Exploring the Cons of Having a Whippet as a Pet

Whippets—with their sleek, streamlined bodies, gentle eyes, and quiet demeanor—often top “best companion dog” lists for their loyalty and affection. But beneath their elegant exterior lies a breed with unique needs that can make them a challenging fit for unprepared owners. Unlike low-energy lap dogs or easily entertained retrievers, Whippets are sighthounds, bred for centuries to chase prey at speeds up to 35 mph. This heritage shapes every aspect of their behavior, health, and lifestyle—and while their strengths are undeniable, their “cons” are often overlooked in the excitement of bringing home a new pup.​

From their uncontrollable prey drive to their sensitivity to weather and need for structured speed, owning a Whippet requires intentionality. The good news? Many of these challenges can be mitigated with the right tools—especially dog running machines for sale. Unlike electric treadmills for endurance breeds or non-electric models for small dogs, Whippet-specific running machines are designed to safely channel their need for speed into a controlled environment. They don’t eliminate the breed’s inherent traits, but they turn potential frustrations into manageable routines. Let’s dive into the often-unspoken cons of owning a Whippet and how a dog running machine can help you build a harmonious life together.

Key Takeaways

• Whippets like to chase things. This means you need to give them safe ways to run. This helps avoid dangerous situations.

• These dogs need at least one hour of hard exercise every day. They enjoy fast runs to stay happy and not restless.

• Whippets can feel cold easily. Owners should put sweaters or coats on them when it's chilly to keep them healthy.

• Whippets often feel anxious when left alone. Think about their need for friends and plan for their care if you will be gone for a long time.

• Their thin bodies can get hurt easily. Be careful when they play and think about using a dog running machine for safe exercise.

The Hidden Cons of Owning a Whippet (Beyond the “Perfect Companion” Hype)

Whippets are wonderful dogs, but their sighthound instincts and physical traits create unique challenges that many owners underestimate:

Uncontrollable Prey Drive (A Safety Risk)

One big problem with a Whippet is their strong prey drive. These dogs were made for speed and agility. They have a natural instinct to chase small animals. This can create dangerous situations. For example, a Whippet named Luna chased rabbits in a park. She almost ran into traffic. This behavior happens often with Whippets, so you must be careful. Here are some traits to remember:

• Whippets are made to have a strong prey drive.

• Owners should give chase-related outlets to meet their dogs' needs.

• Learning to understand your dog’s behavior is key for control.

Need for “Speed Sessions” (Not Just Casual Walks)

Whippets are often labeled “low-energy” because they love napping—but this is a myth. They’re “sprint-and-rest” dogs: they need short, intense bursts of speed daily to stay mentally and physically healthy. A 30-minute walk around the block won’t cut it; without a chance to run at full tilt, they become bored, anxious, or destructive. This means owners must carve out time for trips to fenced fields or dog parks—something that’s not always feasible for those with busy schedules, small living spaces, or bad weather.

Sensitivity to Weather (Limited Outdoor Time)

Whippets can be sensitive to hot and cold weather. Their thin skin and coat make them vulnerable to temperature changes. When it gets below 32°F, they can get hypothermia. In cold, windy weather, they might even get frostbite. Here’s a quick look at temperature safety:

You’ll need to put sweaters or coats on your Whippet during colder months to keep them warm.

Separation Anxiety (Can’t Be Left Alone for Long)

Whippets form deep bonds with their owners and hate being isolated. Unlike independent breeds that tolerate alone time, Whippets often develop separation anxiety when left for 4+ hours. Signs include destructive chewing (targeting items that smell like you), excessive howling, or house soiling. This makes them a poor fit for owners who work long hours or travel frequently—unless they have a trusted caregiver to break up the day.

Fragile Build (Prone to Injuries)

Finally, Whippets have a fragile build, which makes them prone to injuries. Their thin skin can get cuts and scrapes while playing. They might also get skin tears, called 'blowouts,' from rough play or bumps. Here are some common injuries:

Knowing these risks will help you take better care of your Whippet.

Why Traditional Solutions Fall Short for Whippet Owners

Many owners try to address these challenges with common pet care tactics—but they often backfire or only provide temporary relief:

Leash Walks + Chew Toys (Not Enough for Speed)

When you walk your Whippet on a leash, you might think it’s enough exercise. But regular leash walks usually don’t meet their needs. Whippets need more than just a short walk. They love to run freely and do activities that help their body and mind. Here are some important points to remember:

• Whippets need at least one hour of exercise each day. This should include fun activities, not just short leash walks.

• They need to run fast to get their heart pumping. Regular leash walks don’t give them this chance.

Chew toys can keep your Whippet busy, but they don’t replace the need for speed. An expert says,

When you are not at home, give your dog things to keep them occupied if they are going to be alone – such as long-lasting healthy chews, or food puzzle and enrichment toys.

But keep in mind, these toys can’t meet their need for real exercise.

Dog Parks (Risky for Prey Drive + Injuries)

Dog parks might look like a good place for your Whippet to socialize. But they can be risky because of their strong prey drive. Whippets love to chase, and in a park with small animals, they might run off suddenly. This can create dangerous situations for your dog and others. Also, they might get hurt when playing with bigger or rowdier dogs.

• Always watch your Whippet in these places.

• Think about other ways to help them socialize that are safer.

Crating for Separation Anxiety (Traps Stress)

If your Whippet has separation anxiety, you might think crating is a good idea. But crating shouldn’t be used for a long time, especially for anxious Whippets. Good training is important to help reduce anxiety in Whippets. Here are some key points to remember:

• The owner’s feelings can affect the dog’s anxiety, making it worse.

• Crating can trap stress instead of helping, which can make things harder for your pet.

Instead of just using a crate, try other ways to help your Whippet feel safe when you’re gone.

Sweaters + Booties (Only Fix Part of the Weather Problem)

Whippets need protection from bad weather, and many owners use sweaters and booties. While these can help, they only solve part of the problem. Whippets have little body fat and short coats, making them very sensitive to cold. Here’s what you should know:

• Owners should think about getting warm clothes for Whippets during winter walks to keep them comfy.

• Whippets need sweaters or coats for cold walks to stay warm since they can’t handle being cold for too long.

But even with clothes, you still need to check if they are comfortable. The thin build of Whippets makes them feel cold easily because they lack insulation.

By knowing these limits, you can better prepare for the special challenges of having a Whippet.

How Dog Running Machines for Sale Help with Whippet Problems

If you want to own a Whippet, you may worry about their special needs. Luckily, a dog running machine can really help. Here’s how these machines can make life better for you and your Whippet.

Safe Place for Prey Drive (No Chance of Running Away)

Whippets have a strong urge to chase small animals. This can lead to dangerous situations. A dog running machine gives them a safe way to run. You can let your Whippet run fast without fearing they will run into traffic or get lost. This safe space keeps them protected while they enjoy running.

Provides Intense Speed Workouts (No Need for Fenced Areas)

Whippets need lots of exercise, and a dog running machine gives them that. You don’t need a fenced area for them to sprint. You can set up the machine in your home or yard. This way, your Whippet can have short, fast runs that match their energy needs.

Here’s a quick look at some benefits of these fast workouts:

Weather-Proof (Exercise Anytime)

Bad weather can stop Whippets from getting outside. Thankfully, dog running machines solve this problem. You can keep your Whippet active no matter if it’s raining, snowing, or hot. Here are some benefits of using a treadmill:

• Canine treadmills let Whippets run indoors, no matter the weather.

• They offer a safe space for exercise, reducing distractions and dangers.

• Treadmills help keep a steady exercise routine, which is important for Whippets to avoid boredom or stress.

Eases Separation Anxiety (Gives Them Something to Do When You’re Away)

Whippets often feel anxious when left alone. A dog running machine can help with this. When you use the machine, it gives them mental and physical activity while you are gone. Here’s how it helps:

• Non-electric dog running machines keep them busy during short absences.

• They tire out Whippets before you leave, lowering stress and bad behavior.

• Using the machine with your Whippet builds your bond and gives them comfort.

• Whippets can learn to see the machine as a fun thing, making it comforting.

Low-Impact (Protects Their Delicate Body)

Whippets are known for being fragile, which makes them easy to injure. A dog running machine offers a gentle way to exercise. The soft surface lowers the chance of injuries that can happen on hard ground. This is very important for Whippets since their thin skin can get cuts and scrapes easily. By using a treadmill, you can help keep your Whippet safe while they stay fit.

Final Thoughts: Dog Running Machines for Sale = Happier Whippet, Happier Owner

Owning a Whippet isn’t for everyone—but with the right tools, their challenges become manageable. The cons of owning a Whippet—prey drive, speed needs, weather sensitivity, anxiety, and fragile build—are real, but they don’t have to be dealbreakers. A dog running machine for sale doesn’t change who your Whippet is; it gives them a safe, structured way to be themselves.​

It lets them sprint without risk, stay active in any weather, and feel purposeful even when you’re away. It also gives you peace of mind—no more worrying about them escaping, overheating, or getting injured. At the end of the day, a Whippet who can satisfy their instincts is a happy, calm Whippet—and a happy Whippet makes for a happy owner.​

If you’re considering a Whippet, or if you already have one struggling with these challenges, a dog running machine is an investment in your relationship. It’s not just a piece of equipment; it’s a way to embrace your Whippet’s sighthound heritage, not fight it. And when you see them sprinting on the treadmill, tail wagging and eyes focused, you’ll know you’ve found the key to a harmonious life together.