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This year’s coveted 2025 Crufts Best In Show prize was scooped by Italian Whippet Miuccia, a four-year-old dog who beat over 18,000 dogs from across the globe to win the prestigious prize.
Spotlighting Whippets, in this blog, we’re highlighting all of the characteristics of this Crufts winner so you can decide whether or not it’s the ideal breed for you!
From training to shedding, here is everything you need to know about adopting and owning this best-in-show-winning breed!
Contents:
Are Whippets good family dogs?
Are Whippet puppies easy to train?
What were Whippets bred for?
Whippets, nicknamed the ‘poor man’s Greyhound’, were first bred in the late 18th or early 19th Century by miners in the north of England. They couldn’t afford to keep Greyhounds, so they developed their own, less costly version. Whippets may have been created by breeding smaller Greyhounds over time. Another theory is they came from crossing Italian Greyhounds with Manchester Terriers, then breeding them back with Greyhounds. Since detailed records weren’t kept, their exact origins aren’t certain.
Originally, Whippets were bred for competitive rabbit killing, where rabbits were released, and the winner was the first dog to make a kill. The miners who owned these dogs could use the sport as a way of gambling with little cost.
Eventually, these cruel sports were banned and replaced with rag racing, where Whippets would race a cloth dragged in a straight line, gaining them the nickname ‘Lightning Rag Dog’.
Nowadays, Whippets are gentle companion dogs loved for their affectionate natures.
How fast can Whippets run?
Pacing is a common symptom of high-level anxiety or stress. Your dog is likely in a state of hyper-arousal, where their body is flooded with stress hormones and they physically can't switch off or rest. This is often seen in dogs with Generalised Anxiety or right before a known stressful event.
Although fast, Whippets aren't known for their endurance and are just as happy spending a long day relaxing if needed. They require daily exercise but aren't too demanding, needing roughly an hour's worth per day, typically split across a couple of walks.
They love to run in short, sharp bursts, and if you can find somewhere to let them do so, they’ll be truly happy! Whippets are playful and energetic, and if you love to run, the chances are they’ll be more than happy to come and jog with you!
How long do Whippets live?
Whippets are generally healthy dogs that can live up to 12 to 15 years.
Keep them at their healthiest by helping them maintain their weight, as too much weight on their slender frame can lead to painful and potentially expensive orthopaedic issues throughout their lives.
Other health conditions that can affect Whippets are as follows;
- Hip Dysplasia - Common in Whippets, hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop as it should as a dog grows so therefore, the thigh bone doesn’t sit correctly in the hip socket.
- Bully Whippet Syndrome - Rare but only affecting Whippets, bully Whippet syndrome is a gene mutation that impacts muscle growth. It can be detected from an early age via a DNA test.
- Deafness - occasionally, Whippets are born deaf in one or both of their ears. If your Whippet is hearing-impaired it may require specific training needs and care. However, there's no reason they shouldn’t still be able to have the best life possible with the correct measures and treatments.
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia - Whippets are incredibly sensitive to thiobarbiturates, used in certain brands of anaesthesia. A normal dose can be fatal for a Whippet, so it’s worth considering this and chatting to your vet should your Whippet ever need treatment.
Finally, due to their thin, sensitive skin, Whippets can be prone to regular nicks and scratches, so it’s important to regularly check over their skin for signs of bleeding or infection, particularly after a walk.
Are Whippets good pets?
Whippets are loyal, calm, gentle dogs that love spending time with their families.
Whippets get along well with other dogs and can live with cats if trained from a young age, but because of their strong prey drive, they won’t do well in homes with small animals.
Whippets don’t require much space, so they will be equally happy in large open spaces as in small apartments, as long as they’re well exercised. But it’s worth noting that they don’t do well when left alone and can suffer from separation anxiety. Patient training can help your Whippet cope with being left alone for a couple of hours, but you’ll never be able to leave them alone for an entire day.
Are Whippets good family dogs?
A Whippet’s gentle, patient, affectionate nature makes it the perfect family dog.
Whippets are loyal and caring, if well-socialised, and are great with children and other family dogs. However, as with any breed, it’s important to teach children how to respect your family pet.
Are Whippet puppies easy to train?
Whippets are intelligent dogs who can easily be taught basic obedience. Although they are known to be slow to learn new things, Whippets are clever dogs that require positive reinforcement to give them confidence and to get the most out of their training.
You should put a lot of effort into teaching your Whippet puppy a strong recall. However, this can’t always be relied on, as a Whippet’s strong prey drive and the thrill of the chase will often trump its desire to return to its owner.
Patience and consistency are key when training your Whippet. If you’re struggling, a puppy class is a great way to train and socialise your puppy.
Do Whippets shed?
A Whippet is the perfect fit if you’re searching for a dog with low-maintenance grooming needs! They have single coats that are smooth and dense and require minimal brushing.
Minimal shedders, Whippets don’t have a shedding season like some other breeds and only require brushing once a week with a soft brush or hound mitt to remove any loose hair.
For more tips on grooming your Whippet, read our guide.
Are Whippets hypoallergenic?
No, Whippets aren’t hypoallergenic. Although they are very light shedders, they still shed hair and dander, so they aren’t an ideal choice for those with allergies.
Find everything you need to care for your Whippet’s grooming needs at Groomers
Now you know everything you need to know about owning a Whippet, find products tailored to suit its grooming needs at Groomers. From sensitive shampoo and rubber brushes perfect for its sensitive skin to dental and nail care, stock up your home grooming kit with all of the essentials to keep your Whippet looking and feeling like it’s the best in show every day!
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