I spent the day yesterday watching "Dogs 101" on the Animal Planet. From what they talked about Whippets I liked what they had to say about them. Yes,I know they like to run and need plenty of exercise.And I know that "Dogs 101" is a tv show.Are any of you Whipett owners? If so,have you watched the show? Can you tell me more about this breed? I like the fact that the breed is friendly and low maintece(as far as the coat) and in excellent health with little problems. I'd like to know more information from owners here. Thanks.
Whippet....this may be my next dog.
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I recently had a conversation about Whippets with a woman who owns one. The big negative she reported was the dog's prey drive. She said hers has killed at least one of everything up to the Cat/Oppossum size that's commonly found in our area. There is no jumping around. There is no barking. There is only one bite and a dead critter.
Some people have a problem with that sort of thing (I am not a member of that group). If dead critters give you the heebie-jeebies, you will want to take that into consideration. I'm sure they aren't all like that, but prey drive is something to consider with sight hounds.
Some people have a problem with that sort of thing (I am not a member of that group). If dead critters give you the heebie-jeebies, you will want to take that into consideration. I'm sure they aren't all like that, but prey drive is something to consider with sight hounds.
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They are easy going, laid back, calm, clean, and very sweet. Easy to housebreak, enjoyable and barely there house companions... they can thrive in the smallest apartment, yet they love long walks in the woods and can be great in the country, too.
I've had Whippets for years, and all of mine could be trusted with cats, etc. Some will kill squirrels, but I don't find that offensive
As mentioned, they don't bark either, which is grand.
Mine are also all excellent off leash, when raised from puppyhood. They're just not that interested in strangers, etc, so they tend to stick to their owners (unlike my overly friendly Goldens, which run up to anyone they see without extensive training). They also tend towards a bit of separation/over attachment to one person. This makes them very intuitive and bonded, but it can be annoying- most suffer deeply if boarded in kennels, for example. They cannot be kept outside humanely, and they often dislike crates. They do tend to favor one person. Provided that person is me, I love it... but it can be irritating to other family members if your Whippet really only is animated with and interested in his one special soulmate.
BTW while they do need exercise, they are very lazy dogs indoors. They require MUCH LESS exercise than a Golden, Lab, or most other popular medium sized to large dogs. That doesn't mean you shouldn't encourage running and playing and take your Whippet for walks, though- you must! It reduces boredom and keeps them nice and fit.
I've had Whippets for years, and all of mine could be trusted with cats, etc. Some will kill squirrels, but I don't find that offensive
As mentioned, they don't bark either, which is grand.
Mine are also all excellent off leash, when raised from puppyhood. They're just not that interested in strangers, etc, so they tend to stick to their owners (unlike my overly friendly Goldens, which run up to anyone they see without extensive training). They also tend towards a bit of separation/over attachment to one person. This makes them very intuitive and bonded, but it can be annoying- most suffer deeply if boarded in kennels, for example. They cannot be kept outside humanely, and they often dislike crates. They do tend to favor one person. Provided that person is me, I love it...
but it can be irritating to other family members if your Whippet really only is animated with and interested in his one special soulmate.BTW while they do need exercise, they are very lazy dogs indoors. They require MUCH LESS exercise than a Golden, Lab, or most other popular medium sized to large dogs. That doesn't mean you shouldn't encourage running and playing and take your Whippet for walks, though- you must!
It reduces boredom and keeps them nice and fit.1 - 4 of 4 Posts
