Gentle and Affectionate

Whippets are loving and loyal companions, known for their calm demeanor indoors.

Low Grooming Needs

Their short coat requires minimal maintenance and sheds only moderately.

Good with Children and Pets

Whippets are generally good with children and get along well with other dogs.

Quiet and Well-Mannered

They are not known for excessive barking, making them great for urban or suburban living.

High Exercise Needs

They require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy, especially off-leash running in secure areas.

Sensitive to Cold

Their short coat provides little insulation, so they need extra care in colder climates.

Strong Prey Drive

Whippets may chase smaller animals, requiring supervision and secure fencing.

Fragile Build

Their slender frame makes them prone to injuries during rough play or high-impact activities.

Exercise Needs

Whippets are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom. They enjoy running, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports like agility or lure coursing.

Walks

Whippets need at least one or two long walks per day, along with opportunities to run in secure areas. They thrive in environments where they can stretch their legs and use their speed.

Training

Whippets are intelligent and eager to please but can be independent and easily distracted, especially outdoors. Early obedience training is essential, and positive reinforcement methods work best. Recall training is particularly important due to their strong prey drive.

Purchase Price

$2,000 - $4,000 AUD depending on breeder and lineage.

Initial Setup

Around $400 - $700 AUD. (crate, bed, toys, etc.)

Food

Approximately $700 - $1,000 AUD per year, depending on dietary needs.

Grooming

Minimal grooming costs, typically around $100 - $200 AUD per year, as their short coat is low-maintenance.

Vet Bills

Initial vaccinations, microchipping, and desexing can cost around $500 - $1,000 AUD. Ongoing annual check-ups and preventive care could cost $400 - $700 AUD per year, with additional expenses for managing potential joint or heart issues.

Total Lifetime Cost

Over a 12-15 year lifespan, the total cost of ownership can range from $20,000 - $35,000 AUD, depending on health and lifestyle factors.

Size and Weight

Whippets typically stand 45-56 cm (18-22 inches) tall and weigh between 10-18 kg (22-40 lbs), with males being slightly larger than females.

Coat

They have a short, sleek, and fine coat that is low-shedding and easy to maintain. Regular brushing helps keep their coat healthy and remove loose hair.

Color Options

Whippets come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including black, white, fawn, brindle, blue, and various combinations.

Temperament

Whippets are known for their gentle, friendly, and affectionate temperament. They form strong bonds with their families and are typically good-natured and calm indoors. While they are energetic during play and exercise, they quickly settle down and enjoy relaxing with their owners. Whippets are intelligent and eager to please, but they can be sensitive and require gentle training methods.

Good with Children

Whippets are excellent with children due to their gentle and patient nature. They are playful but not overly boisterous, making them suitable companions for families with kids of all ages.

Socialization

Early socialization is important to ensure Whippets are confident and well-adjusted around new people, pets, and environments. Proper socialization helps reduce the risk of shyness or over-excitement.

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Whippets prefer to live indoors with their families but enjoy regular outdoor time for exercise. They are not suited for full-time outdoor living due to their short coat and desire for human companionship.

Apartment Living

Whippets can adapt well to apartment living due to their quiet and calm indoor behavior. However, they need regular outdoor exercise to burn off energy.

Time Alone

Whippets do not like being left alone for long periods and may develop separation anxiety if isolated. They are best suited to homes where someone is present for most of the day or where they have another pet for company.

Climate Adaptability

Whippets are sensitive to cold weather due to their short coat and low body fat. In colder climates, they may need jackets or blankets to stay warm. They adapt well to Australia's warmer regions but require plenty of water and shade during hot weather.

Common Health Issues

Whippets are generally healthy dogs but can be prone to certain conditions, including Hip dysplasia, Heart conditions, Eye disorders and Skin sensitivity. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise are essential for maintaining their health.

Ethical Breeding Considerations

Due to their predisposition to certain genetic conditions, it is important to purchase from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings. Ethical breeding practices help reduce the risk of hereditary health problems and ensure the well-being of the puppies.

Guarding Ability

Whippets are not natural guard dogs but may bark to alert their owners of strangers. They are typically too friendly to act as effective protectors.

Affectionate Nature

Whippets are loving and enjoy spending time with their families. They are known for their gentle and loyal demeanor.

Suitability for Dog Parks

Whippets are social and enjoy interacting with other dogs in dog parks, but supervision is recommended due to their high prey drive. Secure fencing is essential in open areas.