The Whippet is a popular dog breed known for its graceful appearance and incredible speed. They are sighthounds, which means they hunt primarily by sight rather than scent. Here are Whippet Dog Buyer’s Guide:
Whippet Dog Breed Info –
The Whippet, a sighthound breed, is known for its elegance and speed. Originating in England, it’s descended from Greyhounds.
These dogs were bred for coursing and racing in the 19th century. They’re gentle, affectionate, and make excellent companions.
| Quality | Level |
|---|---|
| AFFECTIONATE WITH FAMILY | Highly |
| GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN | Highly |
| GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS | Highly |
| SHEDDING LEVEL | Low to Moderate |
| COAT GROOMING FREQUENCY | 1 to 2 times in a week |
| FRIENDLY TOWARD STRANGERS | Moderate |
| WATCHDOG/PROTECTIVE NATURE | Moderate |
| ADAPTABILITY LEVEL | Moderate |
| TRAINABILITY LEVEL | Moderate |
| BARKING LEVEL | Low |
Their slender build and keen eyesight make them exceptional hunters, and they’re also popular in dog sports like lure coursing.
Physical Appearance:
Whippet dogs are slender, elegant, and athletic in their physical appearance. Here are some key characteristics:
Size:
These dogs are a medium-sized breed. They typically stand around 18 to 22 inches (45 to 56 cm) tall at the shoulder.
Weight:
They usually weigh between 25 to 40 pounds (11 to 18 kg), with males being slightly larger than females.
Coat:
They have a short, smooth coat that lies close to their body.
Color:
They come in various colors and patterns, including solid colors like fawn, blue, brindle, black, white, or red. Some may have a combination of these colors.
Head:
These dogs have a narrow, long head with a distinct stop and a small, fine, and elegant muzzle.
Eyes:
Their large, expressive eyes are typically dark in color.
Ears:
Whippets have small, rose-shaped ears that fold back, giving them a sleek appearance.
Neck:
They have a long, graceful neck that flows into well-laid-back shoulders.
Body:
They have a deep chest and a slender, muscular body with a slightly arched back.
Legs:
Their legs are long and straight, giving them a graceful and agile appearance.
Tail:
They have a long, slender tail that tapers to a point.
Temperament and personality:
Whippets are known for their distinctive temperament and personality traits, which make them wonderful companions. Here are some key aspects of their temperament and personality:
Gentle and Affectionate:
They are generally gentle and affectionate dogs. They often form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being close to them.
Quiet and Well-Mannered:
These dogs are not known to be excessively barky or loud. They tend to be well-mannered and relatively quiet, making them suitable for living in various environments.
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Playful:
They have a playful side and enjoy a good game of fetch or chase. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase after moving objects.
Sensitive:
They can be quite sensitive and responsive to their owner’s moods. Harsh training methods are generally not recommended, as they may become anxious or fearful.
Independent Thinkers:
While they are obedient dogs, these dogs also have independent minds. They may not always follow commands blindly and can be a bit selective in their obedience.
Social:
They are often friendly with other dogs and enjoy socializing. They tend to get along well with canine companions.
Reserved with Strangers:
These dogs are typically reserved when meeting new people, but they are not aggressive. They may need some time to warm up to strangers.
High Energy and Athletic:
They are incredibly athletic and need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They love to run, and a securely fenced yard is ideal for them.
Cuddlers:
Despite their athleticism, these dogs also enjoy lounging on the couch and cuddling with their owners. They are known for their “couch potato” side.
Curious:
They can be curious dogs and may enjoy exploring their surroundings. This curiosity can lead to the occasional adventure.
Clean and Low Maintenance:
Due to their short coat and lack of excessive shedding, Whippets are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming.
Grooming
Whippets are a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming, but they do require some basic care to keep their coat and skin healthy.
Brushing
They have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately. Brushing your furry friends once or twice a week with a rubber grooming mitt or soft bristle brush will help to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. This will also help to keep your dog’s coat looking its best.
Bathing
They do not need to be bathed very often, typically only every 6-8 weeks, or more often if they get particularly dirty.
When bathing your dog, use a mild shampoo and conditioner that is specifically designed for dogs. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry your dogs completely after bathing.
Nail trimming
Their nails grow quickly, so it is important to trim them regularly to prevent them from getting too long. Long nails can be uncomfortable for your dog and can also lead to other problems, such as ingrown nails and split nails.
You can trim your dog’s nails yourself using a pair of dog nail trimmers, or you can take them to a professional groomer.
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Ear cleaning
Their ears are prone to infection, so it is important to clean them regularly. You can clean your dog’s ears using a cotton ball or gauze pad dipped in a gentle ear-cleaning solution. Be careful not to insert the cotton ball or gauze pad too deeply into the ear canal.
Training
Whippets are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be easily distracted, so it is important to keep training sessions short and fun.
Here are some tips for training your furry friends:
Use positive reinforcement. These dogs respond best to positive reinforcement, such as praise, treats, and toys. When your friend performs a desired behavior, be sure to reward them immediately.
Be consistent. They need to know what is expected of them in order to be successful. Be consistent with your commands and rewards, and avoid giving mixed signals.
Keep training sessions short and fun. They have a short attention span, so it is important to keep training sessions short and fun. Aim for 10-15 minutes per session, and end each session on a positive note.
Start with basic commands. Before teaching your whippet more complex tricks, start with the basics, such as sit, stay, come, and down. Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can start teaching them more advanced tricks.
Use a variety of training methods. They learn best when they are engaged and challenged. Use a variety of training methods, such as clicker training, lure training, and shaping, to keep your dogs interested.
Health:
Whippets are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health concerns in Whippets include
- Heart disease: These dogs are at an increased risk for developing certain types of heart disease, such as dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
- Thyroid problems: They are also prone to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
- Eye problems: They can develop a number of eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and corneal dystrophy (CD). PRA is a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness, while CD causes small crystals to form in the cornea, which can also lead to vision loss.
- Lacerations and bone fractures: These dogs are slender and athletic dogs, but they can also be delicate. They are prone to cutting their skin on sharp objects and fracturing their bones if they run on uneven ground.
- Deafness: Some Whippets are born deaf, while others can develop hearing loss later in life.
In addition to these specific health conditions, Whippets are also susceptible to common canine illnesses, such as parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. It is important to keep your friends up-to-date on their vaccinations to protect them from these diseases.
Diet
Whippets are a lean and active breed of dog, so they need a diet that is high in protein and healthy fats. They also need a diet that is easily digestible, as they can be prone to digestive problems.
What to feed:
- High-quality protein: This can come from meat, poultry, fish, or eggs. Choose a food that lists meat or poultry as the first ingredient.
- Healthy fats: These are important for energy and skin and coat health. Good sources of healthy fats include fish oil, flaxseed oil, and chicken fat.
- Fiber: Fiber helps to keep your dog’s digestive system healthy. Good sources of fiber include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
What to avoid feeding:
- Processed foods: These foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt.
- Table scraps: Table scraps can be high in unhealthy fats and calories. They can also upset your Whippet’s stomach.
- Grains: Some Whippets are sensitive to grains, so it is best to choose a grain-free food if possible.
How much to feed:
The amount you need to feed your furry friend will vary depending on their age, activity level, and overall health. It is best to talk to your veterinarian to get a specific feeding recommendation.
History:
Whippets have a history as racing dogs in England, where they were used to chase small game-like rabbits. Over time, they transitioned from being working dogs to beloved pets and companions.
As with any dog breed, it’s important to do thorough research and consider your lifestyle and ability to meet the dog’s needs before bringing dogs into your home.
They can make wonderful additions to the right families and individuals who can provide them with the love, attention, and exercise they require.
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Price
The price of a whippet puppy can range from $800 to $2,000, depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, location, pedigree, and the puppy’s quality.
However, please note that dog prices can vary over time and based on various factors, so it’s best to check with reputable breeders or rescue organizations for the most up-to-date information on whippet prices.