By Alayna Morland
Whippets are a fabulous breed to own and are suitable for many families. However, it’s essential to understand what owning a Whippet entails, especially during the demanding puppy stage.
The Puppy Stage
If you are considering a puppy, you need to be aware that they are hard work! Whilst they are teething, they are often referred to as “baby sharks.” This phase can be managed with enrichment activities such as leaving out Amazon boxes for them to shred under supervision and exploring other creative ideas to keep them mentally stimulated. It can take until they are approximately 18 months to 2 years to calm down.
When you first get a puppy, they will be awake for about two hours and asleep for two hours, repeating this pattern throughout the day. At night, they need to build up to sleeping longer and may initially only manage between 3 to 6 hours without needing a wee.
This is totally different from when they are adults; they can sleep up to 20 hours a day and may not want to get out of bed in the morning! Older Whippets you meet out and about may appear very angelic, and some breeders don’t always warn potential owners about the challenging puppy stage (guide on the puppy stage coming soon).
Older Whippets can also be mischievous, engaging in stealing, shredding, and other quirky behaviours.
Be prepared for a fun but full-on puppy stage that will be very busy. You must be ready to attend to, train, and socialise them. As adults, Whippets may still be a bit naughty, enjoy one good run or two shorter runs a day, and then sleep a lot. If you are looking for an easy puppy and an adult dog that can accompany you all day, a Whippet may not be the right breed for you!
Training and Socialisation
House training requires consistency. You will need to attend to your puppy every time they wake up; otherwise, they may receive mixed messages about house training.
You will need a very secure and enclosed garden with 6ft fences.
Your puppy will require playtime and cuddles whilst awake, along with car trips, visits to different environments, and socialisation with various dogs and people.
Your puppy will also need to learn to have periods of independent play with toys, food puzzles, and mats to reduce reliance on you—this is one form of separation anxiety training.
You should also practise leaving your puppy once a day to further aid separation anxiety. This should be done without fuss and ideally when your puppy is naturally ready to sleep. Trying to leave a wide-awake puppy and expecting them to be fine is unrealistic.
Nail clipping and handling your puppy’s mouth early on are crucial. If neglected, you could struggle with this for your dog’s entire life.
Be firm but kind. Take the no fuss approach to your puppy during crate training, mealtimes, grooming and leaving your puppy home alone.
Confidence-building through outings is essential to help them handle various situations, and positive reinforcement works best for Whippets.
Exercise and Safety
Your Whippet will need a secure area to run free every day. A secure dog park is ideal and provides a safe environment to practise recall. Once confident, you can let them off the lead in secure, well-tested walking areas – well away from roads or livestock.
Bear in mind that a Whippet may never be 100% reliable if they spot a fast-moving small animal. They can cover distances quickly, so caution is vital. Road and footpath walks should be built up gradually as their bones, muscles, and ligaments develop.
Considering an Older Whippet
Choosing an older Whippet? Most of the above points still apply. They need to learn to entertain themselves, be comfortable being left alone, socialise in new situations, practise recall, and have ongoing care for their teeth and nails.
Practical Considerations
Time Commitment: Adult Whippets should not be left for more than four hours. Think about whether your working hours might change in the future.
Support System: Do you have someone who can help if you’re unwell or delayed?
Longevity: Whippets can live until they are 16 years old – are you ready for that long-term commitment? Are you young enough, fit, and healthy enough to take on a Whippet puppy?
Financial Commitment: Can you afford a Whippet? They need:
Quality pet insurance
A proper collar and lead suitable for Whippets
Warm and waterproof coats
A crate, several comfy beds, and bedding
Toys, feeding bowls, and enrichment items like lick mats and puzzle toys
High-quality food for overall health and behaviour
Adding a Second Whippet
Introducing a second Whippet can be rewarding, but don’t be surprised by rough play between a puppy and an older dog—it’s normal. If you are concerned, record the interaction and consult your breeder.
Summary
Whippets are a superb breed. With the right time, energy, and breeder support, the puppy stage – though demanding – is incredibly fun and passes quickly. The reward is a loyal, low-maintenance companion who will fit beautifully into your lifestyle.
