Whippet Care Guide: How to Care for a Whippet

Whippets are a unique breed with very specific needs—from their strong prey drive to their affectionate, “velcro dog” personality.

Understanding how to properly care for a Whippet is what turns them from a handful into one of the most rewarding dogs you’ll ever own.

Everything here comes from real experience raising and living with Whippets—not just theory.

If you’re new to the breed, it’s worth starting with our About Whippets guide

Understanding Whippet Personality & Behavior

A dog is never just a dog. Every breed has been developed with a purpose, and Whippets are no exception.

They were bred to chase. That instinct is always there—even when they’re curled up under a blanket acting like the perfect couch dog. And that’s where people sometimes get caught off guard.

One minute they’re calm and affectionate… the next, something moves, and instinct takes over.

That doesn’t make them difficult—it just means you need to understand them.

As puppies, that intelligence shows up in ways that can test your patience a bit. Chewing, stealing socks, counter surfing, burrowing into couch cushions… they’re not being “bad,” they’re learning and exploring.

This is the stage where structure matters most.

If you’re heading out for even a short time, using a crate is one of the best decisions you can make. Otherwise, you may come home to something you didn’t expect.

The good news is—Whippets genuinely want to please you.

They don’t respond well to yelling or harsh correction. In fact, they take it personally. What works best is positive reinforcement, consistency, and showing them what you expect.

As they mature, that mischievous puppy turns into a smart, well-balanced adult.

And one thing never changes…

They want to be with you.

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Living Environment & Safety

Whippets are not outdoor dogs—it’s really that simple.

Because of their thin skin and low body fat, they’re much more sensitive to temperature than most breeds. Leaving a Whippet outside for long periods isn’t just uncomfortable for them, it can actually be unsafe.

They should absolutely go outside, enjoy the sun, and run—but they should always live indoors with you.

Another thing people don’t always expect… if a Whippet gets bored outside, they will find a way out.

And once they’re out, they’re fast—really fast.

Cold weather is another thing to take seriously. In colder climates, coats or sweaters aren’t optional, they’re necessary. And if you’re walking on salted roads, booties can prevent painful burns on their feet.

Dog parks are another area where we tend to be cautious. Between their thin skin and natural chase instinct, things can go wrong quickly. Even a small nip from another dog can turn into a vet visit.

If you do go, early mornings when it’s empty are your safest bet.

For more everyday risks, it’s worth reviewing our Whippet Safety Guide
And always be aware of foods toxic to Whippets

⚠️ Dog Park Risks

Another note about the thin skin…Whippets do NOT do well at dog parks and often end up at the vets office. They have a natural instinct to chase and play, then a simple nip from another dog, ends up in gashes in the whippets’ skin because it’s so thin….MY rule with my whippets is NO DOG PARK, or if you do, go early in the morning when no one else is there.

 

Living With Children, Strangers & Other Pets

Whippets are generally wonderful dogs—but like any breed, context matters.

With children, adult Whippets tend to be gentle, careful, and very aware. Puppies, on the other hand, are still learning. They have sharp little teeth, lots of energy, and not much awareness of their size or strength yet.

That’s why supervision is important, especially with very young children. Once they mature, they usually settle into incredibly calm companions.

With strangers, you’ll probably notice right away—Whippets are not guard dogs. They’re friendly, social, and often assume everyone is there to love them.

Other animals are where instinct becomes important again.

If you have cats or small pets, even if they’ve grown up together, it’s not something to take lightly. That prey drive can trigger in a split second. It’s always best to be cautious and never leave them unsupervised.

 

Training a Whippet (What Actually Works)

Training a Whippet is less about control and more about communication.

They’re intelligent and eager—but only when the approach makes sense to them.

Positive reinforcement is everything with this breed. When they understand that doing something makes you happy—and earns a reward—they’ll repeat it willingly.

Harsh corrections, yelling, or force don’t work here. They usually just create a nervous or shut-down dog.

Simple tools like treats, consistency, and even clicker training go a long way.

And one thing we always stress—avoid choke chains. Their neck structure is too delicate for that. A martingale collar is a much safer and more appropriate option.

Even with solid training, recall should never be something you fully rely on outside of a secure area. Instinct will always win over training if something triggers that chase drive.

 

Manners, Biting & Early Behavior

All puppies bite—it’s part of how they explore and learn.

But allowing it “just because they’re teething” is one of the biggest mistakes people make.

What’s cute at 10 weeks becomes a real problem later.

When biting starts, the response should always be clear and consistent:

• a firm “NO”
• stop the interaction
• redirect to a toy

Using your hands as toys is something to avoid completely. It sends mixed signals and teaches them that biting people is part of play.

The same goes for rough play like tug-of-war early on—it can encourage behaviors you don’t want later.

Setting boundaries early is what creates a calm, well-mannered adult.

 

Exercise Needs (More Than Just Walks)

Whippets need to run.

Walks are great, but they don’t replace the need to really stretch out and release energy.

A fenced yard is ideal, but if you don’t have one, finding enclosed spaces like tennis courts or fields can work just as well (with permission).

Dog parks, again, are something we’re cautious about for safety reasons.

If your Whippet seems overly energetic indoors, it’s usually a sign they need more exercise outside.

Once that need is met, they’re typically very calm in the home.

 

Traveling With a Whippet

Travel takes a little planning with this breed.

Some Whippets get car sick when they’re young, but most grow out of it. Keeping them from eating before travel and giving them space in a crate can help.

Speaking of crates—this is one area we don’t compromise on.

A properly secured crate in the car:

• keeps them safe
• prevents escape
• ensures they can be located in an emergency

It’s one of those things you hope you never need—but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.

Managing Travel Anxiety

Your dog may poop or vomit in the crate in the car…mine are lined with disposable potty liners or washable blankets, and I always have paper towels in my vehicles. They only do this because they are so nervous…this is in no way an, I’ll show you tactic…they are genuinely scared.

 

Health & Wellness

Whippets are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, there are things to be aware of.

Routine care is straightforward—regular vet visits, vaccines, nail trims, and dental care.

The main concerns we watch for are:

• heart conditions (especially mitral valve disease) – Heart Disease – Mitral. This disease is on the rise in whippets. The whippet Health Foundation is studying the problem current and on-going. All whippets should be cleared by a veterinarian cardiologist prior to breeding.

• • Puppy murmurs are not considered heart disease…a lot of puppies have this, it’s normal, and goes away.

• eye issues – Eye Defects – usually genetic. NOT common, but parents should be tested and cleared.
• hearing – Deafness is NOT common, but parents should be tested and clear of any defects.

Responsible breeding plays a big role in minimizing these risks.

You can learn more about our approach on the Our Whippets page

View our available Whippet puppies and upcoming litters

 

Breed-Specific Considerations

Whippets are very sensitive to anesthesia due to their low body fat, and some other medications. Make sure that your vet is aware of this if they normally don’t see sighthounds in the office. I remind mine every time I’m in.

Whippet skin is thin and tears easily. This means that a normal scratch on a regular coated dog can be fine, but on your whippet can actually caused a gash that will need a stitch or two, unless it’s gushing blood, don’t panic and calmly call your vet. These wounds actually heal quite well and scars are even allowed on dogs in the show ring, because if used for what they were bred for, would normally have scars.

A healthy whippet at good weight should show the outline of the ribcage, and about 2 or 3 vertebrae. Some people will comment that your whippet is too skinny, as long as it’s the rib outline and the couple vertebrae, rest assured that you are doing the right thing. If you have questions about weight, send me some pictures and I can let you know.

Keeping Your Whippet Safe (Preventing Escape)

Getting loose – Whippets are not usually diggers, so digging under your fence to get out is usually not a problem. They are also jumpers…we seriously recommend a 6’ fence.

Dogs in general will stay around your home, on the porch, hanging in the back yard with you, never leave the driveway, etc. Whippets are NOT like this. Catching the glimpse of a squirrel, car, child, will instinctively have the whippet leave your property. Whippets can run about 35 mph, and at that speed, where most whippets would return home, your whippet will be long gone and VERY LOST.

Training in recall while fully recommended, should never have to be used. Your whippet should never be out of a fence or not on a leash. We leash our whippets going from the house to the car, we leash them from the car to the camper…it’s not worth it to me to let them get lose.

Should your dog get loose however, it will generally not even hear you if it’s in chase. DO NOT chase the whippet, one you wont catch it, two you need to outthink, not run!

What do I mean by out think???

I did have a whippet get lose ONCE…her favorite treat was cheese….

Now while she was not in chase, I knew something COULD get her attention…I sat on the ground and called my other whippet, (knowing she couldn’t come to me) and started yelling the other dogs names and asking e.g. (Storm, do you want Lucy’s cheese, wha hoo, you want the cheese, good boy here you go”, the female at the time, thought I was losing my mind, and came back to see what the heck I was doing. You look like an idiot to your neighbors, but who cares, you got your dog back. I recommend if you find a treat that your dog absolutely loves, you call it what it is. Lucy’s actually is cheese, so when we go to the fridge, I sound almost squeaky, (high pitched baby talk), “Lucy , you want cheese”…if they get loose say it just that same way.

Again, ALWAYS fenced or leashed. Training vs instinct = instinct wins.

While walking your dog, we highly recommend that you use martingale collars. These are the collars that cinch tighter if the dog pulls. They will keep your whippet on the leash and under control. Make sure your ID collars, rabies tags, etc. are on this collar. Wide martingales, 1 1.2” and 2 “ are preferred. I do make these available for purchase on my website, but you can also get on there to see what I’m referring to.

We do NOT recommend harnesses and may whippets can easily get out of these.

Chokers are an absolute – DO Not USE. These can crush elements in the throat of a whippet, and are absolutely not needed for correction.

 

Whippets are loving, intelligent companions that thrive with proper care, structure, and understanding. Watching your puppy grow into a well-balanced adult is one of the most rewarding parts of ownership.

If you have any questions about Whippet care or are considering adding one to your family, we’re always here to help.

 Final Thoughts

Whippets are incredibly rewarding dogs—but they do require understanding.

Once you learn how they think, what drives them, and what they need, everything starts to make sense.

They become:

• calm in the home
• affectionate and loyal
• easy to live with

If you’re considering adding one to your family, you can view our available Whippet puppies

Or find more answers in our Whippet FAQ