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Each month we will be shining a light on different dog breeds in our series, Dog Breed of the Month. Next up, we look at small and speedy Whippets.
“Whippets are a wonderful companion thanks to their gentle and affectionate nature. Whilst they do enjoy relaxing at home, they also need up to an hour of exercise a day to meet their needs,” Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, told the Country Living.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Whippets…
What were Whippets originally bred for?
“As a small and speedy sighthound, Whippets were originally bred to course rabbits in Victorian times until this was outlawed,” Bill tells us. “The breed is now popular both as a calm and loving family companion, but also within the show-ring, having won Best in Show at Crufts three times (and awarded Reserve Best in Show a further three times!)”
Are Whippets good pets?
Whippets are natural family pets, famed for being good with both small children and other dogs.
“They are a great family dog thanks to their affectionate nature, and they can be good with children and other dogs,” adds Bill. “Thanks to their history of chasing rabbits, they are a breed that will enjoy activities such as agility and flyball, but are also very successful within the hobby of dog showing, having most recently won Crufts Best in Show in 2018.”
Do Whippets have any health issues?
According to the PDSA, some of the health conditions Whippets struggle from can include:
- eye problems
- Progressive Retinal atrophy – gradual loss of sight over several months or years
- Mitral valve disease – a heart condition where the valve is weakened allowing blood to flow back into the heart
- Immune mediated problems – where the body reacts against its own cells
- They are delicate dogs who may cut their skins on thorns, twigs and other sharp objects
- They may damage their bones running on even ground, so you may want to double-check the ground where they walk for potential hazards
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Are Whippets loud dogs?
It is normal for dogs to bark, but Whippets are not known for being particularly vocal pups. The PDSA explain: “In fact, they are known to be silent hunters (originally bred to be used in hunting). Your Whippet is only really likely to bark if they are unhappy or bored. If you’re having a problem with excessive noise we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist.”
What are the best owners for Whippets?
Affectionate and loving Whippets are great for a whole range of owners, including first-time pet parents.
“Whippets are adaptable and gentle dogs so are a suitable for owners in either the country or the city,” explains Bill. “If living in a flat, they will still need access to a generously-sized green area where they can run and stretch their legs, with a recommended hour of exercise a day. They tend to have low energy levels indoors but will become overactive if their exercise needs are not met.”
Need some more help finding the right pup to adopt? Take a look at our expert-approved guides below:
12 of the best dog brushes to keep your pup perfectly groomed
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