A Whippet – a snap dog – is a very popular family because of its lovely nature and small, slim size. If you are looking at Whippet puppies, you are probably wondering what the personality of the Whippet dog breed is like.
Read our Whippet dog breed information guide below to find out everything you need to know about the temperament of these sighthounds.
Whippets are more than just dogs for dog sports, lure coursing, and competitive canine frisbee catching – these dogs are loving and loyal, making great additions to any family. Here are some of their main personality traits.
Despite being called the poor man’s racehorse for their popularity in dog races, Whippets are very even-tempered and laid-back. They have plenty of patience and will not become upset easily. This means they are great with other dogs and are generally friendly and sociable.
Whippets are one of the most gentle dogs in the world. They have very calm personalities and will gently accept treats, not tug on their leash, and be peaceful overall. They are very fast, though, so stay out of its way when it gets zoomies, or you can risk an injury to the knee!
Being sensitive with a short coat and no body fat makes the Whippet susceptible to cold weather and hard surfaces. This sensitive dog is also great at picking up on your emotions and will be happy when you are happy and sad when you’re subdued.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Australian National Kennel Council, the Whippet temperament makes them good family dogs.
Whippets are pack dogs, meaning they prefer the company of other dogs. Some dog breeds that are incredibly compatible with Whippets are greyhounds, Italian greyhounds, other whippets, labradors, spaniels, beagles and the Irish wolfhound.
Whippets can get on fine with family cats and other animals in the home if they are properly trained and introduced. Whippets enjoy a chase, so it is best to supervise your Whippet when it interacts with other pets.
Yes, Whippets are patient and gentle, making them great with kids. When introducing your Whippet to children, make sure to supervise their interactions and teach your children how to treat a dog.
Whippets could have some of the following behavioural problems:
Chasing, herding and nipping other animals or small children.
Digging holes when bored.
Running after cars, scooters and skateboards.
Whippets are pack dogs and prefer the company of their family or furry friends. They can suffer from separation anxiety, especially if they have not been exercised or mentally stimulated.
A well-trained, well-adjusted Whippet, from a puppy – to an adult, can be left alone for a couple of hours, but never leave your dog alone for more than eight hours, and make sure they have access to food and water.
Whippets are shy, calm dogs and do not bark a lot. Do not expect your Whippet to be a good guard dog – their lack of barking and reserved nature make them terrible protection dogs.
Their activity levels depend on the individual dog. Some Whippets enjoy human companionship and will be happy to lounge on the couch, while other dogs will have high energy levels (which makes them great dogs to enter into snap dog contests). Overall, the Whippet is generally considered a high-energy dog.
Most Whippets are incredibly sweet, loyal, loving and sensitive dogs. They love being around their families and also enjoy the company of other breeds and other pets in the household. We hope our Whippet temperament guide has given you a better idea of what to expect when you bring your Whippet home.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.