If you were to scan through the list of man’s best friend (dogs), you’d most certainly come across a sleek yet lively breed called Whippets. This dog breed hails from England, dating back to the late 1700s, and originated from a mix of smaller greyhounds and terriers. Yes, you read that right, the Whippet is a cousin to the elegant and speedy Greyhound!
And here’s the really interesting whippet tid-bit: Did you know that despite being smaller than a Greyhound, a Whippet can run up to a stunning 35 miles per hour? That makes them the fastest dog breed of their size, earning them the nickname of “the poor man’s racehorse”!
As you consider your first dog, there might be a bunch of questions popping into your head: Will they get along with my family? Can they adapt to my lifestyle? How hard are they to train? The list continues. And rightfully so, owning a dog is a significant responsibility.
So, let’s delve further into why a Whippet may be an ideal first dog for you.
First up, let’s talk about their temperament. Whippets are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They offer the best of both worlds – lively outdoors but calm indoors. They can play fetch with the kids in the garden, yet can be just as comfortable curled up on the couch, transforming into a lap dog. This impeccable balance bodes well for families, couples, or singles in various living situations.
Moreover, Whippets gets on exceedingly well with children. This breed’s calm, affectionate temperament paired with its playfulness can make for heartwarming interactions with kids. However, it’s vital the kids are taught to respect the dog’s space, as Whippets can be a touch sensitive.
How about other pets you ask? Whippets tend to get on passably well with other dogs, but their strong hunting instincts might be a little problematic around smaller pets, especially those that resemble prey like rabbits or cats.
Next up: their size. A grown Whippet stands about 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs anywhere between 15 to 30 pounds. This compact size is generally manageable for first-time dog owners. They get to experience the joy of owning a mid-sized dog that’s not too small to be fragile and not too big to be intimidating or challenging in terms of care.
Have a smaller living space? No problem! Whippets do not need a lot of space to move around like some larger breeds. Despite their impressive turn of speed outdoors, you’ll find they adapt well to smaller homes and even apartments, making them a perfect first-time city-dweller’s pet.
One probable concern could be their exercise needs. While Whippets love lounging, they are a breed that loves short bursts of high speed running. They’ll need a good run in a securely fenced yard or park a few times a week. Apart from this, they are relatively low-energy dogs. So they are not going to tear your house apart if you miss a day of exercise.
That brings us to trainability: Whippets are known to be intelligent and generally responsive to training. However, their independent nature might require some patience and positive reinforcement techniques. As first-time dog owners, it might be a learning curve but will be a rewarding process. Additionally, housebreaking Whippets is often reported to be relatively easy.
Healthwise, Whippets are generally a healthy breed with few inherent conditions, living up to around 12-15 years. Their short, thin coat is easy to manage, and they shed less than many other breeds. Avoiding overfeeding is essential as they can easily become overweight due to their love of lounging.
There are a few challenges such as their sensitivity to cold due to their thin coats, their stubborn streak during training, and their strong chase instincts. But these are not insurmountable, and with some patience and proper care, a Whippet can be a delightful first dog.
In the end, like with all breeds, owning a Whippet has its pros and cons. But their affectionate nature, manageable size, and low maintenance costs makes them an excellent proposition for first-time dog owners. Remember, a bit of patience, plenty of love, and an occasional sprint can ensure a long and joyful companionship with your Whippet.
