Whippet.

The Whippet is generally not a fussy eater. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) and adjustments will be required as their needs change with age. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Whippets have short, smooth coats, and are average shedders. They’ll shed lightly during the year and undergo two seasonal sheds as well – once in the spring to lose the winter coat and a lighter shed in the fall to shed the summer coat. Regular brushing of his coat will help remove the little hair that is shed. They are not hypoallergenic dogs.

The Whippet is fairly low maintenance in terms of grooming. However, it is important to note that they have smooth, fine, short-haired coats which lie close to the body. They have sensitive skin, so avoid any harsh shampoos to prevent skin reactions. Regular rubbing with a damp chamois will help keep the coat gleaming. The Whippet also does not have any “doggy odour”, so bathe them only when necessary. Brush your Whippet’s teeth regularly to remove tartar buildup. Trim his nails once or twice a month.

The Whippet has moderate energy and exercise levels. They are an athletic breed, so long walks once or twice a day will be adequate to keep them stimulated. As natural sprinters, they are capable of short, sharp bursts of fast running, rather than running for prolonged distances. It is best to exercise them on clear, flat surfaces, as opposed to uneven ground, which may lead to injury. As traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Whippets may tend to chase cars, smaller dogs and animals when off-leash, so care should be taken. It is best to let them exercise in a fenced yard or exercise area, which will be safe enough to let them run at full speed. Although they love playing in the snow, they cannot stand cold weather for long periods of time due to their thin coats and lack of heat retaining body fats. When not exercising, they tend to be quite lazy, and are content with spending much of the day relaxing.

Whippets are a generally healthy breed with few health issues. However, they can be prone to upset stomaches due to poor quality food and skin problems. Furthermore, they have a very fine coat which is not effective in providing protection to their skin. Their limbs are also easily susceptible to injury. Veterinary care is essential to a dog’s health and wellbeing, however the frequency of treatment and checkups will depend on the dog. Scheduled six-monthly health check visits with your vet are important to ensure your Whippet is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. In these annual visits, your vet will complete a physical examination, take your dog’s temperature and check his heartbeat, among other things. Routine maintenance for your dog gives you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development and discuss any concerns with your vet, and forms a key part of preventative care.

While they are wonderful with children, Whippets can be startled easily and may over-react to surprises. Children should always be supervised and taught to respect the Whippet’s personal space. They will show a great deal of tolerance towards kids and are very easy going, but don’t like excessive pestering. Whippets should not be awoken suddenly or hassled during their rest. Between bursts of intense pursuit, Whippets love to stretch out and relax for long hours, and enjoy having the role of a loving, and loved, companion.Whippets like a fenced yard to run in, but they do nicely in cozy apartments too – as long as they are exercised properly. Another plus for city dwellers: Whippets rarely bark. Despite the breed’s elegant looks, the Whippet is a robust, low-maintenance dog.

The Whippet is an intelligent and adaptable dog but can be slow to learn. Whippets can be trained for agility and obedience, in addition to their racing, working and companionship roles. Young Whippets are smart, agile, and mischievous, and they can jump and climb, so confining them safely while not under supervision is a must. Early socialisation and puppy training classes are recommended and help to ensure that the dog grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion. They are gentle and non-aggressive. The biggest danger to people is their wagging tail that can leave welts on you once it gets going and smacks your leg. They are hopeless as protection dogs.

Be aware that Whippets are traditionally hunting dogs. They love to chase anything that moves, and that includes the neighbourhood cats. Normally, Whippets tend to chase cars, smaller dogs or wild animals particularly when off-leash. However, they do get along well with family cats and dogs. They enjoy their company, and the presence of another dog can help prevent them from feeling lonely if their owners are away during the day. Aggression towards other animals in the home is not common, however early socialisation will, as always, help to prevent any problems.