You may buy Whippets from breeders. You can search for breeders through national and local breeding clubs, online directories, dog shows and events, and even through referrals. Work with a reputable breeder who specializes in Whippets has a good reputation, and is transparent about their breeding practices, health testing, and socialization of their puppies.
Ensure the breeder has conducted health testing on the puppies’ parents, including tests for common Whippet health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions. Observe the puppies’ temperaments and socialization. Look for friendly, curious, well-adjusted puppies exposed to different people, animals, and environments.
How to Buy Whippets From Breeders
Before buying a Whippet, learn as much as possible about the breed and what to expect as an owner. This will help you determine whether a Whippet is a right breed for you. Once you have decided, look for a breeder with a good reputation who specializes in Whippets. For example, you can find breeders online, through local kennel clubs or dog shows, or by asking for recommendations from other Whippet owners.
To find breeders, contact the National Whippet Club in your country and check their website for a list of reputable breeders in your area. You can also check the websites of local breed clubs or ask for recommendations from other Whippet owners in your area.
You can also attend local dog shows and events to meet Whippet breeders and see their dogs in person. This can give you a better sense of the breed and help you find a reputable breeder. Additionally, you may ask your veterinarian or other trusted dog professionals for recommendations of reputable Whippet breeders. You can also ask other Whippet owners for referrals.
Once you’ve found a breeder you’re interested in, contact them to express your interest in buying a Whippet. Ask them about their breeding program, available puppies, and health testing and guarantee policies. Visit the breeder to meet the puppies and their parents. This will give you a better sense of the puppies’ temperament, socialization, and the breeder’s facilities and practices.
Once you’ve found a Whippet puppy you’re interested in, work with the breeder to complete the purchase. This may involve signing a purchase agreement, depositing, and arranging delivery or pickup.
Alternative Method: Adopting From a Shelter or Rescue Group
Adopting a Whippet from a shelter or rescue organization can be an excellent option for many reasons. For instance, by adopting from a shelter, you are providing a home to a dog in need and helping to reduce the number of homeless dogs in your community.
Adopting a dog from a shelter is often less expensive than buying from a breeder. They have lower adoption fees and may include primary medical care such as vaccinations and spaying or neutering. Further, many shelters and rescue organizations provide detailed information about a dog’s health and temperament, so you can decide whether the dog is a good fit for your family and lifestyle.
Shelters often have a variety of dogs, including mature dogs who are already trained and socialized, which can be an excellent option for those who don’t have the time or resources to train a young puppy. In addition, many shelters and rescue organizations provide ongoing support and resources to help you and your new dog adjust to your home and lifestyle.
What to Ask Before Adopting or Buying a Whippet
Here are some questions you may want to ask before adopting or buying a Whippet:
- History of the dog: If adopting, ask about the dog’s background, including any previous owners or medical issues. If buying from a breeder, ask about the dog’s pedigree and any health or temperament issues in the dog’s lineage.
- Dog’s temperament: Ask about the dog’s personality, energy level, and socialization. This will help you determine if the dog fits your family and lifestyle well.
- Dog’s exercise and activity needs: Whippets are active and require regular exercise and playtime. Ask about the dog’s exercise needs and whether they fit your schedule and living situation.
- Dog’s health history: Ask about any medical issues the dog has had, as well as any preventative care that has been taken, such as vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and parasite prevention.
- Training the dog had: Ask about any training the dog has received, such as house training or obedience training, and what kind of training or behavior management will be required in your home.
- Available support and resources: Ask about any support or resources that are available, such as follow-up visits, training recommendations, and access to medical care or advice.
Asking these questions can help you decide whether a particular Whippet is a good fit for your family and lifestyle and can help ensure you provide the best home for your new pet.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Whippet
If you want to adopt a Whippet, consider the home environment best suited to this pet. Whippets are fast runners and have a strong prey drive, so they must have a secure yard or outdoor area to run and play in. Ensure your fencing is secure and tall enough to prevent your Whippet from jumping or climbing out, and consider adding a locked gate to prevent any escape attempts.
Whippets love to sleep and will often curl up in a cozy spot for hours at a time. Provide your Whippet with a comfortable bed or crate the right size for their breed, and place it in a quiet, low-traffic area of your home. Also, walk through your home to identify and remove hazards for your Whippet, such as toxic plants, electrical cords, or small objects that could be chewed or swallowed.
Before bringing your Whippet home, stock up on necessary supplies, such as food, water and bowls, a leash and collar, and toys. For example, consider purchasing a dog gate or playpen to create a safe area for your Whippet when you’re not home.
By preparing your home for your Whippet, you can create a safe, comfortable environment that will help your new pet adjust to its new home and thrive in the new environment.
