Whippet Puppies: Boy or Girl?

by Jim
(USA)

My wife and I are considering getting a Whippet puppy. One question we haven't had answered are the pros and cons of male versus female Whippets.
Do you have any information or details that might help us to make a decision?

ANSWER:

Both whippet dogs and bitches make wonderful, easy pets, extremely devoted to their owners. They are both easy to housebreak and male are no more aggressive than females.

There is though some difference in their personality and knowing about them will help you make a better choice.

First of all the female are smaller, their look is more refined and graceful compared with their male counterpart. Males are more muscular and taller.

Female temperament tends to be more feline in nature. Girls can be more strong-willed and somewhat shyer than males.

Whippet boys tend to like better repetitive games.

Girls go into season every six months and unless they are spayed, this restricts their participation in events. If you are starting out with one whippet and you plan to take part in every show, coursing or racing meeting in your area, a male might be your better choice.

If you decide to spay/neuter your whippet, the operation for males is quicker and easier than for females.

Is it better to have a male or a female?

by Tess
(Qld, Australia)

Hi there, I've read somewhere that for a pet it is better to have a male whippet. What would be the reasoning behind this? And is this true? If I'm buying a whippet for pet would I be better off buying two males to keep each other company while I'm at work or male and a female?

ANSWER:

Unlike other breeds, whippets of both sexes make great pets.

Often whippets of the same sex get along fine but if you want to keep two together, it is a safer bet to have a boy and a girl.