Whippet

• ExerciseModerate

  A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceFlexible

  Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment12–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Heart disease · Deafness · Cataracts

The Whippet is a gentle, quiet, easy-to-live-with sighthound that leads a charming double life: a 60 km/h sprinter for a few explosive minutes, and a devoted, cuddly sofa ornament for the other twenty-three hours a day. Its exercise needs are modest but specific — it needs the chance to run flat-out in a safe, enclosed space regularly, but otherwise it is calm, clean and undemanding indoors, making it a wonderful, low-fuss companion for many homes including apartments. Sensitive and affectionate, it responds only to gentle, positive training; harsh handling frightens it. Two traits define daily life: a strong prey drive means it may chase small animals and cannot be trusted off-lead in open areas, so recall is unreliable; and with almost no body fat, the Whippet feels the cold intensely and needs a coat in winter and soft, warm bedding. The short coat is wonderfully easy, needing only a weekly wipe. Health-wise the Whippet is one of the healthiest purebred dogs, but be aware it can have heart conditions and, due to its low body fat, is sensitive to anaesthesia (tell your vet). Give it a soft warm bed, safe running, gentle handling and companionship, and a Whippet will be a serene, devoted companion for twelve to fifteen years.

• How much exercise does a Whippet need?

  Moderate. A daily walk plus some playtime hits the spot.

• How much grooming does a Whippet need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a Whippet suited to apartment living?

  Flexible. Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Is a Whippet a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Whippet live?

  12–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Whippet?

  Keep an eye out for Heart disease, Deafness, Cataracts. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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