So, you want to take home a relaxed doe-eyed Whippet home with you? Many people love these dogs for their calm temperament and adorable appearance, but it might be worth figuring out if this breed is perfect for your home. It is important to determine if your dog is going to be well suited to your space, and it’s not always easy to compromise. Fortunately, I have you covered, and by the end of this brief article, you will have all the answers for whether your new pet is a good fit for your apartment!
Are Whippets good apartment dogs? Whippets are considered good apartment dogs. It is important to ensure that proper care and regular exercise are given. Whippets are calm dogs that don’t need a lot of space, however, it is important that they have an area that belongs to them, even in small apartments.
Here’s the deal – Dogs are complicated and the key to pleasing your pet lies in preparation and getting all the facts straight. You might want to jump out and bring home your new friend straight away, but it’s best to understand what your pet needs. I’m here to help! In this article, I’m going to be discussing the Whippet as a breed, their larger cousins, and all the little things that can help you get wise on your new Whippet. So – scroll on, and let’s get started!
Are Whippets Good Apartment Dogs?
Finding a space to call your own in the city can be tough, and even tougher still when you want to bring a pet to your home. Many people think that dog ownership involves having access to large outdoor space, but the truth is that most people in city environments don’t always have that choice. Fortunately, many dogs are suited to this kind of home, and there are many ways to ensure your Whippet remains happy and healthy.
Most pet owners describe their Whippet as being quiet, relaxed, and chill around the house. This paired with their small size means they are a great apartment dog, one that prefers relaxing on a sofa to chewing up all furniture insight. However, to maintain this energy, there are some things you can do to ensure your Whippet stays mellow.
A dog’s basket, blanket, or box is more than a novelty. Dogs rely on a safe, dependable space. Think of it as a small home within your greater home. Keeping your Whippet’s area consistent, clean and warm is one key way to ensure your dog remains anxiety-free.
This might sound obvious, but putting aside one-on-one time for your dog is key when it comes to keeping your pet calm. Ensure that you take time aside to have some time together on the couch, or even in bed! Pro-tip: Whippets are not known for shedding and are perfect for owners with allergies.
Keeping your apartment clean, ensuring that noise stays down and guests do not frequently impact your pet’s space are great ways of keeping your home balanced and calm for your dog. Luckily, this breed is predisposed to relaxing, but owning a dog is always a two-way streak. With these tips in mind, you’ll have no problem living with your Whippet.
Are Greyhounds Good Apartment Dogs?
Whippets aren’t Greyhounds? Greyhounds aren’t Whippets? Dogs are complicated enough – when it comes to breeding, things get even stranger. You might have trouble identifying a huge difference between the two breeds, but for apartment ownership, this difference can be important for knowing how your greyhound may have different needs.
These dogs are closely related, and this may be no surprise in terms of their raw speed. Greyhounds are widely recognized for being the fastest breed of dog, and Whippets aren’t far away from beating their larger cousins on the track. While the Greyhound has a few unique characteristics, the most notable difference is size. Excusing the outlying Italian Greyhound, this breed is on average 30 cm taller than Whippets.
While Greyhounds are also considered to be good apartment dogs, there are some key differences to keep in mind when comparing them to the Whippet. A difference is their larger size. This might not feel like a big issue, but when living in a confined space, it is important to keep in mind the difference this can have to your home, also in terms of how much more food you will need to provide.
In general, Greyhounds are also known for being calm and chilled. You may find them to be less sleepy than a Whippet, and jumping up to your lap instead of snoozing on the couch. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference. Many owners find their Greyhounds to be calm and attentive pets that work fantastically in their apartment.
Can Whippets Be Left Alone During the Day?
Chances are, you won’t want to spend a moment apart from your new pup. The reality is we can’t be home at all times, and this is a factor many dog owners are curious about when it comes to getting the info on their new breed. Whippets are extremely social and form strong attachments to their owners. So what happens when these dogs are left on their own?
Separation Anxiety is a contentiously debated issue with dog breeds. While genes and genetics can’t determine an animal exactly, many people claim that aspects of their Whippet’s character like Separation Anxiety (or S.A) can be passed down through family genetics. This is evident in some Whippets, but it is not scientifically proven or ensured.
For identifying this condition, many vets find S.A hard to define. In essence, any unusual destructive behavior can be a sign. Uncharacteristic urination, defecation, escape attempts or general noise can be a good indication that your Whippet has Separation Anxiety, especially if this behavior tends to occur when your pet is left home.
Generally, any more than 5 hours away from your pet is not recommended. Over 10 hours is far too long, and in a perfect world, it is a good idea to spend most of your time at home with your pet. Otherwise, spend time with your Whippet out for a walk, or leave your pet in the care of another member of your household.
Create a sense of predictability around your schedule spent home with your Whippet. When you do have to leave the house, chances are you may even be able to take your pet with you. Your dog will love you for it, and you’ll be all the happier. Some owners also consider buying a pair of Whippets so that they might help keep each other occupied.
How Much Exercise Does a Whippet Need?
A key part of owning a Whippet in your apartment is ensuring that your dog can receive the exercise they need to remain healthy, calm, and happy. These dogs were trained to race, chase, and generally get their legs moving. You might be wondering how much exercise is enough, and when is too much? Find out below:
Puppies
Your pup may be charged with energy, but it is important to know what the healthy minimum and maximum are for your Whippet puppy. A basic rule, that many trainers recommend, is 5 minutes of reasonable exercise per month of age. This could include short walks down the street or even within your apartment.
Adult
Now that your Whippet has grown, this sleepy dog may spend more time lying down than standing up, and it’s easy to forget that these dogs depend on regular exercise to stay healthy. A twenty-five-minute walk in the morning and evening will be an adequate exercise for your pet. If not possible, one forty-five-minute walk will also suffice.
Older Years
When your Whippet gets old, it can be hard to know when to focus less on exercise and more on keeping your pet comfortable. It is important that you ensure your older pet is not getting tired out. A good way of setting this new pace is to take your dog for its regular walking schedule, paying close attention to when it gets tired. For older dogs, always consult a veterinarian when noticing unusual behavior.
Over-exercise
Sometimes, getting your pup off the couch and down the street can be trouble all in itself – but when is this too much? Over-exercise is a potential issue with your Whippet. When in situations of high-impact exercise, especially over an hour in, look for signs that your pet is tired. If your pet is panting, stumbling, or whimpering, it may be a sign that your Whippet needs a rest. Over-exerting your pet can lead to anxiety, stress, and even injury. Always consult a vet if these symptoms persist for long periods of time.