Whippet Characteristics
Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years
Adult weight: 25 – 40 lbs.
Adult height: 18 – 22 in.
Origin – United Kingdom
Owning a Whippet can be a delightful experience for dog lovers seeking a gentle, elegant, and affectionate companion. Whippets are medium-sized sighthounds that excel in agility, speed, and grace. They are known for their sleek and slender build, often described as "miniature Greyhounds."
One of the standout qualities of Whippets is their calm and gentle demeanor. They are typically easygoing and adaptable, making them suitable for various living situations, including apartments. However, they still require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. A good sprint in a securely fenced area or a daily walk will suffice to keep them content.
Whippets are incredibly affectionate and enjoy being part of the family. They form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on love and attention. While they may be reserved with strangers, they are generally sociable with other dogs and can make great companions for households with multiple pets.
It's important to note that Whippets have a strong prey drive, as they were originally bred for hunting small game. Therefore, they should be supervised in outdoor areas where they can potentially chase after small animals.
In conclusion, owning a Whippet can bring elegance, affection, and a touch of grace to your life. With their gentle nature and adaptable personality, they make loving family pets that are well-suited for both active and relaxed lifestyles.
What is the price of a Whippet?
When considering the cost of purchasing a Whippet, it's important to factor in the expenses associated with buying from a breeder. Breeders often charge a significant amount for a Whippet puppy, taking into account the breed's popularity and the quality of their bloodline.
On the other hand, adopting a Whippet from a rescue or shelter typically involves a lower fee that may include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. While the initial cost of adoption may be lower, it's essential to remember that ongoing expenses such as food, grooming, training, and medical care will still need to be considered regardless of how you obtain your Whippet.
Buying: $850 - $1,500
When purchasing a Whippet from a breeder, you can expect to pay an average cost of $850 to $1,500. Breeders often invest a lot of time, effort, and resources into breeding healthy and well-tempered Whippets, which is reflected in the higher price tag.
Adoption: $50 - $500
Adopting a Whippet can be a more affordable option compared to purchasing from a breeder. The cost of adoption typically ranges from $50 to $500, depending on the shelter or rescue organization. This fee often includes vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping, making it a great value for those looking to provide a loving home for a Whippet in need.
Monthly Costs for a Whippet Puppy
Diet: $105 – 175 annually
The cost of diet for a Whippet can range from $105 to $175 annually. Whippets are medium-sized dogs with high energy levels, so they require a high-quality, balanced diet to meet their nutritional needs.
The cost of their diet can vary depending on the brand and quality of the food, as well as the specific dietary requirements of the individual dog. It's important to budget for this expense to ensure that your Whippet is getting the proper nutrition for a healthy and happy life.
Grooming: $40 - $50
The cost of grooming for a Whippet can range from $40 to $50 and is typically required every 8 to 12 weeks (about 3 months). Whippets have short, smooth coats that are relatively low maintenance, but regular grooming is still necessary to keep their coat clean and healthy.
Grooming services for Whippets may include bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and any necessary haircuts. The cost of grooming can vary depending on factors such as the location, the specific grooming services requested, and the experience of the groomer.
Medical Costs:
As your Whippet grows into adulthood, they may be prone to develop certain health conditions such as epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, and dental disease. The cost of treatment for these conditions can range depending on the severity of the condition, but estimates are provided below.
Epilepsy - $500 - $2,500
Intervertebral Disc Disease - $250 - $4,000
Dental Disease - $400 - $800
One-Time Costs for a Whippet
Initial Costs: $185 - $790
The initial cost of supplies for a Whippet can range from $185 to $790. This includes essential items such as a collar, leash, food and water bowls, crate, bed, toys, as well as grooming, training, and sanitary supplies. The specific costs will depend on factors such as the brand and quality of the supplies, as well as personal preferences.
Microchipping: $25 - $50
Microchipping is an important step in ensuring the safety and well-being of your Whippet. The cost of microchipping typically ranges from $25 to $50. This one-time expense is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your dog can be easily identified and reunited with you if they were to ever get lost or go missing.
Microchipping is a quick and relatively painless procedure that involves implanting a tiny chip under your Whippet's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter, allowing them to contact you and return your beloved pet to you. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in the safety and security of your Whippet.
Vaccinations: $75 - $100
Your Whippet puppy will need about three sets of vaccinations in their first year, with each visit ranging from $75 to $100 per visit. Vaccinations are an essential part of ensuring the health and well-being of your puppy. They protect against common diseases and help build their immune system.
It's important to budget for these expenses to provide your Whippet puppy with the necessary protection to help ensure they grow up to be healthy and happy dogs. The specific cost may vary depending on the veterinarian and location, so it's a good idea to research and plan for these important veterinary services.
Miscellaneous:
Optional services such as dog walking and boarding can add to the overall cost of owning a Whippet puppy. Dog walking services typically range from $15 to $25 for a 30-minute walk, and $25 - $50 for a 1-hour walk, providing your furry friend with the exercise and stimulation they need.
Boarding services, on the other hand, can range from $25 to $85 per day, depending on factors such as the location and the amenities offered. While these services are not essential, they can be beneficial for busy pet parents who may need to be away from home for extended periods of time.
Lifetime Whippet Cost: $10,645 - $31,490
The lifetime cost of owning a Whippet can range from $10,645 to $31,490. This includes expenses such as microchipping, vaccinations, food, and optional services like dog walking and boarding. By considering these costs and planning ahead, you can provide your Whippet with the best possible care throughout their lifetime.
How Can Spot Pet Insurance Help?
Spot Pet Insurance plans cover a wide variety of eligible veterinary services for unexpected accidents and illnesses, including microchip implantation, surgical procedures, and hospitalization. For the full list of benefits, click here. In addition, Spot also offers preventive care coverage options which can be added to your plan for an extra cost to cover the eligible costs of wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more.
Spot plans give pet parents the opportunity to customize their coverage. Pet parents can choose their annual deductible, reimbursement rate, and annual limit from a range of options. Pet parents can even select an unlimited option for their annual limit, with no per-incident or lifetime caps. Spot offers pet parents the opportunity to customize the plan that fits the needs of their pet as well as their budget.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, owning a Whippet can be a fulfilling experience for those seeking a gentle and affectionate companion. These elegant sighthounds bring grace and charm to any household. With their calm demeanor and adaptability, they fit well into various living situations, including apartments. Whippets thrive on love and attention, forming strong bonds with their owners. They are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. However, their prey drive should be managed, and they should be supervised around small animals. With their combination of athleticism, loyalty, and gentle nature, Whippets make wonderful pets for individuals and families alike.
