Whippet Care and Temperament: What You Need to Know
The Whippet is classified as a medium-sized dog, although they're often mistaken for smaller due to comparisons with the tall, slender Greyhound. Originally regarded as small Greyhounds unsuitable for traditional hunting roles, Whippets found their unique niche in sporting, especially in Whippet racing, a popular dog track sport still enjoyed today.
Beyond their athletic past, Whippets make wonderful companion animals and family pets. However, prospective owners should understand their strong hunting instincts and the potential risk to small pets or local wildlife. Importantly, many retired racing Whippets become available for rehoming each year, offering excellent opportunities to adopt a Whippet rather than purchase one.
Understanding Whippets' Hunting Instincts
As sighthounds, Whippets hunt primarily by sight rather than scent. They excel at spotting movement and can reach bursts of speeds up to 35 mph. However, their eyesight is less effective at detecting stationary objects. Their intense prey drive means caution is needed during walks to ensure they don’t chase or harm smaller animals.
Training recall during a chase can be especially challenging, so owners should consider keeping Whippets on a lead in open areas or use enclosed off-lead spaces. In some cases, muzzles might be recommended for safer off-lead play when local wildlife or small pets are present.
How Much Exercise Do Whippets Need?
Despite their incredible speed, Whippets are surprisingly laid-back indoors. Much like Greyhounds, they’re content to be couch potatoes, often lounging for extended periods. They typically need moderate daily exercise—around 45 to 60 minutes—with short bursts of vigorous running followed by rest. Don't worry about being worn out; their energetic play sessions are usually brief, after which they happily settle down.
Whippets as Family Pets
Despite their lean and athletic build, Whippets are affectionate, gentle, and sociable. They bond tightly with their humans and thrive on closeness and attention. When properly socialised, they get along well with children and other dogs. These dogs often enjoy curling up on laps or sofas and depending on their calm, low-key nature, make excellent indoor companions.
Training and Behaviour Tips for Whippet Owners
Whippets are intelligent, gentle, and eager to please, making training a rewarding experience with positive reinforcement, especially treats. Be mindful, though, that their strong hunting drive can challenge recall reliability during outdoor play. Early and consistent training, including socialisation, careful use of rewards, and patience, is essential.
Because of their sensitivity, harsh corrections may upset them; gentle guidance is more effective. Additionally, given the recall challenges, responsibility is key when allowing Whippets off the lead, to protect both the dog and local wildlife or small pets.
Summary of Whippet Care and Temperament
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, gentle, calm, and sensitive |
| Exercise | Moderate: short sprint bursts with rest periods |
| Social Interaction | Good with people, dogs, and children when socialised |
| Recall | Can be unreliable during chase; caution advised |
| Grooming | Low maintenance; occasional brushing |
| Climate Sensitivity | Prone to cold; may need coats or sweaters in winter |
| Ideal Home | Calm, loving, with safe exercise opportunities |
Whippets are ideal for owners who want a loving, low-key companion with a history of athleticism but choose a relaxed lifestyle. Providing regular, safe exercise and gentle training ensures a happy and healthy pet.
Questions About Whippet Care
How much exercise does a Whippet really need?
Quick Answer: Whippets require moderate daily exercise: 45-60 minutes including short bursts of high-speed running followed by rest.
Despite their speed and athletic background, Whippets are sprinters, not endurance runners. They enjoy short bursts of fast running but quickly tire and prefer resting indoors. This makes them suitable for owners who want a moderate activity canine without constant intense exercise demands.
Can Whippets live with cats or small pets?
Quick Answer: Whippets have a strong hunting instinct and may not be safe around cats or small animals unless well trained and supervised.
As sighthounds, Whippets' prey drive is strong; they can instinctively chase smaller animals. Proper socialisation from a young age and vigilant supervision are crucial if you intend to keep cats or other small pets. Using leads or enclosures during outdoor time helps safeguard other animals.
