The Unvarnished Truth About Whippets: Are They Right for You?
Before you bring a Whippet home, read this!
Meet the Whippet: a breed that'll keep you on your toes
We've had our fair share of experience with Whippets, and I've got to say - there's a lot to consider before bringing one home. Sure, they're beautiful dogs with plenty of charm, but they're not for the faint of heart.
The main issue we've encountered is separation anxiety. No matter how well you prepare your Whippet, it's something they'll always struggle with. We started leaving our dog alone from day two, and at first, she'd whine and whine. It took some time, but eventually, she got used to it.
Then there was the crate debacle. We thought we'd solved the problem by giving her a safe space to do her business, but it only made things worse. She'd fill it with poop and pee every day, and we'd have to clean it out before she'd even let us near her. It was a daily nightmare.
After ditching the crate, our Whippet went from being a handful to a total disaster. She'd chew on anything - shoes, furniture, even our cat's litter box. We were at our wit's end, and I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
Another challenge with Whippets is their boundless energy. They'll jump on anything - the couch, the kitchen counter, even the windowsill. We've tried to teach her to leave things alone, but it's a daily struggle. And don't even get me started on the times she's managed to sneak onto the kitchen counter and make a mess.
Whippets are also super emotional, and they'll often get anxious or upset for no reason. It's like they're constantly on edge, waiting for something to go wrong. And when they do get upset, watch out - they'll start shaking and whining like crazy.
One thing that might catch you off guard is their grooming needs. They don't shed much, but they do have those pesky little hairs everywhere. And let me tell you, it's a real pain to deal with. We've had to get used to vacuuming up those little hairs every day, just to keep our home clean.
When Whippets get upset or anxious, they'll often start shedding and getting a weird, crusty coat. It's not pretty, and it's definitely not something you want to deal with. But hey, at least it's temporary, right?
Finally, there's the issue of incontinence. Male Whippets can be prone to accidents, especially when they're left alone. So, if you're thinking of bringing one home, make sure to ask the breeder about this. It's not something you want to deal with, trust me.
So, there you have it - the not-so-glamorous side of owning a Whippet. They're beautiful dogs, and they'll definitely bring some joy into your life. But they're not for the faint of heart, and you'll need to be prepared for some serious challenges. If you're still up for the task, then go for it - but make sure to do your research and get a dog that's right for you.
We've learned a lot from our experience with our Whippet, and we're happy to share it with you. If you're considering bringing a Whippet into your family, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Separation anxiety is a real issue with Whippets. Be prepared to deal with whining and destructive behavior when you leave your dog alone.
Whippets have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
They're super emotional and can get anxious or upset for no reason. Be patient and understanding, and try to identify the triggers for their behavior.
Whippets have a unique coat that sheds very little, but they do have those pesky little hairs everywhere. Be prepared to vacuum regularly to keep your home clean.
Male Whippets can be prone to incontinence, especially when they're left alone. Make sure to ask the breeder about this and take steps to prevent accidents.
We hope this helps you make an informed decision about whether a Whippet is right for you. Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. Do your research, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from experienced Whippet owners.
We love our Whippet to pieces, and we wouldn't trade her for the world. But we also know that owning a Whippet is a big responsibility, and it's not for everyone. If you're up for the challenge, then go for it - but make sure to be prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
So, what do you think? Are Whippets right for you? Let us know in the comments below!