Believe it or not, Whippets were originally bred to be hunters! Yes, these slender, fast indoor dogs with a coat that seems barely there at all were designed to chase down rabbits and small game. Its small size and deceptively thin coat may even make you think, how much can this petite pooch really shed? Let’s jump straight into the pool of adventure and uncover the facts about Whippet’s shedding habits.
Now that you’ve learned some exciting history about the Whippet, it’s time to dip our toes into the world of their unique fur coats. Contrary to some popular beliefs, a happy and healthy Whippet does indeed shed, but on a very low scale compared to other breeds. Their fur is short, sleek and sticks like Velcro to the skin, giving off an illusion that they do not lose much hair. Truth is, they do shed, but due to the nature of their coat, you’ll notice it less. In fact, you might even call them one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds, making them perfect for people with allergies!
Whippets have a single layer of fur instead of a double-coat like some other breeds. This single layer makes them less prone to heavy shedding. Their shedding is limited to a few times a year, usually during the seasonal changes of spring and fall. But the great thing is, even when they do shed, the hairs are fewer, smaller and less visible due to their short and light coats.
Everything sounds good, right? So, why not just enjoy the low-shedding, cuddly Whippet without any worries? Well, while it’s true that Whippets are low-shedders, it’s also essential to know that shedding patterns can differ based on factors like diet, health, and overall care of Whippet. Let’s explore these factors a bit, shall we?
Health problems — such as allergies, parasites, bacterial or fungal infections — might cause excessive shedding. If you notice hair falling out in clumps or bald patches, it’s time to pay a visit to the vet.
Also, a balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintain your Whippet’s overall health, including coat health. Make sure your pup’s diet is rich in high-quality protein and essential fatty acids to support hair growth and reduce excess shedding.
Grooming is a vital aspect for controlling shedding in Whippets. Regular brushing can help manage and reduce the amount of hair that ends up on your furniture. Plus, it’s a fantastic way for you and your Whippet to bond!
But remember, over-bathing can strip the skin of essential oils leading to dryness and increased hair fall. Stick to a monthly bath schedule unless your pup has rolled in mud or something extremely stinky!
There’s nothing a little vacuuming or a lint roller can’t handle with a Whippet. If you feel like a bit more hair is ending up on your coat or couch than usual, it may be the time your Whippet is shedding their seasonal undercoat, not a reason to panic.
In conclusion, the shedding in Whippets is not anything like your standard lab or German shepherd. With these dogs, it’s minimal, manageable and nothing to be afraid of. The Whippets are a low shedding breed which means you can spend less time worrying about maintaining your furniture and more time enjoying cuddles with your furry friend. Now, that you’re fully equipped with these facts, you can happily continue to love and care for your Whippet companion knowing they won’t turn your house into a hair mess!
So, the answer to, “Does a Whippet shed a lot?” is a simple, “No – but a little maintenance goes a long way!”
