Breed Health – Page 2 – UK Whippet Breed Council

The Health of the Whippet

Pedigree dogs have been part of my life since I was a very little girl and Whippets have shared my home since the late 1990’s. What makes the breed particularly special is their great suitability as a family pet. To quote the breed standard they are; gentle, affectionate, with an even disposition and make an ideal companion. Whilst another great thing about Whippets is their versatility, with many owners choosing to show, race, work, lure-course or do agility with their dogs, it is always at the forefront of my mind that their most important ‘job’ is being that much loved family pet. Luckily Whippets generally are healthy dogs but I am passionate about working for the future safeguarding of the breed’s health, so families can enjoy their wonderful Whippets well into old age.

I became the Whippet Breed Health Co-ordinator (BHC) in 2017. BHC’s are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. The main role of the BHC is to facilitate, over time, the communication and collection of data on the health of their breed. The BHC acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns that the breed may have.

As already stated, Whippets are generally a healthy breed but it is important that we do not become complacent. Prospective puppy owners often ask me what they should look out for health wise when purchasing a puppy.

For the last fifteen years or so heart testing by auscultation has been carried out by an increasing number of breeders in the UK. In 2021 the Kennel Club made heart testing (auscultation) a recommendation for Whippets under their Assured Breeder scheme. This was an important first step in recognising the importance of heart testing Whippets used for breeding. I can not emphasise enough – only buy a puppy from heart tested parents, only breed from heart tested parents. There is no excuse for a breeder to not be doing so. You can find out more about heart health and testing here.

On an annual basis the Kennel Club ask me to report my top two concerns for the breed to them. Along with hearts, autoimmune disease has featured on my list. Unfortunately autoimmune diseases are complex and there is no simple test available. To make matters more complicated it appears that there are both genetic and environmental elements. Breeders can work together to reduce the likelihood autoimmune conditions by sharing information and carefully considering breeding plans. You can find out more about autoimmune disease here.

Eye testing is now being done by more breeders but is not an official recommendation for the breed. It is something I am keeping ‘an eye on’.

Please feel free to contact me to discuss any health or welfare concerns that you may have and I will do my very best to help you.

Jo Whitehead Breed
Health Co-ordinator