The Whippet – The Best Children’s Dog

Is the Whippet the best children’s dog? In my opinion, it’s way up there with the best.

The Whippet is originally from the United Kingdom, where they were used for hunting and later racing. They’re a long lived breed, with many living until aged 14 or 15.

They’re not a big dog, growing only to 20″ at the shoulder and weighing in at around 25lb. This is ideal for a children’s dog as a child of 6 years or older will be well able to walk their own dog.

I currently own two whippets, and I find them sweet, placid, easy to get along with, and very low maintenance.

They have a short coat which is easy to keep clean. A quick brush regularly is all they need. They have minimal incidence of skin problems and when choosing a children’s dog, a low maintenance coat is very important. Keep an eye on toenail length, and watch for sunburn in light colored animals.

Whippets are very lean which means they may feel the cold in colder climates. They need moderate exercise, and enjoy walking with you, but are also quite happy to snuggle on the couch – a very necessary feature of the ideal children’s dog.

They aren’t fussy when it comes to food. A good quality dry food, some table scraps and a regular bone for their teeth will keep your Whippet in very good health.

Any children’s dog should have an even temperament and not be flighty or aggressive. The Whippet has a lovely soft temperament, and is very affectionate. They often remind people of cats, with the way they lie cuddled together.

If you’re looking for a dog for your family, consider the Whippet. It really fits the bill.