Whippet
The Gentle Racing Companion
Whippets are elegant sighthounds that combine incredible speed with a surprisingly calm and affectionate indoor temperament. These graceful dogs are the perfect balance of athletic sprinter and couch companion for various lifestyles.
Why Whippets Are Perfect Indoor-Outdoor Dogs
Lightning Fast
Reaching speeds up to 35 mph, one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
Calm Indoors
Famously calm and quiet indoors despite their speed, earning the velcro dog nickname.
Deeply Affectionate
Form incredibly close bonds and love nothing more than couch cuddling.
Apartment Friendly
Quiet nature and moderate size make them excellent apartment dogs.
Pros
- Incredibly calm and quiet indoors
- Very low grooming needs with short coat
- Virtually no doggy odor
- Gentle and affectionate with all family members
- Long lifespan of 12-15 years with excellent health
Cons
- Strong prey drive making off-leash risky
- Sensitive to cold requiring winter clothing
- Thin skin prone to nicks and scrapes
- Can be timid without proper socialization
- Not ideal watchdogs due to quiet nature
Care Requirements
What you need to know to keep your Whippet healthy and happy
Exercise
45 minutes daily
Whippets need about 45 minutes of daily exercise including a good run in a securely fenced area. They alternate between explosive sprints and extended lounging.
Grooming
Weekly
Short fine coat requires minimal grooming with a weekly wipe-down. Rarely need baths.
Nutrition
Feed quality food for lean athletic breeds. Adults need about 1 to 1.5 cups daily. Fast metabolisms and can be picky eaters.
Training Timeline
Gentle Foundation
Use only positive gentle methods. Whippets are sensitive and will shut down with harsh training.
Confidence Building
Socialize widely but gently. Expose to various sounds, people, and environments at comfortable pace.
Recall Work
Work on recall training in enclosed spaces. Prey drive makes reliable recall critical.
Activity Introduction
Introduce lure coursing, racing, or agility. Continue positive reinforcement.
Health Information
Common health concerns and prevention tips for Whippet
Common Health Issues
- Heart murmurs and cardiac conditions
- Von Willebrand disease affecting blood clotting
- Eye conditions including progressive retinal atrophy
- Sensitivity to anesthesia requiring special protocols
- Undescended testicles in males
Prevention Tips
- Schedule regular cardiac checkups
- Inform vet about sighthound anesthesia sensitivities
- Provide warm clothing in cold weather
- Maintain dental health
- Watch for unusual bleeding or bruising
Ready for a Whippet?
We've got everything you need to prepare for your new Whippet
Find Whippets Near You