Whippets – the large, noble-looking sighthounds from England, impress not only with their legendary speed when running but also with their quiet, friendly, and balanced nature.

History of the Whippet

The history of these elegant hunting dogs is as mysterious as it is fascinating – because no one knows exactly when and by whom the first Whippets were bred. Presumably, it was English miners who stole Greyhounds and various terrier breeds from the nobility to use them for hunting: Often, there was great hunger, and with the fast, agile dogs, poor working-class families could expand their otherwise rather meager diet with tasty rabbits and hares.

Later, these incredibly fast animals, which also move extremely gracefully, were used in dog racing – a sporting pleasure that neither the nobility nor the common people missed out on and continues to this day.

Nature and Character

These noble-looking dogs not only appear very elegant but, with proper training, also know how to behave perfectly in many different situations, making them suitable not only for hunting but also as loyal companions in everyday life. They are welcome guests in restaurants, parks, and many other places because they can be quiet and unobtrusive. At home, a well-exercised Whippet will be a pleasant companion: these medium-sized dogs are affectionate and cuddly, loving physical contact while dozing and sleeping. Therefore, many dog ​​owners keep not just one, but several Whippets to enable a species-appropriate lifestyle in a pack.

The Whippet is quite different outdoors: due to its very strong hunting instinct and desire for movement, it is always searching for potential prey in the forest and fields, which makes good training so important. The hunting instinct should be controlled from the beginning and allowed in connection with play and fun with the owner; otherwise, the important free-running for the Whippet can only be possible in fenced areas.

Additionally, they love to run, play, and frolic, are agile, and very active. Dogs of this breed find it difficult to accept longer periods of rest and lethargy. So, despite their balanced nature and character, a Whippet is not recommended for couch potatoes!

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	Medium
Playfulness	High
Energy Level	Medium
Trainability	High
Intelligence	Medium
Tendency to Bark	Low
Amount of Shedding	Low

Acquiring a Whippet

Anyone looking to acquire a Whippet should be aware that these dogs require a lot of company and physical contact – it may be advisable to keep two or more of these dogs together so they do not feel lonely – especially if the owner has to work or has other commitments.

Moreover, you must also consider their great need for movement and fast running: not everyone can truly guarantee so much exercise. Whippets are suitable as jogging partners, but they must be slowed down considerably. Even alongside a bicycle, these incredibly fast dogs cannot really fully exhaust themselves; after all, they can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h! Therefore, it would be ideal to use them for a fast-paced sport like agility, coursing, dog racing – or indeed for hunting, their original purpose.

What should I consider when buying?

Firstly, the question arises whether to choose an adult Whippet from a shelter or from private ownership, or perhaps a puppy from a breeder.

When selecting a Whippet puppy, as with puppies of all breeds, it’s important to ensure they come from a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and temperament of the parents, avoids inbreeding, and properly socializes and prepares the puppies for their future lives. Avoid purchases from car trunks, dirty stores, or dubious pet shops or websites – a puppy is a living being, and the search for one should never become a bargain hunt!

For an adult Whippet, it’s crucial that there is chemistry between the animal and the prospective owner; here, useful information about the character, habits, basic training, recall, and the extent of the hunting instinct can be obtained from previous owners or shelter staff. Additionally, any potential illnesses and intolerances are usually already known in older dogs, so one can assess the future veterinary costs before making the purchase. Adult Whippets can be found not only in shelters but also in organizations like “Whippet in Need,” dedicated to rehoming Whippets in search of new homes.

Puppy Development and Training

A Whippet puppy, like any other puppy, is initially a baby to a toddler – everything is new and exciting for them, and they have a lot to learn. In the first year, short sessions are sufficient, focusing on recall and the most important basic commands. This, in addition to everyday life, practicing behavior in traffic, the rules of the new home, and getting used to harnesses and leashes, is enough material to mentally stimulate the dog; overloading them with everything else could overwhelm them and turn an otherwise stable and calm dog into a hyperactive bundle of nerves.

However, with Whippets, another aspect comes into play: since dogs of this breed can become incredibly fast, it’s important for the puppy to run off-leash as much as possible from the beginning. Only then can they learn to gauge and control their strength, practice timely braking and turning before obstacles, and become secure in their movements, preventing future injuries and coordination problems.

Also, be prepared for the fact that the Whippet puppy may not always be as calm and relaxed as an adult – puppies of this breed are full of energy, often using the entire apartment as a personal obstacle course, where they run, jump, and play. Until a Whippet puppy learns to settle down, the owner will need fairly good nerves.

How do I care for a Whippet?

Ideally, not alone: these outgoing, affectionate dogs feel most comfortable in a pack or at least in pairs. This way, they always have company, even when the owner cannot be with them all day.

Whether one Whippet or several: adequate exercise, mental stimulation, and engagement are incredibly important for these active, agile dogs. Otherwise, they can become unbalanced, depressed, or very demanding, as they will eventually find their own activities when faced with prolonged boredom. Destructive behavior, uncontrolled chasing, or self-destructive habits like ticks or excessive paw and tail chewing can be unpleasant consequences.

Activities with the Whippet

Since Whippets are very energetic and fast, they are not only ideal for accompanying their owner on cycling or similar fast-paced activities. They also enjoy romping around in the field, playing fetch, or retrieving – both of which can redirect their hunting instinct effectively with proper training.

Whippets are also pleasant, quick-learning partners in fast dog sports such as dog racing, agility, coursing (group chasing), frisbee, or flyball, and are often very successful. Of course, they can still be used for their original activity, hunting, to this day.

Health and Grooming

Whippets are generally robust, easy-to-care-for dogs – however, their claws do not naturally wear down, so they need regular trimming to avoid pain and resulting foot deformities.

Additionally, their coat is quite thin and lacks an insulating undercoat; this isn’t a problem during free-running, as these agile bundles of energy can keep themselves warm due to their high speeds. However, in cold winters, on rainy days, or when walking on a leash, it may be necessary to provide these delicately built creatures with a sweater or jacket to prevent them from getting cold. This eliminates the need for hours of brushing and time-consuming coat care, although Whippets, like most dogs, can shed quite a bit during shedding season.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

Whippets are balanced dogs, pleasantly calm and relaxed at home, enjoying cuddling and being very attached to their owners. Outdoors, however, they love action and movement, are incredibly fast, and keep their owners constantly on their toes. Well-trained, they can accompany their owner through everyday life – they learn quickly and usually have a good sense of appropriate behavior.

They can sit politely on a blanket in a restaurant, and in the field and meadow, they can play and frolic to their heart’s content, letting loose and giving it their all. Whippets are the perfect dogs for people who love spending a lot of time with their dog and aren’t afraid to ensure sufficient exercise in all weather conditions; this breed is also ideal for dog sports enthusiasts.

Do you have a Whippet or are you planning to get one in the future? Tell us what makes the breed so special in the comments!