Overview & Temperament
Whippets are small sighthounds originally bred for racing and hunting small game. Despite their incredible speed, they are famously gentle, quiet, and relaxed inside the home.
In India, Whippets adapt very well to apartment living provided they get one short sprint or play session daily. Their thin coat makes them sensitive to cold but reasonably tolerant of heat with basic precautions.
Personality Traits
- Affectionate and gentle with family
- Quiet and well-mannered indoors
- Sensitive and emotionally intuitive
- Good with children when treated gently
- Non-aggressive and calm
Energy & Activity
- Explosive speed in short bursts
- Low endurance for long exercise
- Enjoys resting most of the day
- Needs daily free movement
Living Conditions in India
Climate Considerations
Thin coat requires protection from extreme cold.
- • Ideal temperature: 15°-32°C
- • Summer care: Walk early morning or late evening
- • Hydration: Fresh water available 24/7
- • Best cities: Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, mild-climate cities
Ideal Living Situation
- ✓ Apartments
- ✓ Quiet households
- ✓ Families seeking calm dogs
- ✓ Homes with soft bedding
- ✓ Owners preferring low barking breeds
Challenging Situations
- ✗ Very cold environments without clothing
- ✗ Rough handling by children
- ✗ Unsecured outdoor areas
- ✗ Off-leash walking in traffic zones
Daily Exercise Requirements
Tailstart Tip: Whippets need speed, not long-distance jogging.
Cost of Owning a Whippet
Initial Purchase Cost
Cost varies based on breeder quality and lineage.
Monthly Expenses
Very economical compared to most medium breeds.
Food & Nutrition
Ideal Nutrition Balance
Feeding Guidelines
3 meals/day, 250-350g total
2 meals/day, 350-450g total
2 meals/day, 300-420g total
Best Food Options in India
- Royal Canin Medium
- Farmina N&D
- Orijen
- Vet-approved home-cooked diet
Foods to Avoid
Health & Lifespan
Expected Lifespan
Generally very healthy with few genetic issues.
Indian climate note: Sensitive to cold due to thin coat.
Common Health Conditions
Minor Muscle Injuries
Can occur during sprinting
Prevention: Warm-up and safe surfaces
Bloat (GDV)
Low risk compared to larger sighthounds
Prevention: Avoid heavy meals before exercise
Recommended Vet Care Schedule
Daily Care Routine
Grooming Requirements
Regular Tasks
Very short coat sheds minimally.
Only when dirty.
Professional Grooming
Rarely needed
Full grooming session with professional
Services include:
Basic bath and nail trim
Tailstart Grooming: Extremely low grooming requirement.
Exercise Routine
45-60 min
Total daily exercise
2 sessions
Per day minimum
Moderate
Running, swimming, fetch
Ideal Activities
Training & Mental Stimulation
Why Training is Essential
Sensitive temperament needs gentle, positive training.
Basic Commands (3-6 months)
- Recall
- Leash walking
Mental Stimulation Ideas
- Puzzle feeders
- Scent games
Training Tip
Avoid harsh corrections; Whippets respond best to kindness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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