The pros and cons of living with a whippet

In 2021, Liza Edwards dream came true when she opened Just For Whippets, a home boarding service exclusively designed for whippets, run from her South Marston base in Wiltshire

I love people’s reactions when I tell them about my niche business. It ranges from whippet owners telling me what an incredible idea my home boarding service is and saying what a relief it is for them to have found me, to non-whippet owners looking quite bemused and exclaiming, ‘But, why whippets!’

So, why whippets, indeed? Now, I know that all breeds have their idiosyncrasies, but whippets are a uniquely characterful breed with their quirky ways. After living with our whippet Finn for a short time, it became clear that, true to his breed, he was no exception.

Like other whippet owners, I have struggled to find suitable care for Finn while I went away in the past. Although there are many fabulous kennels in my area, this type of holiday accommodation was definitely out of the question, as I knew he would find such an environment too stressful.

I needed to find somewhere with people who had experience of this beautiful breed, and in particular, understand Finn’s funny ways and essential whippet requirements.

Whippets love to be with their own kind (Image: justforwhippets.co.uk)

Like all whippets, Finn is a delightfully gentle and loyal character who revels in human company. He can also be a needy soul who likes to know precisely what I am doing at all times. When you own a whippet, you will never need to make a solo trip to the bathroom again, and you should be prepared for a long nose peeping around your bathroom door. However, owning such a needy hound also comes with its rewards... one being that whippets love to cuddle, and they make an excellent hot water bottle on a chilly evening.

Whippets are chatty little souls and will let you know their thoughts and opinions on most things that concern them. Finn will certainly let me know with his persistent whippet whine that he’s not happy if I’m slightly late serving his dinner.

Besides hanging out with their humans, whippets love to be with their own kind. Finn will take or leave your ordinary dog. However, he can spot an elegant whippet frame from a fair distance away, and he’ll genuinely greet every one we meet just like a long-lost friend. A word of warning to any prospective whippet owners, though: these little dogs are slightly addictive. Often owners do not settle with just one whippet, and they will eventually welcome another into their family.

Whippets love their home comforts (Image: justforwhippets.co.uk)

Whippets are known for being gentle and loyal characters who revel in human company (Image: justforwhippets.co.uk)

Like all dogs of this breed, Finn is a natural-born sprinter and would give Usain Bolt a run for his money. I must say, the look of utter delight on his face as he sprints in full flight with one of his speedy friends is such a magical sight. However, in true ‘sighthound’ style, whippets love to chase, and often anything that’s fluffy and moves is fair game to them. So, I exercise caution when letting all my whippet guests off the lead for a run.

Besides running, a whippet’s favourite pastime is to sleep. They’re actually chilled little couch potatoes who love sleeping and enjoy their home comforts. After his breakfast, Finn would love nothing better than to snooze the morning away, and I often have to wake him up for his first walk of the day. I have various comfy beds with cosy blankets throughout the house and garden. In fact, at the last count, I have the grand total of nine beds, plus three sofas for my guests to enjoy those all-important whippet naps.

Finn loves to snooze the morning away (Image: Liza Edwards)

Being an artful thief is another talent these dogs excel in, and most are skillful opportunists and accomplished counter-surfers where food is concerned. I marvel at how far Finn can reach on our kitchen worktops with his pointy nose and a well-practiced jump-and-grab technique. I suppose you can’t blame a hound for trying, so my kitchen is whippet-proofed, with all tempting goodies stashed out of harm’s way.

READ MORE: Why Adam Henson calls the Cotswolds 'The Land of Plenty'.

Finn’s lean athletic frame means he feels the cold, and is a natural fair-weather dog. Most whippets hate the rain, and if I dare venture out with Finn and friends in wet weather, I know I’ll soon end up with sad and soggy walking companions. So, an extensive wardrobe of whippet apparel is an essential requirement for us.

To sum it up, whippets are practically perfect in every way, and I wouldn’t consider living with any other breed. They are such happy little hounds. I can honestly say there’s not a day that goes by when Finn and my guests fail to make me smile with their antics. I believe caring for these wonderful creatures is the best job in the world.

Liza with Finn (Image: justforwhippets.co.uk)

justforwhippets.co.uk

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