Although generally healthy compared to many other breeds, whippets do have some common health problems, including corns. “Their short fur just requires occasional brushing to get rid of loose hairs and, while these dogs do shed moderate amounts, it’s not as much as some other breeds.” Bear in mind, too, that whippets are among the dog breeds most likely to have separation anxiety. Training whippets becomes easier if you start them early, ensuring they’re well socialized around other dogs and people.
Is The Whippet A Good Family Dog?
Some of the best dog toys will help – think frisbees and throwable plushes – and investing in the best dog puzzle toys won’t do any harm. You also need to engage in some stimulating play to keep the whippet’s body and mind in good shape. That said, you do need to invest some time keeping them fit and well. One thing’s for sure, they can certainly surprise you so let’s take a look at whether this breed is worth considering and whether or not reality matches up with expectation. Since they were originally bred to chase and capture small prey, however, they can also become very active in an incredibly short amount of time.
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According to Stanley Coren, professor of canine psychology, whippets possess an average intellect. This medium dog breed, however, should only really be considered if you have a safe, secure area for them to let off steam. “These dogs are generally settled and calm when they are in the house but they need at least an hour of good exercise each day,” Dr MacMillan adds. In this breed, we examine the temperament of a whippet and look at the practicalities of ownership, with advice from expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. These lightning-fast dogs are known for their affectionate nature, athleticism, and love of cozy naps Yes, it is possible to overdose on whippets, and doing so can have serious, even life-threatening consequences.
- In England and Wales, nitrous oxide is the third most-used drug after marijuana and cocaine.
- Inhaling whippets can cause temporary intoxication and feelings of euphoria similar to the effects of alcohol, but because the high lasts for only a few minutes, it can cause users to repeatedly inhale the drug, leading to negative health effects, according to a 2023 study.
- The ideal height for bitches is 44 to 47 cm (17.5 to 18.5 in), and for dogs 47 to 51 cm (18.5 to 20 in).
- This breed was primarily developed for catching rabbits, coursing competitions, straight racing, and the growing trend of show fancy.
Health
You may also want to put one of the best dog coats on a whippet when they’re out and about to keep them warm. Pay attention to their ears and nails and bath them occasionally and you’ll find whippets will look great. “These dogs are also very low maintenance when it comes to grooming,” says Dr MacMillan. One thing’s for sure, they’re not known for being aggressive around children but that’s not to say kids and whippets are always a good mix. So long as you socialize and train a whippet well, you will find this breed to be a wonderful addition to your home.
Dog Breed Intelligence Comparison
The breed was highly regarded in the northern parts of England, as well as in Wales, but was generally disregarded in the rest of the country. The name “Whippet” is derived from an early seventeenth-century term, now obsolete, meaning “to move briskly.” Later, in the 16th century, English physician and academic John Caius referenced both greater and lesser types of Leporarius, Grehounde (Greyhound) in his book De Canibus Britannicis.
It’s important to feed them food formulated for medium-sized or active breeds to maintain their sleek physique and overall well-being. As a lean, athletic breed with low body fat and high metabolism, Whippets thrive on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy for their bursts of activity while supporting muscle tone and joint health. Whippets are athletic and graceful dogs known for their bursts of speed and love of relaxation. Despite their racing heritage, they are surprisingly laid-back indoors and thrive on lounging beside their owners after short bursts of activity.
While nitrous oxide might not affect your memory, intelligence, or concentration to the extent that other drugs do, it will still whippets balloons have an impact. The side effects of whippets are like those of alcohol. No, they don’t show up in routine drug tests because the gas has a very short half-life and leaves the body very quickly.
Border Collie Dog Breed Information: Traits, Facts, Care & More
This presses into the foot and causes a limp, particularly when the dog walks on a hard surface,” says Dr MacMillan. Whippets are a good example of a low-maintenance dog but that extends beyond their fondness for a snooze and relatively low exercise demands. “They are not known for excessive barking and every whippet I’ve met has been docile and even-tempered.” Whippets also respond better if you’re patient and use positive reinforcement so make sure you have the best dog treats handy. It’s why the breed ranks 51st in his book, The Intelligence of Dogs. You also need to try and ensure they’re kept away from small animals – this breed has a high prey drive and it’ll head straight for them.
In a five year span, there have been 12 DUIs and 1 suspected overdose related to nitrous oxide abuse in Fullerton, according to the presentation. There has also been a 700% increase in traffic collisions involving nitrous oxide in the city, going from 2 in 2020 to 16 in 2025, according to a city presentation. In March, the FDA issued a statement, warning against the use of nitrous oxide recreationally and noted an increase in reports of “adverse events after inhalation of nitrous oxide products.” Whippets began to be bred to race in the mid-nineteenth century and became popular for racing.
As a result, the Whippet is typically free from the common hereditary conditions found in more exaggerated dog types, making it a relatively low-maintenance breed in terms of health. Like many other pedigree breeds, whippets are susceptible to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). “Most people are surprised to find out that whippets are just as happy on the sofa as they are on the racing track,” says Dr MacMillan. According to Cleveland Clinic, “whippets” is a slang term for nitrous oxide, a gas commonly used in medical settings as a sedative or pain reliever, and also found in whipped cream dispensers. Inhaling whippets can cause temporary intoxication and feelings of euphoria similar to the effects of alcohol, but because the high lasts for only a few minutes, it can cause users to repeatedly inhale the drug, leading to negative health effects, according to a 2023 study. The drug is often called “whippets” because one of the most common forms of nitrous oxide is whipped cream chargers.
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Don’t open whippet canisters around flammable substances, open flames, or cigarettes. Put the nitrous oxide into a balloon first and then inhale it. Experts still don’t understand exactly how nitrous oxide affects your body.
- Nitrous oxide—also known as laughing gas—is notoriously known as a party drug, and has been used recreationally for centuries, but it’s also safely used as a dental sedative, and in car engines and food preparation.
- By the early 20th century, the Whippet gained recognition from kennel clubs and transitioned from a racing and hunting companion to a beloved household pet.
- Originally bred as hunting and racing dogs, Whippets have a strong prey drive, which may lead them to chase small animals.
- Since they were originally bred to chase and capture small prey, however, they can also become very active in an incredibly short amount of time.
- In a few cases, people have died from suffocation after inhaling large amounts of nitrous oxide.
It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Proper litter spacing and careful selection of breeding pairs help protect the well-being of both the dam and puppies.
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Don’t use several whippets in a row without taking breaths in between. If you’re a teenager, stay away from whippets altogether. If you use whippets during pregnancy, they can also lead to birth defects. Symptoms depend on your weight, overall health, the amount you use, and if you’ve mixed it with other drugs.
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A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.4 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 years for purebreeds and 12 years for crossbreeds. Whippets are known as the fastest dogs of their weight class, capable of achieving speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph), due to their ability to run in a double suspension gallop. Though not prone to excessive barking, Whippets will occasionally vocalize in the presence of intruders, making them passable watchdogs, similar to other small-to-medium dogs. The Whippet will form a strong bond and devotion to its owner and, as such, can often suffer from separation anxiety, like many other breeds when left alone. The coat is short, smooth, and close-fitting, contributing to the breed’s streamlined appearance.