Buyer question
Is a Whippet good for beginners?
Yes: our Animal Library rates the Whippet 4 out of 5 for beginners (easy indoors).
Source: the Whippet page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Whippet in the Animal Library
The detail
An English sighthound bred to chase rabbits and race, the Whippet is built for bursts of speed and long naps afterward. Gentle, quiet and affectionate indoors, it is one of the easiest sighthounds to live with, but it must run safely.
- Temperament
- Gentle, calm, affectionate
- Best fit
- Apartments with a daily run
- Trainability
- 3 out of 5 (Sensitive, gentle hands)
- Energy
- 3 out of 5 (Daily sprint, then naps)
- Grooming load
- 1 out of 5 (Quick weekly wipe)
What to weigh
Whippets chase anything that moves and can reach dangerous speeds, so off-leash running needs a secure area. They feel the cold, have thin skin that tears easily and are sensitive to harsh handling.