The 5 Biggest Myths About Whippets

7 July 2023

The elegant Whippet, often referred to as ‘the poor man’s racehorse,’ is one of the most misunderstood breeds. These slender and speedy dogs are known for their incredible agility and kind nature, but sadly, misconceptions cloud our understanding of this unique breed. As a lifelong Whippet owner, I’ve heard every myth in the book and it’s time to set the record straight.

Myth 1: Whippets are just smaller versions of Greyhounds

While Whippets do share a similar aesthetic to Greyhounds, they are not merely a smaller version of them. Whippets are a distinct breed with their own unique traits and characteristics. Whippets, compared to their larger cousin, are more adaptable to living in smaller spaces and are generally more sociable around other dogs and animals.

Myth 2: Whippets require extensive exercise

Known for their incredible speed, many people assume Whippets need constant and strenuous exercise. While Whippets certainly love a good sprint, they are also perfectly content to curl up on a couch for a large part of the day. They are sprinters, not endurance runners, and much like a sprinter, they enjoy their downtime. Two good walks a day, coupled with some short sprints in a safe, enclosed area, are typically enough to keep a Whippet happy and healthy.

Myth 3: Whippets are cold and aloof

Some people perceive the Whippet’s elegant appearance and noble stance as a sign of aloofness. But any Whippet owner will tell you that these dogs are far from being cold or aloof. Whippets are incredibly affectionate, loving, and thrive on companionship. They enjoy being around their human family and often develop strong bonds with their owners.

Myth 4: Whippets are not intelligent

Just because a Whippet might not be as keen to please as some other breeds, it doesn’t mean they’re not smart. Whippets are very intelligent, but they are also independent thinkers. They may not always obey commands immediately, not because they don’t understand, but because they’re deciding whether it’s worth their while! Training a Whippet requires patience, consistency, and often a bit of creativity.

Myth 5: Whippets are prone to health issues

While no breed is entirely free of potential health concerns, Whippets are generally a healthy breed with few genetic health issues. This is largely due to careful breeding practices. They can live into their mid-teens with good care and a healthy diet. They can be sensitive to the cold due to their thin coats and low body fat, but this can be easily managed with warm clothing and good indoor heating in colder months.

Busting these myths allows us to see Whippets for what they truly are – affectionate, adaptable, and healthy dogs that make excellent companions. They are a testament to the old saying, ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover,’ or in this case, a dog by its breed stereotype. As a long-time Whippet owner, I can honestly say that the privilege of living with these wonderful dogs far outweighs any misconceptions surrounding them. Whippets are truly a breed that once you have loved, you will always adore.

The post The 5 Biggest Myths About Whippets appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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