Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Whippet is often between 12 and 15 years. With an appropriate diet, a stable weight, daily outings and regular veterinary follow-up, many individuals maintain good condition for many years.
Build
A robust breed?
The Whippet is a rather sturdy dog for a sighthound, but its fine skin and short coat make it more sensitive to cold and damp conditions. Its sturdiness also depends on respecting its need for exercise and on careful management of intense exertion.
Watch points
What to watch for
As with many athletic dogs, prevention involves observing locomotion, maintaining musculature and managing sudden exertion. A serious breeding program, regular veterinary follow-up and prompt attention in case of lameness or joint pain remain essential.
Musculoskeletal sensitivity : Muscle, ligament or joint pain may appear after intense or poorly managed exertion in this very fast dog.
Sensitivity to cold : Its short coat and low body protection make it more vulnerable to cold, wind and bad weather.
Osteoarthritis : With age or after repeated strain, some individuals may develop joint wear that should be monitored.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Whippet tolerates moderate heat fairly well if the effort is adapted, but it tolerates cold, wind and humidity poorly due to its very short coat and its low fat coverage. In winter, outings must be adjusted and protection may be useful depending on the conditions.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Whippet must remain slim and well-muscled. Even a moderate weight gain can harm its movement and its joint comfort, while excessive weight loss is not desirable in this naturally slender dog. Monitoring its physique and activity is therefore important.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Maintain a stable weight and monitor the gait.
- Keep up with vaccinations, deworming and identification.
- Consult promptly in case of lameness, vomiting or lethargy.
Vaccination
Whippet vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Whippet? Like all cats, the Whippet receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Whippet is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Whippet vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Whippet?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Whippet
A regular clinical examination, with attention paid to locomotion, joints and muscular condition, is relevant in this sporting breed. In the event of a breeding project, it is prudent to turn to breeding animals that are monitored and carefully selected.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
