12 Whippet Pros & Cons You Should Know Before You Get One

Are you considering adding an elegant and affectionate whippet to your family? These sleek speedsters can make wonderful companions, but it‘s important to understand both the pros and cons of the breed before bringing one home. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m going to share my expert knowledge on what makes whippets special and what challenges you should be prepared for.

First, let‘s look at the history behind this fascinating sighthound breed. Whippets were developed in Victorian-era England as a smaller alternative to greyhounds. Miners in the north of England couldn‘t afford to keep full-sized greyhounds, so they bred whippets down in size to create an affordable working dog that excelled at catching rabbits and competing in amateur racing sports. The whippet‘s name likely derives from "whappet," an old English word that means "a small dog that yaps." However, whippets are now known as generally quiet dogs!

In terms of appearance, whippets are medium-sized dogs weighing 25-40 pounds, with a sleek, muscular build designed for speed and agility. They come in a wide array of colors and markings including brindle, fawn, red, white, blue, and various combinations. The average lifespan for a whippet is 12-15 years.

Now that you have some background on these sporty sighthounds, let‘s dive into the pros and cons of whippet ownership. We‘ll start with the positives:

Whippet Pros

Affectionate, friendly temperament – Whippets bond closely with their owners and are known for being gentle, affectionate companions. They generally get along well with people, including children, making them an excellent family pet. Whippets also tend to be friendly toward other dogs.
Quiet and calm indoors – Despite being incredibly athletic, whippets have a surprisingly low activity level inside the home. They are content to relax on the couch for much of the day and rarely bark, making them ideal for apartment living as long as they get adequate outdoor exercise.
Moderate exercise needs – Speaking of exercise, adult whippets don‘t require hours of activity every day. Their natural tendency is to alternate between short bursts of high-intensity running/playing and longer periods of lounging around. A few brisk 30-minute walks plus some chances to run at top speed in a safely fenced area will keep a whippet happy and healthy.
Easy grooming – The whippet‘s short, fine coat is a breeze to maintain. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath is sufficient. They shed very little so they can be a good choice for those with allergies, although no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Generally healthy breed – Whippets are blessed with a low incidence of genetic disorders compared to many purebred dogs. While some heritable health conditions do occur (which we‘ll discuss later), most whippets live long, healthy lives with proper care.
Highly intelligent and trainable – Whippets are smart cookies and keen to learn, especially when food rewards are involved! They excel at "lure coursing" (chasing a mechanical lure), agility, flyball, rally obedience and other dog sports/games. Early training using positive reinforcement will help ensure your whippet grows into a well-mannered companion.

Whippet Cons

Sensitivity to cold weather – That short, sleek coat doesn‘t provide much insulation, so whippets feel the cold. They need jackets or sweaters in chilly weather and shouldn‘t be left outdoors in the cold for any length of time. Be prepared to bundle up your whippet in the winter.
Potential for nervousness – While most are outgoing, some whippets can be shy or nervous without extensive socialization. Exposing your whippet to many different people, animals, places, sights and sounds from an early age will help prevent fearfulness down the road. Whippets may not be ideal for very busy, noisy households.
High prey drive – A whippet‘s instinct to chase can be problematic if not managed properly. They‘ll dart after anything small and fast-moving, so they must be leashed or in a securely fenced yard at all times. Whippets can coexist with cats and other pets but need to be carefully introduced and supervised. A strong prey drive is hardwired into whippets, so there‘s always some level of risk.
Delicate skin prone to injuries – Whippets have very thin skin and a fine coat, which makes them prone to skin tears, scrapes, and cuts during rough play or when running through brush. They may need to wear protective clothing like a racing-style jacket when hiking or interacting with rowdier dogs.
Potential escape artists – The combination of high intelligence and a desire to run/chase means some whippets can be expert escape artists if bored or left alone too much. They can scale tall fences, slip out of martingale collars, and bolt through open doors in the blink of an eye. Keeping your whippet physically and mentally stimulated will help prevent wanderlust.
Require a lot of early socialization – I can‘t stress enough the importance of extensive socialization from puppyhood through adolescence for this sensitive breed. Whippets not exposed to a wide variety of experiences during this critical developmental window are more likely to end up fearful of novel things. Signing up for puppy classes and gradually acclimating your whippet to the world at their pace is key.

Whippet Health and Care

Although generally healthy, whippets are prone to certain health conditions you should be aware of:

Deafness – Some whippets, particularly those with a lot of white on their heads, can be born deaf in one or both ears.
Eye disorders – Whippets can develop progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative disease that eventually leads to blindness.
Orthopedic issues – Like many deep-chested breeds, whippets can experience patellar luxation (slipped kneecaps) and hip dysplasia.
Von Willebrand‘s disease – Some whippets inherit this blood clotting disorder.
Hypothyroidism – Low thyroid function can occur and may require lifelong medication.
Dental disease – Whippets are prone to periodontal issues, so daily tooth brushing and professional cleanings are a must.
Allergies – Sensitive whippet skin can develop allergic dermatitis from environmental or food triggers.

Reputable breeders screen for these heritable disorders, so always do your research and insist on seeing health certifications for the parents and puppies before buying a whippet. Rescues also typically provide veterinary care before adoption.

In addition to proper socialization and training, whippets require regular nail trims (every 2-4 weeks), dental care, parasite prevention, and at least annual check-ups with a vet. This slender, lanky breed requires thick, cushiony bedding to prevent calluses/pressure sores from lying on hard surfaces.

Is a whippet right for you?

Whippets can thrive in many different living situations as long as their needs for exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, and preventative care are met. They make excellent companions for active singles or families who want a dog to share long walks or jogs with. Whippets can also be a good choice for seniors seeking a calm, low-maintenance indoor pet.

However, very busy households with young children may be too chaotic for this sensitive breed. Whippets also aren‘t well-suited for people who aren‘t home much, as they crave companionship and can become anxious or destructive if isolated. And if you own cats or other small pets, a whippet‘s high prey drive can pose risks even with training and careful management.

Whether you choose to purchase a whippet puppy from a responsible breeder or adopt from a sighthound rescue group, research is paramount. Take the time to explore both the joys and challenges of living with a whippet and be honest about your lifestyle and what you‘re looking for in a dog. If a gentle, affectionate, low-maintenance but highly athletic companion sounds like your ideal match, a wonderful whippet may be in your future!