anyone know about whippets?

Question

what are they like? i know what there breed standards say there temperment is like, but i want to know from someone who has owned one.... I know every dog is diff, and it all depends on how you raise them, but i was just wondering what some ppls experiences with the breed are!

Answer 1

Their temperament depends on their parents and how they are raised.

I buy from show breeders whose dogs are their pets, so their litters are raised in the house and are handled daily.

They are not a good pet for everyone. IMHO.

They have a very strong hunting instinct, you have to work with that, it won't go away.

Obedience training is great, esp. if you make it fun and are dedicated to training your dog.

I've had Whippets over 20yrs. I currently own two 1/2 sisters 9mo. and 1yr. They live with a cat and a bird. I trained them from day one to leave them alone. They will chase animals if they are off leash. They do bully smaller dogs at the park, not biting, but they will roll them.

Mine are outgoing and friendly. I take them to class and on daily outings. They compete on the weekends.

Some are shy if they aren't well socialized and some are just "softer" than others. Cara is super outgoing, Misty is quieter, but does warm up to people. They occasionally get snippy with each other, but I am alpha not them so they stop as soon as I tell to.

They love to snuggle in bed with me or on the couch once they are tired.

So sweet dogs, but born killers. Mine kill plastic bags at the Lure Courses.

Puppies are crazy, adults are nice, old Whippets are great !

Try to get out to a show or a lure course (AKC or ASFA) or a Race (NAWRA or NOTRA). so you can see all the things they can do.

I just found out the world speed record for Flyball was set by a team with a Whippet on it.

Wonderful dogs for the right owner that understands the breed !

Answer 2

Most like to cuddle (love anything soft & warm). They can be very attached to their people and will seak to plaese but have a little streak of independence. Puppies are very prone to get in mischeif but older dogs actually have a suprisingly low need for excersise -15 min run in the yard qnd they'll often spend the rest of the day sleeping on the sofa.
But never forget they chase small fast moving things - especally furry things, and if they catch them they will kill them. Some whippets live with a cat but some chase them .