10 Things to Know About the Whippet Before You Buy One

If you’re considering adding a Whippet to your family, understanding this elegant, affectionate breed is essential. Whippets combine speed, grace, and gentle temperament making them wonderful companions for many households. If you’re searching how to buy a dog or where to buy a puppy, starting with reputable sources like Pets4Homes can connect you to trusted breeders of Whippets and other puppies. This guide is designed to help you navigate responsible ownership, training, health, and cost considerations, along with key questions to ask when buying a puppy and tips on finding the best place to buy a dog. Consider purchasing your puppy in spring, an ideal time for settling in a new pet.

1. Whippet Temperament: Gentle Yet Energetic

Whippets are affectionate, gentle, and usually calm indoors, making them excellent family dogs. They are quiet, dignified, and bond deeply with their owners but require regular exercise to release bursts of energy. Expect a playful nature paired with a strong prey drive; Whippets love to chase anything that moves, so secure, supervised environments are important to keep them safe and balanced.

2. Exercise Needs: Running and Relaxing Balanced

Despite being known as "poor man’s racehorses," Whippets only require about 1-2 hours of exercise daily — including brisk walks and short sprints. Their natural speed and muscular build mean they love to run freely but also appreciate long periods of rest and cuddling.

3. Whippet Health and Care Expectations

Whippets are generally healthy with few breed-specific issues but have minimal body fat and a thin coat, making them susceptible to cold weather. Invest in warm dog coats to protect your pet during chilly months. Weekly grooming is needed to maintain their sleek coat, and regular vet check-ups with a balanced diet help maintain their athletic build and liveliness.

4. Behavioural Traits: Training and Socialisation

While inherently gentle, Whippets benefit from early socialisation and consistent training. Their prey drive requires careful management, especially around cats and smaller animals. Whippets tend to be good with children if properly supervised but may need additional training to coexist comfortably with other pets.

5. Cost Considerations: What to Expect

Owning a Whippet involves initial costs like purchasing from a reputable breeder or rescue, vaccinations, microchipping, and necessary supplies such as coats, bedding, and toys. Ongoing costs include food, routine vet visits, grooming, and possibly training classes. Budget wisely to provide lifelong, stress-free care.

6. How to Buy a Dog: Steps to Take

1. Research breeds to find one that suits your lifestyle.
2. Use trusted platforms like the Kennel Club Find a Puppy alongside Pets4Homes to locate responsible breeders.
3. Visit the breeder’s premises to meet the puppy’s parents and assess living conditions.
4. Avoid puppy farms or unverified sellers to prevent unethical purchases.

7. Where to Buy a Puppy: Finding Reputable Breeders

The best place to buy a dog like a Whippet is from registered breeders who prioritise health and temperament over profit. Use online marketplaces such as Pets4Homes that list verified breeders adhering to Kennel Club guidelines. Always cross-check breeder credentials, request health certifications, and read reviews for peace of mind.

8. Questions to Ask When Buying a Puppy: What to Know

Essential questions to ask when buying a puppy include:

• Can I meet the puppy’s parents to assess temperament and health?
• What health tests have the parents undergone?
• Are vaccinations and microchipping up to date?
• Can you provide references from previous buyers?
• How is the puppy socialised and what training has been started?

These questions help ensure you adopt a healthy, well-adjusted dog and support ethical breeding practices.

9. Living with a Whippet: Space and Compatibility

Whippets adapt well to city or country living but benefit from access to a secure garden. Their quiet indoor nature means they fit well in apartments if exercise needs are met. They are neither drooly nor noisy but require gentle handling and affection for their sensitive personalities.

10. Training Tips: Patience and Positive Reinforcement

Whippets respond best to gentle, consistent training methods using positive reinforcement. Early socialisation, patience, and suitable mental stimulation help curb chasing instincts and separation anxiety. Regular training sessions build confidence while fostering a strong bond with their owners.

By keeping these key points in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome a Whippet into your life responsibly and joyfully. Starting from how to buy a dog responsibly and knowing exactly what questions to ask when buying a puppy will set you on the path to many happy years with your new four-legged friend.