We all know that some dogs shed more than others, but where does the Whippet fare in the loose hair stakes? Suppose you are considering purchasing or adopting a Whippet but are concerned about the amount this inquisitive, kind and loving breed will shed. In that case, we have provided everything below that you need to know when it comes to Whippet shedding.
Read on to find out how much Whippets shed, whether they shed more at certain times of the year, the type of hair Whippets have, how to minimise any shedding and much more.
Let’s get into it!
Some breeds will shed more than other dogs. Take, for instance, the Golden Retriever, who will leave masses and masses of their hair everywhere for you. Think of it as thousands of little presents to adorn your home with! But how much will a Whippet shed? Here comes the good news…
Thankfully, a Whippet’s coat is not prone to lots of shedding. This is music to your ears if you are looking for a loving, intelligent dog that doesn’t require too much grooming and coat maintenance.
Yes. A Whippet sheds its coat twice a year, once in the spring to make way for its summer coat and once in the autumn to welcome their winter coat. Some Whippets may shed slightly more or less than this, depending on their nutrition.
No, a Whippet puppy will not shed any more or less than an adult Whippet.
A Whippet’s smooth coat is one of the stand-out physical features of these beautiful, mellow and loving dogs. Who can resist the appeal of those beautiful big silky ears, head and body?
Their coat is undeniably beautiful, but it’s very thin, which can cause some problems.
For example, because of the Whippet’s thin coat, they feel the cold a lot in the winter months. This, coupled with having very little body fat, means that the breed needs lots of blankets and warm, cosy beds to snuggle up in. Some Whippet owners even put jumpers on these dogs, for which they are often very grateful when it’s cold!
If the weather is especially cold, an insulated coat is required in order to prevent hypothermia. It’s also a really good idea to have a heated bed for them to climb into after a long walk.
When the weather is warm, this thin coat will do little to protect the Whippet’s skin. So don’t walk them when the mercury rises too much. Early morning and late in the evening are best.
As a Whippet owner, you won’t have to deal with half as much dog hair floating around your home as with other breeds, but they will have certain amounts of loose hair as every dog sheds to some degree.
In order to minimise Whippet shedding, give your dog a quick brush once a week in order to maintain a healthy coat with a bristle brush or rubber curry brush.
Be careful not to brush too hard or too often – the dog’s skin can be very sensitive. The same goes for bathing your Whippet. While it’s good to give them a wash once a month, try not to overdo it. This sensitive skin can really cause issues.
Although a low shedding breed, like many other dog breeds, the Whippet is not considered a hypoallergenic dog. This is because not just the loose hairs but the saliva, dander (skin flakes) and urine can cause allergies in those who are susceptible.
There is a common misconception that fur is the sole cause of allergies and, therefore, only heavier-coated dogs cause issues, but this is incorrect.
If you are looking for a dog that won’t cover you or your car in an ungodly amount of hair, the Whippet could be the perfect addition to your family and home.
However, it’s important to remember that Whippets shed slightly, so although you won’t have a tonne of hairs on your clothes or soft furnishings, you can definitely expect some.
But, hey, what’s a few hairs when you have a great companion who’s keen to please, fun, goofy, loyal and will love you unconditionally?
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