Want a running buddy that’s also your snuggle buddy? Playful and friendly, a whippet is the best pet for you.

60-whippet

Whippets are an oxymoron – often bred for racing and one of the fastest sprinters, these hounds are actually happiest when curled up on your bed. They are friendly, quiet and gentle when indoors, but with a sighting of your neighbour’s cat in the driveway a Whippet will bolt after them like, um, Usain.

Given their generally docile disposition, Whippets are good with children, provided the children are good with them. Ditto for other dogs. Smaller pets however, not so much. They make good watchdogs, alerting you of anything or anyone suspicious. Whippets are sensitive, especially to unexpected touch or sound. But given their amiable nature, a few warm rubs from a burglar and they will happily hand him the keys to your car. Train them gently but firmly with food treats and praise and you’ll have the couch potato companion of your dreams. Whippets stop growing around 12-18 months at approximately 50cms tall.

Fun fact: A whippet’s name comes from the term ‘whip it’, which means to go faster.

Want to see a happy Whippet? You won’t need a house with a yard, just a warm, cosy couch and some soft bean bags instead. Whippets are quite inactive indoors, sleeping mostly, but give them a short daily exercise routine. In winter, put a dog coat on your Whippet before you take your buddy out. A fenced park or yard is an ideal play area.

Whippets make for clean, odour-free pets and their smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a bristle brush when necessary and bath occasionally. A weekly rub with a damp mitt and your buddy will be ready to walk the runway. Trim their nails and brush their coat regularly. Whippets shed moderately.

Scheduled six monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Overall Whippets are quite healthy dogs, but they do have sensitive skin and are prone to skin problems. Their limbs are also susceptible to injuries. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

A Whippet is a small-sized breed weighing between 12.5-13.5kgs, with a height between 44-51cms.

Space

As long as they get enough exercise, your pet will be happy anywhere.  

Energy Levels

They are the equivalent of a gym-bunny, loving a good workout but they also love napping. Daily runs and lots of games are ideal for keeping this breed fit.  

Difficulty of Training

Whippets are intelligent but slow to learn. Patience is the key to training this breed.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions.

 Compatibility with other Pets

They love to meet new friends.

Need for Company

They have a moderate to high need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

No 

Coat and Grooming Needs

They are low-maintenance. Brush the coat weekly, but be gentle as their skin is very sensitive. They have a short smooth coat in black, fawn, blue, brindle, black and white, or blue and white. 1

Shedding

They are light shedders.

Tendency to Bark

They have a low tendency to bark, so don’t expect frequent conversations.

Similar Pets You May Like

Afghan Hound

Greyhound

Basenji