I was elated when four-year-old Miuccia the Whippet won Best in Show at Crufts this year. I’ve been raving about this breed for years after my family brought home a whippet, Gatsby, five years ago. While I love all dogs, there is something inherently special about whippets – and it’s not just their impressive speed. Before Gatsby, I’d never grown up with a dog. I’d had other smaller pets that were more manageable but never experienced dog walks and playing ‘fetch’. I was jealous of my classmates who seemed to take their labradors, terriers and collies for granted.
Growing up, I was convinced that I wanted a great big, fluffy, slobbery thing that would drag me through fields and require a bath twice a day. But suffice to say, now that I’ve experienced sharing my life with a Whippet, I wouldn’t own any other breed—and this is why.
They’re fast
One of the biggest myths about this breed is that they need constant exercise – and this couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, like all dogs, whippets require a good walk or run at least once a day.
However, whippets are not built for endurance, unlike popular breeds like Golden retrievers and cockapoos, which require a couple of hours of exercise each day.
Whippets are known for their bursts of energy and love nothing more than running around an enclosed field or large outdoor space at full speed.
Rather than hours of exercise, Gatsby’s favourite game is ‘fetch’, which involves throwing the ball as far as we can while he runs full pelt to catch it. It’s fun to watch other dogs try and chase him; they never get close.
Some Whippets can achieve speeds of up to 35mph as they can run in a ‘double suspension gallop’. This means they are airborne twice during each stride, meaning all four feet leave the ground twice during each single stride, making them appear as though they’re flying.
Achieving these speeds requires a huge amount of energy, which means they’re usually asleep for the rest of the day. Some days, Gatsby has been known to sleep for an impressive 18 hours.
There is also a risk of over-exercising a whippet. Excessive panting and limping can indicate that a whippet has been pushed too far.
They’re affectionate
Whippets are very affectionate dogs, which makes them perfect for home-workers or people who want company. They enjoy close physical contact and will curl up next to you (or on you) for hours.
This does mean they don’t particularly enjoy being left by themselves for extended periods of time and are often happier when they have a companion to keep them company.
It also means you will have a new shadow; these dogs will follow you around the house while you cook, clean, tidy and do laundry.
They need special collars and clothes
Whippets have slim, elegant necks, which means they can slip through normal collars and need special sighthound collars.
Unlike other breeds, their lean bodies, lack of body fat and thin coat means they get cold, especially in the winter months and in the rain.
These dogs are also not known for their bravery. A slight spattering of rain will cause Gatsby to shake and whimper until he’s wrapped up warm in a fleece or jumper.
Raincoats, pyjamas, fleeces and jumpers are just some of the outfits owners have for their whippets.
They love comfort
Whippets love comfort; no bed, armchair, sofa, blanket or cushion is safe when you own this breed.
Before buying a new throw or cushion, we often ask ourselves, « Would the dog like it? » or, « We’re better off getting the cheap one because it’ll just end up with dog hair all over it. »
Creating boundaries with these dogs is nigh on impossible. However, while home furnishings inevitably do end up covered in dog hair, it does mean endless cuddles are on the table.
Nothing is better than lying on the sofa with a Whippet at your feet. It’s like having your very own heated blanket.
They’re smart
Whippets are smart dogs that can be obedient and eager to please. However, their intelligence comes with a caveat; they can also be very stubborn and independent.
Their strong prey drive and independence can sometimes mean commands are ignored in favour of what they want.
Training sessions and positive reinforcement can help them learn new commands and improve their recall.
To me, Whippets are the perfect pet. They’re intelligent, quiet, affectionate and love snoozes. However, if you’re after a dog that doesn’t mind being left alone and prefers lying on the floor rather than a sofa, a whippet may not be the breed for you.
While I love fluffy cockapoos and sturdy labradors, there’s just something about Whippets I will always adore.
