Whippet

Heart murmurs can occur in Whippets - some are harmless in athletic dogs, but further evaluation may be needed to tell them apart from serious ones.^[1]

Genetic eye defects have been noted in the breed, though they are quite rare - periodic eye checks are worth considering.^[1]

Whippets can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods, which can affect their mental wellbeing.^[1]

Whippets are sensitive to cold due to their short coat and low body fat - they may need a jacket or coat in cool weather.^[1]

Whippets are intolerant of barbiturate anaesthetics due to low body fat and reduced liver ability to process them - inform any vet before procedures.^[1]

Cardiac issues are the second leading cause of death in the breed - regular vet check-ups to monitor heart health are important.^[1]

Heart failure is common in senior Whippets, with mitral valve disease (MVD) being one of the most prevalent heart conditions to watch for.^[1]

Whippets can have an irregular or intermittent heartbeat at rest, which can look alarming but is a known breed trait - a vet familiar with sighthounds is helpful.^[1]

Whippets can have an irregular or slow heartbeat at rest, which may look alarming but can be normal for the breed - a vet familiar with sighthounds can advise.^[1]

Heart murmurs can occur in Whippets - distinguishing harmless functional murmurs from those linked to heart disease may require further investigation.^[1]

Whippets can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods - this is a behavioural health concern to be aware of.^[1]

Whippets are intolerant of barbiturate anaesthetics due to low body fat and reduced liver ability to process them - always inform your vet.^[1]

They bond closely with their owner and can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods.^[1]

They are not big barkers but may occasionally vocalise at strangers - they are unlikely to guard or confront anyone.^[1]

Whippets are gentle, affectionate and calm indoors - often happy to spend much of the day relaxing quietly.^[1]

They have high energy outdoors and love short, explosive bursts of running, followed by long rest periods.^[1]

They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals like cats or squirrels, so keep them on-lead in unenclosed areas.^[1]

Their short coat and low body fat make them sensitive to cold - a dog coat or jacket is recommended in cool weather.^[1]

Their coat is short, smooth and low-shedding with no undercoat, making grooming straightforward and quick.^[1]

They are generally good with children and other pets, but socialisation and training are needed to manage their prey instinct around small animals.^[1]

Whippets are gentle, affectionate and calm indoors - often content to spend much of the day relaxing quietly.^[1]

They have high energy outdoors and love short, explosive bursts of running, so daily outdoor exercise is essential.^[1]

They have a strong prey drive and may chase small animals like cats or squirrels, so keep them on lead in unenclosed areas.^[1]

They bond closely with their owner and can suffer separation anxiety, so avoid leaving them alone for long periods.^[1]

They are not big barkers and are gentle rather than aggressive - unlikely to confront strangers, preferring to retreat.^[1]

Their short coat and low body fat make them sensitive to cold - use a dog coat or jacket in cool or wet weather.^[1]

Their coat is short, smooth and minimal-shedding, making grooming sessions straightforward and quick.^[1]

They are generally good with children and other pets, but supervise carefully around small animals due to their prey instinct.^[1]