Buying or Adopting a Whippet
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Whippet until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Whippet the right breed for you?
Whippet Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Whippet?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- No very small dogs in the household
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Whippet stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as lure coursing for sighthounds; challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Whippets are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Whippet to lots of people and other animals
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Whippet, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Whippet?
Whippets are moderately common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Whippets rank 60th.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Whippet available from a Dog Rescue group. Whippets may be turned over to Rescue simply because they act like sighthounds, rather than more familiar breeds like Labs and Cocker Spaniels. The sighthound temperament is not well-matched to many people.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Whippets are occasionally found here, but Whippet Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. If a Whippet turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Whippet from a show breeder, who breeds Whippets to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Whippet from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Whippet puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or a report from a veterinary cardiologist – dated within the past year – certifying that the dog has had an Advanced Cardiac Exam and has a normal heart
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Whippet ends up with cataracts and heart disease.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Whippets are occasionally found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Whippet Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Whippet puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Whippet puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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