Whippet
Description
Whippets are sleek, athletic dogs originally bred in England for racing and hunting small game. Their slim, aerodynamic build allows bursts of speed up to 35 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest dog breeds. Despite their racing heritage, they’re surprisingly calm indoors, often content to lounge quietly for hours. This breed is affectionate and gentle, usually good with children and other dogs. Their quiet demeanor at home contrasts with their love for sprinting and chasing outdoors. Whippets can be independent and sometimes stubborn, so patient, positive training works best. Their sensitive nature means harsh corrections won’t get far.
Grooming
Whippets have short, smooth coats that shed lightly to moderately throughout the year. Their grooming needs are straightforward but consistent care helps keep their coat healthy and shiny. Brush your Whippet weekly using a rubber curry or bristle brush to remove loose hairs and distribute natural oils. Bathe only every 4 to 8 weeks to avoid drying out their skin. Nail trims should happen every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on activity level and wear. Check and clean ears monthly to prevent buildup. Whippets come in a variety of colors and patterns, including brindles, masks, and white markings. Light-colored coats may show dirt more easily, so spot cleaning can help maintain their appearance between baths. - Weekly brushing with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bath every 4–8 weeks, no more - Nail trims every 2–4 weeks - Ear checks and cleaning monthly - Spot clean light coats as needed Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to wipe down after outdoor play to reduce dirt buildup.
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Whippets need about 65 minutes of walking daily, usually best in a single session to match their sprint-rest style. They enjoy a good run but also appreciate calm, exploratory walks to engage their senses without overexertion. A consistent routine helps them settle and reduces stubborn behavior. Example routine: Morning: 10-minute leash walk to stretch and sniff. Evening: 55-minute walk with opportunities to sprint in a secure area. Short walks warm them up. Long walks satisfy their curiosity and exercise needs.
Boarding
When boarding a Whippet, provide a crate sized between 36 and 42 inches to accommodate their slender frame comfortably. They prefer a quiet environment with soft bedding to rest after exercise. Whippets enjoy daily exercise that includes calm decompression time to wind down from bursts of activity. Avoid small-animal toys since their prey drive can trigger chasing instincts. Secure fencing is essential to prevent escapes during outdoor play. Staff should note the Whippet’s sensitive nature and use gentle handling and positive reinforcement. Socialization with other calm dogs is usually welcomed but monitor interactions to avoid overstimulation. Enrichment should focus on mental stimulation and low-impact physical activity to keep them happy and relaxed while boarding.