with a quick learning ability, often results in successful training outcomes.
-
Nonetheless, due to their prey drive, recall can sometimes be challenging and requires persistent training efforts.
Feeding
-
Whippets should be fed twice daily – once in the morning and again in the early evening. This not only supports their fast metabolism but also aligns with their need for regular exercise and play.
-
Puppies may require more frequent meals, up to four times a day. Of course, the exact frequency and portion size should be tailored to the individual dog's age, weight, and activity level to keep them in tip-top shape!
Vocalisations
-
Whippets are well-suited companions for those who prefer a more peaceful home environment without the constant soundtrack of canine chatter.
-
This might include a stranger at the door or a peculiar sound that warrants investigation.
Whippet Common Health Conditions
Climate considerations
-
Whippets, much like any other breed, are prone to their share of health concerns, though they're generally known for being quite robust.
-
Due to their lean build and minimal body fat, whippets often need extra care in colder climates to maintain their body heat.
Ears, eyes and heart
-
Whippet health conditions include heart issues such as mitral valve disease and arrhythmias. They are also prone to certain genetic disorders like deafness and eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy.
Hip dysplasia
-
Whippets may also experience hip dysplasia, although it is less common compared to other breeds.
Dental issues
-
Whippets may encounter common ailments such as dental issues, which require regular teeth cleaning to prevent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whippets originated from England in the 18th century. They were bred from smaller greyhounds and terriers to create a smaller, faster dog for hunting rabbits.
Whippets are considered small to medium-sized dogs. They typically weigh between 25-40 pounds (11-18 kg).
Whippets can stand 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) tall at the shoulder.
Whippets generally have a lifespan of 12-14 years. With proper care, some Whippets can live longer.
Whippets have a short, smooth coat that is relatively easy to care for.
