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Whippets have fine, short coats that only shed minimally. While they do shed, their fur is so short that it doesn’t matter all that much. They also don’t have an undercoat, which limits the amount of shedding they experience overall.
However, it’s important to note that these dogs do shed, even if it is very little. Regular grooming can help somewhat with shedding. For instance, brushing their coat can help remove loose hair and keep their shedding under control. A brushing session a few times a week is often plenty.
If possible, it’s best to spend time with these dogs before adopting one, as this helps ensure that you can put up with their shedding. You can also talk with breeders in your area to find out how much their particular dogs shed, as shedding is partially genetic.
Are Whippets Heavy Shedders?
No, whippets are not considered heavy shedders. They have a fine, short coat that does shed, but it doesn’t produce as much loose fur as other breeds. Compared to breeders with longer, denser fur, they simply don’t have enough fur to shed quite as much. While shedding can vary from dog to dog, all whippets are considered low to moderate-shedding dogs.
If you’re looking for a dog with low shedding, the Whippet may be a solid option for you.
They also don’t have an undercoat, which is one reason they shed much less than other dogs. Plus, if you brush them regularly, you can easily control their shedding, reducing the amount of hair you find around your home by a lot.
How Do I Stop My Whippet from Shedding?
There are many things you can do to help reduce their shedding. Here are some steps you should consider taking:
| Regular Brushing: |
We highly recommend brushing your dog’s coat regularly with a soft-bristled brush or a grooming mitt. While they don’t absolutely need grooming, it can help reduce the amount of fur you find around your house. Brushing also does a good job of keeping your dog clean, so you won’t have to bathe them as much.
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| Bathing: |
You may want to consider regularly bathing your whippet with a mild dog shampoo to help reduce shedding. However, over-bathing can lead to dry skin, which will only cause more shedding.
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| Healthy Diet: |
Diet plays a large role in shedding. Therefore, you should feed your dog a quality diet, especially if they’re currently shedding a lot. A dog’s skin requires a range of nutrients to thrive. If they don’t get these nutrients, they may shed more. Some dogs may do well on an omega fatty acid supplement, which may help improve skin health.
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| Hydration: |
Just like humans, dogs rely on water for many body functions. Proper hydration also contributes to healthy skin and coats. Without it, dogs may become dehydrated and end up shedding more.
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| Regular Vet Visits: |
Regular visits to the vet can help reduce the chance of skin and dietary issues becoming serious and leading to increased shedding. Some amount of shedding is normal. However, excess shedding is not. If your dog suddenly starts shedding a lot more, you should contact your vet to explore the possibility of an underlying issue.
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| Manage Stress: |
Stress can often lead to excess shedding. Dogs handle stress in a range of ways. Sometimes, one of those ways is by shedding excessively. If this is the case with your dog, you can fix the situation causing the stress or at least take steps to control your dog’s stress as much as possible.
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| Avoid Overheating: |
These dogs don’t have much fur. Therefore, it isn’t odd to think they can’t overheat. However, they absolutely can. It’s important to avoid putting them in hot situations for too long, as they aren’t the best at regulating their body temperature. Therefore, they may overheat easier than other breeds, even though they have no fur. Overheating is its own kind of stress that can affect their skin and coat health, causing extra shedding.
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| Use Proper Grooming Tools: |
Using grooming tools that are appropriate for your dog is important. Otherwise, you may do more harm than good. You don’t want to use a brush that scratches or damages the skin, as this may lead to even more shedding.
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| Regular Exercise: | Regular exercise is an important part of your dog’s health. It contributes to their overall health, which can also help reduce shedding. |
Remember that some shedding is natural, and it’s a way for your dog to renew their coat. If you find that shedding is excessive or your Whippet’s coat seems unhealthy, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Are Whippets High Maintenance?
Whippets are generally considered low-maintenance compared to other dog breeds. However, they still require proper care and attention. Their short, fine coats don’t require any extensive grooming, though. That said, these dogs are known for their bursts of energy and high exercise needs. They do require regular exercise to help keep them happy and healthy. Therefore, they do best for more active families.
These dogs aren’t particularly unhealthy, either. They do still require the same vaccinations and preventative care that other dogs need. However, beyond that, they aren’t prone to many illnesses.
Due to their short coats, these dogs are more sensitive to temperature changes. Their lack of a long coat limits their ability to control their own body temperature. Therefore, they need extra care to stay healthy. All dogs need to be socialized and trained, including the whippet. However, they don’t require any extra socialization or training compared to other breeds. You can get away with puppy classes and basic training for these dogs, though they are more than able to learn advanced commands, too.
Whippets thrive on human companionship, and they enjoy spending time with their families. However, they may be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for longer periods. Therefore, they must be taught how to be alone and may need training for separation anxiety.
Do Whippets Shed More than Greyhounds?
Whippets and Greyhounds are both sighthound breeds that share many similarities, including their short coats and minimal shedding tendencies. Generally, both breeds are considered to have low shedding levels, thanks to their short and fine coats that lack the dense undercoat seen in many other breeds.
There isn’t a significant difference between Whippets and Greyhounds when it comes to shedding. Both shed minimally and are often favored by individuals who prefer less shedding. However, shedding can vary from dog to dog, as you might imagine.
Conclusion
Whippets are known for their fine, short coats that result in minimal shedding. While shedding is a natural process for all dogs, Whippets shed so little that it is often not a major concern. Their lack of an undercoat further limits the amount of shedding they experience. Regular grooming practices, including brushing, can help manage shedding by removing loose hair and maintaining coat health.
It’s important to realize that while these dogs shed very little, they do shed at least a little bit and shedding may vary from dog to dog. Completely eliminating shedding isn’t possible, though grooming can help.
Featured Image Credit: Sergio Souza, Pexels
