Do Whippets do well alone while I'm at work?

by Gene B
(Marysville, CA, USA)

I'm single & would like a dog. I'm searching very carefully for the right dog with a temperament that would suit my current work situation.

I commute to work & am gone for about 10 hours a day, M-F. I'm excited to get a dog or that I could walk/jog daily for 30-60 minutes, plus training, & would spend a lot of time with him on the weekends.

Do you think a whippet would fit that lifestyle? I don't want to rush into a decision so I'm researching breeds for the right dog. Thanks for your help!

ANSWER:

I appreciate the fact that you are doing a careful research before jumping headfirst into the wonderful but demanding world of dog owners.

Whippets are well known to be velcro dogs, they stick close to their owners and don’t like to be left alone for too long.

To be routinely alone for ten hours a day seems like a lot for any dog. Maybe you should consider a pet that suits better your lifestyle like a cat, a horse or a bird. All these pets will be able to provide entertainment and affection but require less time commitment than a dog.

Whippet Dog FAQ: Is a Whippet Right for Me?

by Hannah Bendickson
(Tempe, AZ United States)

Do whippet dogs work well in a semi-busy to busy household?
I'm looking into getting a dog (age 14) and want to know if a whippet is right for me.
The breed stands out to me and I would love to introduce one into my home but I want only what's best for it.

ANSWER:

Whippets mellow down with age and a 14 years old dog shouldn't be very demanding.
If you want to know if whippets are the right breed for you, check out the page below

Is a whippet the right dog for you?

Is a Whippet the Right Dog for Me?

by Harry
(Australia)

I would like to buy my first whippet pup but I wonder if it is fair on my 13 year old miniature schnauzer to bring another dog into the house. I have had him since a pup and it has been just him and me for all this time.

My next question is that I have a bird aviary so would the birds drive the whippet crazy not being able to chase them?

I am aware the whippets can jump but I cannot find out how high. My fences are 1.5 m. high is that sufficient to keep them in?

ANSWER:

Let's answer each question.

You wrote:

"It is fair on my 13 year old miniature schnauzer to bring another dog into the house?"

If your schnauzer enjoys the company of other dogs and gets along well with them, a whippet puppy might bring some fun and excitement into his life.

At the begging you might have to watch them closely but if everything goes well a pup can give new life to your old dog's routine.

For more info about whippets and other dogs, have a look at this page.
whippets and other dogs

Your second question:

"I have a bird aviary so would the birds drive the whippet crazy not being able to chase them?"

Most whippets like to chase birds but as the birds are in a cage, I guess your whippet will learn soon that they are unreachable and will leave them alone.

Speak with your breeder about this, he or she might be able to give you more info about that particular line of dogs and their behavior.

Your last question:

"My fences are 1.5 m. high is that sufficient to keep a whippet in?"

Your fences may not be enough to keep safely inside an escape artist.

Most whippets are not especially adventurous and may be content to stay inside but if your whippet is really spirited and there is something interesting going on outside, that fence may not be enough.

All the best for your new pup!

Whippet On Its Own a Few Hours Monday to Friday?

I would love to get a whippet and have done so much research on them but one thing I can't seem to find out is how long would they be ok to be left alone for.

I work from 8:30am until 3:30 pm. I would also be home for an hour at 12 pm to see the dog and some days other people would be in the house for a few hours.

My whippet could go and stay with my mam and her dog (which is a miniature poodle) for a few hours every other day until I got home and I would be home all weekend and for my 6 week holiday.

Would this be ok?

ANSWER:

How many hours can a whippet be home alone depends on many factors: the age of the dog, the temperament, the quantity of exercise he gets and the housing facilities.

It seems to me that you are already figuring out a good plan and you will be able to spend a lot of quality time with your dog.

For more info about suitable living arrangement, have a look at this page.

Click here to read tips for keeping your dog busy while you are away.

Good luck for your new puppy!

Should I Get a Whippet?

I am thinking about getting a dog, mine passed away last spring and I would like a companion again.
I am going to start college next fall but will continue to live at home for at least a few years.
I would really like a dog that bonds to me but that doesn't really lick or jump too much.
We do have other pets so he/she wouldn't be lonely, anyway I just am wondering if this is the right dog for me and any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER:

Whippets become great companions, they bond closely with their humans and they love to jump and lick to greet them!

I would say that they jump more than the average dog (they are very athletic) but they lick less than most dogs.

Whippets are also very willing to please their owners and with patience and training they can learn anything.

I guess it is up to you to make your future whippet a perfect companion!