Overview
The Whippet is the working man's greyhound, bred in the north of England for racing and rabbiting, and it remains one of the fastest dogs on the planet. Off the track it is soft, quiet, affectionate and lazy: a dog that will run flat out for five minutes and then spend the rest of the day under a blanket.
Walkers like Whippets because they are easy, calm company. The two things to respect are the chase, which no amount of training fully switches off, and the thin skin and coat, which tear easily and offer no protection from cold.
Exercise and walking needs
Forty-five minutes a day across two walks, with a chance to run properly in a safe, enclosed space, suits most adults. A Whippet that has had a sprint is a settled dog; one that has only walked on the lead will be fidgety at home.
They feel the cold badly and most owners send a coat; use it. In summer the breed copes well but should still have shade and water, and the thin skin burns on pale dogs.
On the walk
- Recall: Fine until something runs. A sighthound locks on visually and is gone before you can react, so only let it off where there is nothing to chase and nowhere to run into a road.
- Pulling: Light. A wide sighthound collar or a well-fitted harness; narrow collars slip straight over the head.
- Other dogs: Gentle and sociable, especially with other sighthounds. Rough play can injure the thin skin, so watch pushy playmates.
- Small animals: Cats, rabbits, squirrels and small fluffy dogs can all trigger the chase. Lead on near roads and livestock, and be careful on group walks with small dogs.
- Cuts and tears: The skin tears on barbed wire, brambles and sharp sticks. Check the dog over after any off-lead run.
Tips for professional walkers
- Find a safe, fenced place for the dog to sprint and build the walk around it.
- Use a sighthound collar or harness that cannot slip over the narrow head.
- Put the coat on in anything below mild; a shivering Whippet is not enjoying its walk.
- Check for cuts and ticks after off-lead time in cover.
- Let the dog sleep in the van or at home afterwards; the sprint-and-rest pattern is normal.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog chase small animals or small dogs, and where is it safe to let off the lead?
- Is there a coat for cold weather, and does the dog need it on wet days too?
- Any history of cuts or thin-skin injuries, and anywhere with wire to avoid?
- Is the dog comfortable with other dogs playing roughly, or does it need a calmer group?