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.
A Whippet can cost between $2,000 and $3,500 in Australia when purchasing them from a breeder. You can expect to pay less when adopting them from an adoption shelter, but if you see prices listed as lower by breeders, it’s time to be concerned. Lower prices typically come from unregistered or unethical breeders who do not place the same level of care and research when breeding animals, often overbreeding dogs and causing health conditions or uncertain temperaments. While the lower price can be attractive, it contributes directly to the exploration of animals, and you should consider a registered breeder or adopt through a shelter.
A Whippet usually costs between $2,000 and $3,500, depending on the age of the dog. Whippet puppies will usually be more expensive than older dogs as they are higher in demand, so if you want to reduce the cost of your new Whippet, you might consider purchasing an older or retired dog. The price of Whippets also varies depending on the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s lineage, and the genetic screening tests performed to provide you with a happy and healthy dog.
You can save a lot of money if you choose to adopt a Whippet from an adoption shelter, with adoption fees ranging from $300 to $600 depending on the location of the shelter and the age of the Whippet. Shelter adoption fees usually cover vaccinations and microchipping of your dog, too, reducing the ongoing costs you can face.
When you adopt a Whippet from an adoption shelter, you are less likely to know about their lineage or get a purebred, but you are providing them with a second home and a chance of happiness. Most shelters work tirelessly to match dogs to their perfect home, so you can be sure to learn lots about their temperament and needs before bringing them into your home.
There are many factors influencing the price of Whippet pups, including
If you are looking for ‘quality’ Whippets or showing Whippets, you can expect to pay a lot more than a regular companion Whippet.
Alongside the cost of purchasing your Whippet, you will need to provide them with essentials to keep them comfortable, like a crate, bedding, and bowls. These can cost between $10 and $200 per item, so it’s important that you check your budget to ensure you can afford these costs.
You will likely need to repurchase many of these items, including beds and collars, as your dog grows, so make sure you have the funds to do this over your dog’s life. We have broken down the essentials and their average cost below:
Dog crate: can cost between $30 and $200, depending on the brand and size. A Whippet will need a medium-sized crate that should sit in the middle of this price range.
Dog bed: can cost between $20 and $100 depending on the material used and size. You will want a bed large enough for your Whippet to stretch out and get the rest they need.
Dog collar/lead: can cost between $10 and $150 depending on the quality and brand. Leather dollars are the most expensive but are considered the best quality, providing years of durable use.
Feeding bowl: can cost between $10 and $50 depending on the number of bowls you need, their size, and if stands or other additional equipment is needed.
Dog toothbrush: can cost between $11 and $100 depending on the brand and whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush.
Dog car harness: can cost between $20 and $70, depending on the brand and size. Your Whippet will likely need a medium harness to keep them secure in the car.
Puppy treats: can cost between $10 and $15 a week depending on how many treats you use while training your dog.
Puppy training pads: can cost between $10 and $30, depending on how long it takes to toilet train your dog. It is less likely you will need to do this for older dogs.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: can cost between $10 and $50 depending on the brand and if specialist shampoo is needed to treat a skin condition or irritation. Often, specialist shampoo will cost more and be available via a prescription from your vet.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: can cost between $20 and $50 depending on how many grooming tools you purchase and their brand.
There are also maintenance costs that you must consider, including feeding your Whippet, veterinary care, and grooming costs. These can cost between $140 and $300 a month. It is important that you budget for them when deciding if you can afford a Whippet.
We have outlined the cost of these maintenance requirements below:
Feeding your Whippet can cost between $60 and $150 a month. The cost of feeding your Whippet varies depending on the type of diet you feed them and the quality of the food that you choose. Typically, the more you spend, the higher you can expect the quality to be, providing your Whippet with quality food that will nourish them and offer the energy that they need.
Below, we have broken down the daily cost of feeding your adult Whippet based on several different diet options. We have based this on the weight of an adult Whippet between 11 and 18 kg:
The cost of veterinary care for your Whippet can vary depending on the vet practice you choose, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $1,500 for every treatment they need to maintain their health. All of the care we have listed below is the basic care they need and does not include any extras like visits to the vet for health concerns. You will need to ensure that you can afford to pay for the basic care your Whippet needs and have a plan in place for any additional vet visits, such as a sinking fund or pet insurance.
You can expect to budget for the following costs below:
Annual vet checkups: can cost between $100 and $300 a year, depending on the price of your vet and if any follow-up appointments are required.
Vaccinations: can cost between $50 and $200 depending on the size of your dog and your vet’s prices. The more your Whippet weighs, the higher the dosage will be, and the more your vaccination will cost.
Worming and parasite protection: can cost $50 to $200 a year depending on the dosage required and how often your Whippet needs the treatment throughout the year.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): can cost between $200 and $1000 depending on the level of cleaning required and if your dog needs to be sedated for the procedure.
Pet insurance: can cost between $500 and $1,500 a year, depending on the coverage you choose, the age of your dog, and if there are any health conditions that you need covered.
You can choose to groom your Whippet at home for no additional cost, or you can enlist the help of a professional groomer. A professional groomer can ensure your Whippets short coat is cared for and not cut too short, trim their nails, and provide any other grooming services you require. The cost is usually between $80 and $100, depending on the groomer you choose and the service you request. We have outlined the popular services and their costs below:
Hydronbaths: $25 to $45
Full groom prices: $80 to $100
Face, feet & tail groom prices: $60 to $80
A trainer can help you with your whippet, assist with behavioural concerns and obedience, and help train new puppies to walk on a lead correctly. Training can cost between $50 and $250 a session, with many training schools offering discounts when you purchase a block of sessions. The cost does vary depending on the trainer you choose and the type of session you want, with the costs outlined below:
Basic obedience training prices: $50 to $250
Puppy training class prices: $30 to $230
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $50 to $250
A Whippet is a fantastic dog for many owners, but you must be aware of the additional costs before deciding if you should bring one into your home. By considering all of the extra costs, you can make sure that you can provide for your Whippet for their entire life.
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