Whippet

Affectionate at home and quick to notice movement

Whippets are sighthounds, which means they rely heavily on sight when hunting. They were bred to chase small animals at speed. A rabbit darting across a path can be enough to send a Whippet running. Teaching a reliable recall, which means returning when called, is worth starting early. A lead is still advisable wherever wildlife may appear.

At home, many Whippets enjoy being close to their people and curling up somewhere warm and soft. Some are initially reserved around strangers. Giving them time to get acquainted and letting them choose when to approach can make introductions easier. Children should understand that a resting or sleeping dog needs peace, and adults should supervise play.

Some Whippets live peacefully with the household cat, particularly when they have grown up together. Their interactions should still be supervised. An unfamiliar cat suddenly running away outdoors can trigger the urge to chase. Rabbits and other small pets are also at risk of being chased and injured. They need their own area that the dog cannot access, and should not be allowed to roam freely together.

Day-to-day care

A soft brush once a week is usually enough for the short coat. Whippets have sensitive, thin skin. After a run through scrub, it is worth checking the legs, chest and paws for small injuries or thorns.

Their short coat and low body fat offer little insulation. A well-fitting dog coat can help in cold or wet weather. It should allow comfortable movement without rubbing. A soft bed is useful at home because bony areas such as the elbows and hips have little padding on a hard surface.

Teeth and nails need care too. Brief, rewarded practice can help the dog become comfortable with having its paws handled and mouth examined. The veterinary team can demonstrate how to brush the teeth and trim the nails.

Health

When choosing a puppy, it is worth discussing the health of both parents and other related dogs. Available eye examinations, heart findings and a history of known family conditions are useful information. PDSA lists heart valve disease, eye conditions and illnesses in which the immune system attacks the body's own cells among the concerns affecting Whippets.

With mitral valve disease, a heart valve no longer closes fully. Some blood flows backwards, making the heart work harder. Coughing, unusual tiredness or reduced stamina should be checked by a vet. Sudden difficulty breathing needs immediate emergency veterinary care.

Progressive retinal atrophy, usually shortened to PRA, affects the retina. This is the light-sensitive layer inside the eye that makes vision possible. Its sensory cells gradually deteriorate. A dog may first have difficulty seeing in low light or become less confident at dusk. Changes like these should be examined. A suddenly red or painful eye, holding an eye shut or an abrupt loss of orientation needs immediate veterinary assessment.

Lifespan

A UK study combining data from breed registries, veterinary practices, insurers and other sources included 4,971 dogs of this breed. It estimated median survival at about 13.4 years. At that age, about half the group was still alive according to the estimate. This cannot predict how long an individual dog will live.

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