Where To Buy A Whippet: Finding One

Buying a whippet is an exciting time for a new or potential owner.

There are a lot of places you can find a whippet, and not all of them will be appropriate for you.

Some people prefer to get their whippets from breeders that specialise in the breed, others just get one from the local rescue shelter.

Whichever method you decide on, there are pros and cons to each.

In this post, we’re going to go through where to buy a whippet and help you in the process of finding the perfect dog for you.

Let’s get to it…

Table of Contents

Where To Look For A Whippet Puppy

So, you’ve decided that a whippet puppy is going to be your next dog, but you don’t know where to look.

This is a situation many find themselves in, and it can be daunting for first-time owners.

The best thing to do is check your local newspapers, directories, and even animal rescue websites for any dogs that are looking for homes.

Of course, word of mouth is another great way to find a dog or puppy.

Here are some effective channels to help you find the perfect whippet puppy for you.

Breeders

One of the best options is to look for whippet breeders in your area. This is the most reliable and practical option, as whippets are not a common breed and it can be difficult to find one in an animal shelter, especially puppies.

Depending on your location, there will be different breeders in the area.

Good breeders will be happy to help find a new home for one of their pups, and it’s advised that you buy from a breeder with whom you have had previous contact.

Inquire about the whippets they have available, as well as how they were brought up.

Visit the whippet puppies in person to get a good feel for how they have been brought up and if they are in a clean, safe environment.

Try searching the likes of Google, Instagram, and Facebook to try to find local whippet breeders in your area.

If you’re like me in the UK, there are many different breeders that you’ll be able to find from a simple search online.

Private Ads

Many people who are trying to sell whippet puppies will place private ads in newspapers, online, and other various channels.

It’s worth keeping an eye out in the local newspaper and classifieds for whippet-related adverts.

It’s not that hard to find a reputable breeder, but we must remember the golden rule: if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

They will also usually require your contact details and information about you and your family, as well as some form of proof that you’re a fit and suitable person to own a whippet.

Note: I have personally never bought a whippet from a private advert, but I have encountered them where they were not legitimate breeders.

Pet Shops

Pet shops can be another great way to help find a whippet puppy, this is because they are involved in the pet community in your local area.

Therefore they may know a local breeder, or have contacts who can point you in the right direction of finding a whippet.

Whippet Clubs

Another great avenue and one that is often overlooked is to reach out to local whippet clubs and organisations.

Often the whippet puppies you will get from these clubs are excellent, they will be incredibly healthy, often pedigree, and sometimes from racing or working heritage.

Reaching out to whippet clubs is a great way to try and gain contacts for whippet breeders that are well used and have a reputation.

Where To Look For An Adult Whippet

When it comes to looking for an adult whippet, there are also many different options you can choose from.

You can opt for any of the above methods, but I personally find that rescue shelters are the best options.

Rescue Shelters

Rescuing a whippet is a different experience completely. It will give you a sense of satisfaction like no other and you’ll have the opportunity to give a home to an abandoned whippet in need.

Sadly whippets are among one of the dog breeds that get abandoned most, as they are used for racing, when they reach a certain age many people abandon them.

These whippets have an abundance of love ready to give to a new owner and want nothing more than to be loved in a family home.

If you’re considering an adult whippet instead of a puppy, then I highly recommend contacting your local rescue shelters and paying them a visit.

Another benefit of rescuing a whippet is that often these dogs are trained to a very high standard already, making them perfect for first-time dog owners.

Rescue whippets are generally already housetrained and have been socialised, which can make your life a lot easier.

Avoiding Puppy Farms

When searching for a new whippet to bring into your home, I would advise avoiding puppy farms at all costs.

These are designed with profit and mind, and the dog’s welfare and health come after.

This means that the dogs often are not treated as they should be, and can be much more prone to illness or health complications.

You will often find the same problem when buying from some breeders, so make sure to take a look at their facilities and meet the mother before you buy.

Puppy farms are designed for a quick profit, and often the dogs won’t be vaccinated or will be far too young to leave their mothers.

To find the right breeder, do your research and speak to anyone that you know who currently owns a whippet as they will often give good advice as well as recommendations.

To reduce the risk of buying from a puppy farm, ensure that you see the facilities where they are kept and meet the mother.

If you want to, ask for pictures of their parents too.

Things To Consider

When buying a new whippet, it can be overwhelming sometimes as there are lots of things you’ll need to consider.

I’ve listed some considerations to keep in mind when going through the process to make life easier:

Safe And Clean Conditions

When visiting the breeder, take a good look around and ask to see where the puppies are kept.

Ensure that their living area is clean, spacious, and well ventilated with no damp or feces anywhere so they can avoid diseases.

Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions about how the breeder looks after their whippets.

This is crucial as if they are not looking after their puppies correctly, this can mean later on down the line you can run into a lot of problems.

It’s better to be upfront and honest and ensure your whippet is coming from an environment that is safe, clean, and healthy.

Health Tests

Ask the breeder if the puppies have had health tests and vaccinations, this is to be sure that your dog will be protected and healthy.

Although this isn’t the most important thing, it’s still reassuring to know your whippet has been vaccinated and is free from any diseases.

Take Your Time

When choosing a whippet, take your time. Don’t rush the process and visit a couple of different breeders before making your decision.

This is because mistakes can be made and visiting a couple of breeders will help you narrow down which ones are the best.

You’ll also get to experience different whippets and how they behave and react to new people.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

When it comes to buying a whippet, you should never be afraid to ask questions.

This is because if something seems suspicious or off about the breeder or whippet, you should investigate.

You should also ask where and how the whippets are bred. Are they born in a whelping room? Are they taken away from their mother too soon? Are the mothers allowed to spend time with them as pups before they leave for good?

Equipment

Are you prepared for bringing a whippet into your home? Do you have a comfortable dog bed, dog coat, and nutritious dog food at the ready for your whippet?

These are crucial before you bring a whippet home as these are all essential items for your new friend.

Ensure you have pet insurance in place and that the whippet is microchipped or you have a GPS tracker.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, there are many different options when asking where to find a whippet.

Personally, I recommend trying to find a reputable breeder that has whippets on site so you can meet the parents and pups.

Whippets are great family pets but they require a lot of space, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Their energy is unbounded! Be prepared to have a well-exercised dog that loves to run when you bring home a whippet, otherwise, you will find your house destroyed and your shoes peed on multiple times.

Thanks for taking the time to read this post and I hope it helps you find the perfect whippet for you.