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Whippet pups are some of the most charming and graceful little dogs you'll ever encounter. Known for their sleek bodies and gentle personalities, these puppies go through a fascinating series of developmental stages before they become the elegant adult whippets we admire. If you're curious about what whippet pups look like at each stage of their early life, you're in the right place. We've put together a detailed breakdown of the various puppy stages, accompanied by adorable puppy videos showcasing whippet development from birth through the teething stage.
Just like puppies of any breed, whippet pups undergo several key transitions as they grow. Watching these transitions on video not only helps you understand your own puppy better but also deepens your appreciation of how quickly they learn, socialize, and mature. The journey from tiny, sleepy newborn to energetic, curious companion is an extraordinary one, and seeing it firsthand can be both educational and heartwarming.
Let’s explore the developmental stages of whippet pups in more detail:
In the very first days of life, whippet pups are tiny, fragile, and completely dependent on their mother. At this stage, they resemble little wriggling sausages, squirming around with their eyes still tightly closed. They can’t walk yet and have very limited movement. Most of their time is spent either sleeping or nursing.
Whippet puppies at this age rely entirely on their mother for warmth and nutrition. In fact, even basic bodily functions like urination and defecation require maternal stimulation. This phase is critical for growth and survival, and it is a time when the puppies develop a strong bond with their mother.
During the second week of life, a few exciting changes begin to occur. The puppies' ear canals start to open, allowing them to hear sounds for the very first time. Although their eyes are still closed, they are beginning to sense the world around them through smell, touch, and taste.
This period marks the beginning of rapid physical and neurological development. By the third week, whippet pups begin to open their eyes, and their hearing continues to improve. With their senses awakening, they start to recognize their mother, their littermates, and even humans who handle them regularly.
One of the major milestones during this stage is the emergence of their baby teeth. These first teeth allow them to begin lapping up liquids from a dish, which means they can start the weaning process and transition from milk to solid food over the next few weeks.
Whippet pups also begin to urinate and defecate on their own, without requiring stimulation from the mother. Their increasing independence is matched by a growing curiosity about their surroundings.
This is a lively and entertaining stage for anyone raising whippet pups. Now mobile and curious, the puppies start to leave their sleeping area to explore their environment. This is when socialization begins in earnest.
Puppies learn vital lessons in pack dynamics and canine communication by playing with their siblings. Through play-fighting, chasing, and gentle wrestling, they learn how to interact respectfully and understand boundaries. A pecking order begins to form within the group, and each puppy starts to figure out its place in the pack.
At the same time, the puppies start to develop a bond with humans. They learn to recognize familiar voices and faces and are usually receptive to being handled and cuddled, especially if they’ve been gently exposed to people from an early age.
By 8 weeks of age, most whippet pups are ready to go to their new homes. At this stage, they are highly impressionable and very eager to learn. Early training efforts will be particularly effective now, as the puppy’s brain is developing rapidly and absorbing information like a sponge.
It’s important that a puppy has been well-socialized before leaving its mother. Positive early experiences with humans, other animals, and different environments help ensure the puppy grows into a confident, friendly adult dog.
This is also the time to begin house training, basic obedience, and crate training. A whippet pup that is exposed to varied experiences in a gentle, supportive way during this phase is much more likely to grow into a balanced, adaptable adult.
Once a puppy is in its new home, the next few months will be filled with both joy and challenges. From 3 to 6 months of age, your whippet pup will begin testing boundaries—often by play-biting or chewing on anything in sight. This is a natural part of teething, and while it can be frustrating for new owners, it’s also a perfect opportunity to guide your puppy with patience and consistency.
During this phase, the puppy will lose its baby teeth and begin growing adult teeth, which causes a lot of discomfort in the gums. Providing appropriate chew toys is absolutely essential. Not only do they help soothe the puppy’s gums, but they can also save your furniture, shoes, and other belongings from destruction.
Training should continue during this phase, with short, fun sessions that reinforce good behavior. Positive reinforcement techniques like treats and praise work well with whippets, who are sensitive and respond best to gentle correction and reward.
Raising whippet pups is a deeply rewarding experience. Their playful energy, affectionate nature, and quick intelligence make them delightful companions. Watching them grow and develop through each stage is like witnessing a small miracle unfold.
Whether you’re a breeder, a prospective owner, or just a dog lover fascinated by puppy development, the journey of a whippet pup from birth to adolescence offers countless moments of wonder and learning. And with the help of engaging puppy videos, you can observe each stage in detail—even before you bring your own pup home.
These videos not only show the visual growth and development of whippet pups but also help you recognize what is normal behavior at each stage, which is especially useful for first-time owners. Understanding your puppy’s needs and milestones can make the experience smoother, less stressful, and more enjoyable for both of you.
A-Z Animals – Whippet Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips
This article includes videos that demonstrate whippet pup milestones and training tips, providing a visual guide to their development.