How to Train a Whippet
Whippet training. Tips for their moderate energy hound breed temperament.
Training Approach
Whippets are moderate-energy hound dogs that benefit from regular but moderate training routines. Hound breeds can be independent thinkers, so patience and high-value treats are essential for training success.
At 25-40 lbs and 12-15 yrs of life expectancy, the Whippet carries specific care considerations that benefit from early attention. Few breeds combine steady enthusiasm with the Whippet's distinctive character quite so effectively.
Health Predisposition Summary: Whippets show higher-than-average incidence of heart disease, eye problems, anesthesia sensitivity based on breed health database data. Individual risk depends on lineage, environment, and care. Work with your vet to determine which screenings are appropriate at each life stage.
Whippet Training Challenges
Few breeds combine steady enthusiasm with the Whippet's distinctive character quite so effectively. Whippets with moderate energy levels strike a good balance between activity and relaxation.
- Size: medium (25-40 lbs)
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Shedding: Light
- Common Health Issues: Heart Disease, Eye Problems, Anesthesia Sensitivity
- Lifespan: 12-15 yrs
Socialization
Knowledge of breed-specific characteristics directly translates to better day-to-day care. The care profile for Whippets is anchored by a medium build, light coat shedding, and breed-associated risk for heart disease and eye problems.
Routine veterinary screenings catch many breed-related conditions at stages where intervention is most effective. Given the breed's health tendencies, proactive screening is important for this breed.
Obedience Commands
- Provide 30–60 minutes of daily exercise appropriate to their energy level
- Feed a high-quality diet formulated for medium breed dogs (800–1,200 calories/day)
- Maintain a weekly grooming routine
- Schedule breed-appropriate health screenings for heart disease
- Consider pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy — premiums are lower and pre-existing conditions aren't an issue
Advanced Training
Flag planned diet changes to the vet before starting — the five-minute conversation routinely catches interactions a general guide cannot anticipate.
Common Behavior Issues
Building prevention around a breed's documented risks is one of the higher-leverage calls an owner can make. Watch for early signs of heart disease, maintain regular veterinary visits, and keep your dog at a healthy weight — excess weight worsens most of the conditions Whippets are prone to.
Veterinary Care Schedule for Whippets
Regular veterinary visits allow early detection of breed-associated conditions, when treatment is most effective. The recommended schedule for your Whippet. Use this as a starting point — your vet may adjust based on individual health.
| Life Stage | Visit Frequency | Key Screenings |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0-1 year) | Every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks, then at 6 and 12 months | Vaccinations, deworming, spay/neuter (consult AVMA guidelines on optimal timing) consultation |
| Adult (1-7 years) | Annually | Physical exam, dental check, heartworm test, vaccination boosters |
| Senior (7+ years) | Every 6 months | Blood work, urinalysis, Heart Disease screening, Eye Problems screening, Anesthesia Sensitivity screening |
Whippets should receive breed-specific screening for heart disease starting at 3-5 years of age or earlier if symptoms appear. The earlier you know, the more you can do about it.
Cost of Whippet Ownership
- Annual food costs: $400–$800 for high-quality dog food
- Veterinary care: $300–$700 annually for routine visits, plus potential emergency costs
- Grooming: $45–70 per professional session (weekly home grooming recommended)
- Pet insurance: $35–55/month for comprehensive coverage
- Supplies and toys: $200–$500 annually for bedding, toys, leashes, and other essentials
More Whippet Guides
Additional Whippet resources.
- Whippet Diet & Nutrition Guide
- Whippet Pet Insurance Cost
- Whippet Grooming Guide
- Whippet Health Issues
- Whippet Temperament & Personality
- Whippet Exercise Needs
- Whippet Cost of Ownership
- Adopt a Whippet
What are the most important considerations for how to train a whippet?
Training a Whippet: Complete Guide works best with consistent, positive methods tailored to their temperament and energy level. Early socialization is also critical.