The Ultimutt Whippet Handbook

This gentle-tempered pooch has a lineage dating back to the late 18th century in Northern England (particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire) - though dogs that looked similar to the Whippet can be traced to even earlier times in ancient Egypt. They were originally developed by crossing Greyhounds with terriers. The combination of the two resulted in a pooch that was smaller and more agile than their grey ancestors, making them well-suited to hunting small game. It was this agility and hunting instinct that made them well-suited to racing. Whippet racing was a popular sport in the 19th century, with the breed being dubbed the ‘poor man’s racehorse’. Often a community event, the dogs would run down a straight track, often after a piece of clothing or rag, thus earning the nickname ‘rag dog’. 

The Kennel Club in the UK recognised the breed in 1891. These days, Whippets are beloved for their affectionate personality, speed, and ease of care. Despite their racing heritage, they’re surprisingly calm and laid back indoors, with a loving nature, well suited for family life. They’re gentle and kind towards children, though it’s worth mentioning that given their innate desire to chase after small animals, co-existing alongside pets such as rabbits isn’t really feasible.

Many traits of the Whippet endear them to dog lovers. It’s safe to say they’re Zoomies champions. Famously fast, despite their agility their zoomie sessions can be hilarious as they zig-zag and leap around. However - despite what many think - these pooches know how to lounge. They’re very happy to spend hours curled up in comfortable places and are very canny at finding the most comfortable and warm spots in the house. As a breed with a thin coat and very little body fat, they can feel the cold more than hairier alternative breeds. Unsurprisingly, therefore, they do have an inclination to burrow under blankets or any other soft furnishings. 

Other traits you’ll see in a Whippet include their quiet demeanour, preferring eye and body language for communication rather than barking. Additionally, Whippets are ‘sighthounds’, meaning they have a strong sense of vision and can spot movement from a big distance. This can often lead to funny moments where they freeze and stare at something far away, often confusing prey for something mundane like a plastic bag drifting in the wind! It can also present some challenges in achieving ‘perfect recall’, as the breed can be very easily distracted by sights and sounds when about.

Whippets are a generally healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to some conditions. Some of the more common health issues include hip dysplasia. This is where the joint in the hip doesn’t develop properly, which results in abnormal development and can lead to arthritis. The symptoms of this are lameness, difficulty standing or reluctance to exercise. The best way to prevent and manage this is effective weight management, but in more serious circumstances, surgery may be required.

Whippets can also sometimes be prone to mitral valve disease (MVD), a condition affecting the heart’s valve that can lead to heart failure over time. Regular vet check-ups can detect early signs of any heart issues. In their eyes, Whippets can develop progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative disease that can eventually lead to blindness. Being wary of any deterioration in your dog’s vision is beneficial, and ensure you speak to your vet should you notice any issues.

Whippets are highly energetic when outside, but as mentioned above, once exercised they can be relaxed indoors. Daily exercise is important to burn off energy and maintain lean muscles. They are sprinters rather than endurance runners, so ‘little and often’ is the best regime to follow for walks. As a sighthound, Whippets have a strong prey drive and will take off after small animals immediately. So tall, secure fencing is necessary for garden activity and walks on the lead are strongly recommended. With their thin coat and low body fat, they are particularly susceptible to the cold, so consider a dog coat or sweater for the outdoors, particularly in winter. They’re an intelligent breed but also independent. Positive reinforcement will be most effective in training them, and the training is important to make recall training as good as possible to prevent them from chasing wildlife. As with all breeds, socialising them from a young age with other dogs will prevent any timidity.

A short, sleek coat makes the grooming of a Whippet relatively simple, though there is still guidance you can follow to ensure their hygiene and comfort. Their short coat sheds year-round, and brushing once a week with a soft-bristle or rubber grooming mitt is generally sufficient to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. If they get particularly dirty, bathing is advised. Always use a dog-friendly shampoo and never bathe them more regularly than every 6-8 weeks, to avoid irritating their skin. With thin skin, Whippets are prone to cuts and scrapes, so ensure if they’ve been playing in rough areas that they aren’t cut. A vet-approved antiseptic can be applied to any injuries.

A balanced diet that provides all necessary nutrients is imperative for the health and well-being of your pooch. High-quality animal proteins (i.e. chicken, beef, fish) should be central to their diet, and avoiding food that contains fillers (corn, soy, wheat) - these provide little nutritional value but can cause digestive problems in some dogs. Healthy fats, like those from fish oil (rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids), will help a shiny coat and joint health. 

Whippets are designed to be slim dogs and will be lean naturally, but this makes it important to avoid overfeeding (proper portion control is a must) as their legs aren’t designed to carry an overweight body! Feeding consistently will help your dog’s weight as well as their digestion. Regular meal times, at the same time each day, will allow for a routine. Leaving food out all day, or ‘free-feeding’ can lead to overeating and weight gain. As for any dog, ensure fresh water is available throughout the day, particularly after exercising or meals.