What breed-related health issues could you encounter as a Whippet owner?

Anaesthesia Sensitivity – This breed is more sensitive to anaesthesia so be sure to take your pet to an experienced vet should they require surgery.

Deafness – If your Whippet is not responding to commands, it could be a hearing condition that is to blame as they are prone to deafness.

Von Willebrand Disease - This is a bleeding disorder that is usually inherited from the dog’s parents. The blood doesn’t clot efficiently and is caused due to a protein deficiency called Von Willebrand. Signs of this include bleeding gums, nose bleeds and prolonged bleeding after surgery. There is no cure for this condition.

Whippets are a low maintenance breed and they aren’t excessive droolers. They are a clean and odourless dog that only needs bathing every month or two. You can keep their coat in tip top condition by brushing it regularly. They are also a low shedding breed which is another bonus for pet owners. 

Yes, Whippets are fast runners and they like to be active but they don’t require a phenomenal amount of exercise. They are well known for their speed but not endurance so they will be happy with short bursts of physical activity. 30 minutes is the perfect amount of exercise. Whippets should not be allowed to roam free in case their natural hunting instincts kick in and if they spy a rodent or small animal, they will make a break for it and you have no hope of catching them.

The fastest dog of its size, the Whippet is actually the second fastest breed on the planet and can run up to 35 miles per hour.

Whippets mature much quicker than other dog breeds and usually reach adulthood around six months to one-year-old.

The cost of buying a whippet puppy will vary from breeder to breeder. The average price for a standard Whippet is around £612. However, if you are looking for Whippet with championship bloodlines, you can expect to pay a much higher price of around £1500.

While a relatively healthy breed with a long lifespan, Whippets are prone to a number of common health issues, so having pet insurance can help to protect you against those unexpected vet bills. You can find out more about your cover options benefits with Asda Money Dog Insurance here.