Whippets contain a contradiction that confuses new owners: they are one of the fastest dog breeds on earth (56 km/h), yet they spend the majority of their day asleep, ideally on your sofa, preferably under a blanket. This is not laziness. This is physiological: they are sprint athletes, not endurance athletes, and after a run they crash completely. Understanding this makes owning a Whippet much simpler.
Exercise: Sprint, Not Marathon
Whippets need one or two good off-lead runs daily in a secure area — 30-60 minutes total. A secure area is non-negotiable. Whippets have high prey drive and, once in full chase, will not hear your recall cue, will not stop for a road, and can cover an extraordinary distance in seconds. A fenced field or enclosed park is the only safe venue for off-lead Whippet exercise. After their run: complete shutdown. They are champion sleepers.
Cold Sensitivity Is Real
Whippets have no undercoat and almost no body fat. They feel cold more acutely than virtually any other breed. In autumn, winter, and spring, a well-fitted dog coat is not optional — it is appropriate care. Many Whippets seek blankets and body warmth reflexively. This is not anthropomorphism in your dog; it's thermoregulation. Let them under the covers if they want. It's doing them good.
Common Health Conditions
- Heart conditions: Whippets have above-average rates of certain cardiac arrhythmias and dilated cardiomyopathy. Annual cardiac auscultation from age 4.
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia: Sighthound breeds including Whippets metabolise certain anaesthetic agents differently due to low body fat percentage. Always inform any vet of the Whippet/sighthound status before any procedure requiring sedation or anaesthesia.
- Dental disease: Long, narrow jaw — crowded teeth, plaque accumulation. Daily brushing and regular professional cleans.
- Skin injuries: Thin skin tears more easily than thicker-coated breeds. Minor cuts and scrapes are common, especially in dogs that play hard. Keep a basic first aid kit.
Whippet Care Summary
- Secure enclosed area for all off-lead exercise — prey drive overrides recall in chase.
- Dog coat in cold weather — not a fashion choice.
- Inform all vets of sighthound status before any anaesthesia.
- Annual cardiac check from age 4.
- Daily tooth brushing.
Track your Whippet's health calendar, vaccine reminders, and exercise log on the Woofio Whippet care page.