Whippet: Sprinter at the Park, Sleeper at Home

A Couch Dog in an Athlete's Body

Whippets are gentle, quiet and affectionate, and usually calm indoors. They suit apartments and houses alike, families with considerate children, and owners who want a dog that settles well.

They are a harder fit for homes with small pets they might chase, and for owners who want reliable off-leash recall in open country.

Sprints and Naps

A Whippet's ideal day includes a chance to run flat out in a safe, fenced space, a sniffy walk, and a lot of sleeping. Lure coursing and racing clubs offer a safe outlet for the sprint. Warm up with a walk before a fast run, especially in cold weather.

Thin Skin and the Cold

Whippets have very little body fat and a fine coat, so they feel the cold. A well-fitted coat for cold or wet walks and pajamas or a fleece for chilly homes are normal kit, not fashion. Their skin is also thin and can tear on barbed wire, branches or rough play, so check them over after walks. A soft bed, ideally with a blanket to burrow under, is a must.

Chase Instinct and Recall

Whippets are sighthounds: they chase what they see, fast. Practice recall with a long line, let them run only in secure places, and keep them leashed near roads, livestock and wildlife. Many live happily with a cat they grew up with but will chase strange cats outdoors. A wide "martingale" style collar or a well-fitted harness suits their narrow heads better than a standard collar they can slip.

Health: Checks and Vet Visits

Ask a breeder what health checks the parents have had, and see the results. Sighthounds have some differences from other breeds that matter to vets, so choose a vet who knows them, and tell your vet your dog is a Whippet. Keep teeth brushed and ask about vaccinations, neutering and a parasite plan.

Worming, flea and tick products and any medicines: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. They can tell you what suits a lean sighthound.