If you want a fun and loving dog in your life, you’re right to consider a Whippet. These dogs are friendly, sweet-natured and highly intelligent, and Whippets will shower you with nothing but unconditional love (and maybe the odd dog hair) for years to come.
But how much are Whippet prices in Australia? In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the cost of this breed.
Whippets – or any purebred dog, for that matter – do not come cheap. Here in Australia, you can face anywhere from $ 1,500 – $ 2,500 for a puppy. If you decide to adopt, the fees are less but can still be up to $400.
There are many factors influencing the price of Whippet pups, including
Whether it is adopted or purchased from a breeder
If you are looking for ‘quality’ Whippets or showing Whippets, you can expect to pay a lot more than a regular companion Whippet.
Don’t forget, there will be other start-up fees that could total $800, such as a crate, toys, collars, a leash, and food, to welcome your new dog to the extended family and to make them feel right at home.
A Whippet breeder should always be keen to talk through everything with you and answer all the questions you might have. If you feel that a breeder simply wants to part with your money, they may not always have the best interest of their Whippet puppies at heart.
Always ask to see the rest of the dogs in the litter, not just the puppy of your choice. This will allow you to get an idea of their temperament, how they interact with the breeder, and generally how they have been raised.
You’ll want to make sure that your Whippet puppy comes with their vaccinations as well as proof that they have been vet-checked and ideally microchipped.
If you suspect a breeder isn’t caring for these original hunting dogs, chances are they aren’t. This can lead to a lifetime of health problems and can be extremely costly, and many owners will be forced to have a poor dog put down.
The fees don’t stop once you’ve purchased your new dog; get ready to spend a sizable amount each month. There are the vet fees, food costs and, sometimes, grooming charges to factor into your monthly budget.
As a medium-sized dog, a Whippet will eat a fair amount of food. Depending on what sort of diet you decide on (raw, dried, fresh), these prices can vary, with raw and fresh food diets being the most expensive.
Feeding costs can total anywhere up to $80 per month, depending on the food grade. Always ensure you feed your Whippet the very best quality food you can afford in order to give them a long and happy life.
Factor in monthly vet costs of around $30 – $60 per month on medical expenses, such as heartworm tests, possible medication and other treatments.
You can potentially limit the vet costs by providing regular exercise (such as lure coursing), high-quality food, limited treats and providing your dog with lots of love!
One cost that you won’t have to worry about too much when it comes to Whippets is grooming costs. A monthly bath and a weekly brush are all it takes to keep your good dog looking gorgeous.
Whippets are absolutely worth the price. These loving and loyal dogs will make an excellent addition to just about any family. They love children, and although they don’t always get on with other pets, with early socialisation and the right training, they can live in harmony with other dogs.
There are lots of Whippets in animal shelters who are looking for their forever homes, so we recommend you check out your local dog rescue or sighthound rescue group in order to give these dogs a second chance at life. Many of these dogs are given up through no fault of their own, so we always think it’s better to adopt than shop.
Owning just about any type of dog these days can be expensive with vet and food bills, but the love and devotion you can get in return are truly unparalleled. Why not consider bringing one (or more) beautiful Whippets into your home ad see for yourself what wonderful family pets they can be?
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