Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Much Does a Whippet Shed? Vet-Verified Facts & Grooming Tips

Share

Whippet in a meadow

Whippets have fine, short coats that only shed minimally. While they do shed, their fur is quite short, and 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.

divider dog faces oct 2024

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.

whippet dog standing in the garden
Image Credit: SubertT, Shutterstock

How Do I Stop My Whippet from Shedding?

There are a few 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.
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 may end up causing more shedding.
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.
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 a vet to explore the possibility of an underlying issue.
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.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise is an important part of your dog’s health. It contributes to their overall health

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 a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Did you know you can speak to a veterinarian without having to travel? Just head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

divider dog faces oct 2024

Are Whippets High Maintenance?

Whippets’ coats 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 can be 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. Therefore, if you have a busy lifestyle, you might want to consider a different breed or even postpone getting a dog until you have more time to dedicate to their needs.

amazing whippet portrait in the forest
Image Credit: nik174, Shutterstock

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.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

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: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Gets Reoccurring UTIs (March 9, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

DIY Repellents for the Dog Who Thinks Everywhere Is His Toilet

Dog urine and everything nice have a complicated relationship. One thrives, the other suffers, and if you’re reading this, you already know which...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: I Dig, Therefore I Am (March 5, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Ways to Stop Dog Boredom Before It Destroys Your House

Your dog is staring at you. They’ve paced between the door and the couch. They’ve sighed dramatically from their bed. The message is...

More related

How to Train a Chihuahua: 10 Vet-Approved Tips

The Chihuahua is the ultimate city dog, an adaptable, pocket-sized companion that fits in almost anywhere. Owners love them for their oversized personalities,...

Spanish Water Dog Poodle Mix: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

The Spanish Water Dog Poodle is a delightful crossbreed with the charming and spirited nature of the two breeds. This unique blend results...

How to Obedience Train a Dog: Vet-Verified Steps & Tips

If you’ve only just brought a dog home, the prospect of obedience training can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before....

Bernese Mountain Dog Grooming: 15 Vet-Approved Tips

Proper hygiene habits are essential to caring for a happy, healthy dog. The average canine does not require as much grooming as a...

Keep reading

Is Salmon Dog Food Good for Dogs? Uses, Benefits & Considerations

Protein is the single most essential element in dog food, so how do you pick the right one? With options like chicken, fish, beef, and salmon in dog food recipes, it is important to know their characteristics and what to...

dog wanting to eat salmon

11 Best Dog Foods for Havanese in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

While Havanese are not the most popular small dogs in the United States, there are still quite a few of them out there. If you’re the proud owner of one of these tiny dogs, then feeding them the correct food...

Havanese dog eating

Orijen vs Acana Dog Food: 2026 Comparison, Pros & Cons

The Orijen and Acana dog food companies dominate the market with their innovative recipes, developed alongside nutritionists. The formulas keep getting more advanced, working to give dogs a nutrient-rich diet that is best for their bodily systems. But which brand...

Dogster_Dog Food Orijen VS Acana

Can Dogs Eat Teriyaki Sauce? Vet Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Teriyaki sauce can spice up many of our meals. However, while it is tasty, it isn’t safe for our canines. Teriyaki sauce contains many ingredients and spices—some of which may be toxic to dogs. For instance, this sauce often includes...

Can Dogs Eat_teriyaki sauce

Can Dogs Eat Nutritional Yeast? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Nutritional yeast is all the rage among health-conscious eaters looking for delicious and nutritious ways to zest up their meals. With its generous mix of protein and essential nutrients, you’re right to wonder if you can offer this vegan-friendly ingredient...

Can-Dogs-Eat-Nutritional-Yeast

Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Taste of the Wild is a pet food brand owned by Diamond Pet Foods, which has its headquarters in Meta, Missouri. The brand’s mission is to create nutrient-packed, affordable cat and dog food that mimics their wild ancestor’s...

Dogster_Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food Review

11 Best Dry Dog Foods for Small Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re the proud owner of a tiny dog, you know that they have specific food requirements. They have faster metabolisms, grow faster, and have smaller stomachs and mouths than larger breeds. All of this means that not only are...

Purebred Dachshund Breed Dog Eating Fresh Dry Food Kibbles

10 Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frises in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are a few things to consider when looking at reviews for the best dog food for Bichon Frises. Keep in mind that a few of these options include ingredients for specific diets that are not required unless specified by...

Bichon eating

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter