What Does Your Whippet Really Want?

Your Whippet's biggest desire? A warm sofa, a quick sprint, and endless cuddles.

Whippet temperament and personality

Whippets are renowned for their gentle and placid temperament. They are incredibly affectionate and thrive on human companionship, often described as 'velcro dogs' due to their desire to be close. Despite their athletic build, they are surprisingly calm indoors, earning them the nickname '45 mph couch potatoes'. They are generally good with children and other pets, provided they are introduced properly. While they possess a strong prey drive, their sweet nature makes them wonderful family companions who crave comfort and connection.

• Gentle - Known for their sweet, affectionate, and docile nature.
• Athletic - Incredibly fast and agile, built for short, powerful bursts of speed.
• Affectionate - Loves to cuddle and be close to their human family.
• Calm Indoors - Surprisingly quiet and relaxed when inside the home.
• Sensitive - Can be easily startled by loud noises or harsh treatment.
• Sighthound - Possesses a strong instinct to chase moving objects.

Typical Whippet quirks and behaviour

Oh, the Whippet quirks! Prepare for the 'zoomies' - sudden, explosive bursts of running around the garden as if possessed by a tiny, furry ghost. Then, equally suddenly, they'll collapse into a heap, often upside down, demanding belly rubs. They are master thieves of comfort, expertly 'burrowing' under blankets and cushions until they're a barely visible lump. And don't be surprised by the 'Whippet shiver' - a common trait when they're excited, cold, or just slightly overwhelmed, despite not actually being cold!

What does your Whippet really want?

What your Whippet most wants is a warm, soft place to sleep - preferably on your lap, or at least nestled under a blanket next to you. They crave short, exhilarating sprints followed by long, luxurious naps. They desperately want to please you and will soak up every loving word and gentle stroke. They also want to chase anything that moves, so a secure, fenced area for those zoomies is non-negotiable. More than anything, they want to be part of your family, sharing in your daily life, and providing endless, quiet companionship.

Scan your Whippet free and our AI reads their face to tell you exactly what they want behind that look.

What to get your Whippet

A soft, plush dog bed or even a memory foam bed for their delicate joints. A warm dog coat or jumper for chilly outings. A long, extendable lead for safe, supervised walks where they can explore. Engaging fetch toys for their short bursts of play. And plenty of blankets or throws for their burrowing habits.

Are Whippets intelligent?

Whippets are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train with positive reinforcement. They pick up commands quickly, especially when food or praise is involved. However, their sighthound instincts mean they can be easily distracted by movement, and recall can be a challenge if something interesting catches their eye. Consistency and patience are key.

Whippets with families

Whippets are generally excellent with families, known for their gentle and tolerant nature. They are often good with well-behaved children, enjoying quiet play and cuddles. Their calm indoor demeanour means they aren't usually boisterous, though their thin skin means supervision is always wise with very young children. They thrive on being part of the family unit and will form strong bonds with all members.

Frequently asked questions