Bred from Terriers, large Greyhound, and Italian Greyhound, Whippets are loving, low maintenance dogs. These dogs are mild mannered but they do love to run, which can make them difficult for some people to care for. However, if you give your Whippet the proper time, care, and affection, it is very easy to keep these dogs happy and healthy.
Unless you intend to become a professional breeder, the first thing you must do for any dog is get your pet spayed or neutered. This will keep your Whippet from making little and unwanted Whippets. Spaying and neutering has great health benefits for the Whippet, preventing conditions such as breast and testicular cancer, urinary infections, prostate issues and aggression issues.
You will need to get your Whippet vaccinated and give him the proper flea, tick and heartworm preventatives. Your vet should also recommend getting your Whippet’s teeth cleaned and scaled either by a professional or by the vet himself. The number of cleanings per year should be determined by the vet. To help keep the vet or professional’s job easy, brush your Whippet’s teeth in between visits.
Whippets love to be lazy and lounge around on the couch. However, they do need a fenced yard to run around in and they need regular brisk walks. Walks should take place at least once a day if not more, and should be no less than 30 minutes in length. You should also take your Whippet to a dog friendly park to let them get some off-leash exercise. Whippets can run faster than we could ever hope to run, so letting your pet get up to speed without you holding onto his leash will keep him very happy. Whippets love attention and affection. Giving your dog regular praise will be more than enough to make him love you just as much as you love him.
Brush your Whippet’s coat regularly and keep his nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Give him a bath when necessary, but too frequently. Most of the time wiping your Whippet off with a wet cloth is all that you will have to do. Bathing him too often will strip him of the protective oils hisskin makes. Regular brushings will distribute these oils all over the coat will make him look healthier, and will keep his coat nice and shiny.
It is important to consult with a vet about proper diet and feeding habits. Dog food can be a little expensive at times, but before preparing your Whippet’s food yourself make sure you know what you should and should not feed him.