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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Whippet need? Like all dogs, Whippets should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Whippet vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Whippet booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Whippet need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
