Getting a puppy is an exciting time. If you have chosen a whippet it is most likely because you know someone with one who has waxed lyrical about the virtues of this beautiful breed, and you have been charmed by their friendly and cheeky characters. You might have researched online or been to a show like Discover Dogs. One thing you will have been told is that your hound will need to be kept warm and dry! That's where we can help!
Maybe it's the time of year, but I am getting lots of inquiries from people with new pups, so I thought I would answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Whilst it’s tempting to hold off buying any item of clothing until your puppy is fully grown, the problem is your puppy will need something to keep him warm and dry during this time!
When you let a whippet share your life, you will get a very loyal, loving companion who will provide you with many hours of fun, joy and laughter. You are also getting a dog that is slight, short haired and doesn’t carry excess weight, so will very likely feel the cold and hate the rain. There are a few items that you will need to purchase for your hound.
Unless it is the height of summer when you get your pup, you will need at the very least to buy a Fleece Jumper. Most whippet pups will fit our Italian Greyhound or small size - accept that after a few months they will grow out of it and it will need to be replaced with a bigger size. By then you will see how much your little hound loves it! For the price of a meal out your little pup has kept warm for the first 3 or 4 months with you and that has to be worth it! This item is so versatile and practical. It will keep your dog warm on cold days, dry on drizzly days, and if you live in a cold house, warm at night, unless you plan to let your whippet sleep in the bed with you!! It can also be layered under some of our coat styles for extra warmth on very cold days.
Your only problem will be how to choose from the many gorgeous colours on offer! We have made this a little easier by separating them into three colour categories - Lights, Darks and Brights - and by selecting 2 or more you will get our multi-buy discount of up to 15% off.
So, you’ve got the fleece ticked off, what about a coat?
Well, he will undoubtedly grow out of it! So, I say hold off on the Wax Coat until he is fully grown. In the mean time, one of our quilted washable coats is a practical solution and not such a big investment. It is also easy to care for; you can chuck it in a 30 degree wash in between walks if your pup has had mad zoomies with his friends in the park at lunch time and got a bit muddy! I have no doubt you will also want to replace it when it no longer fits, as by then you will know that having a lightweight coat for the drizzly days all year round, is a great investment if you want to get your hound outside!
My advice is to think about what you will use the coat for. You might live in a very wet part of the country but is it realistic that you will be out for long with a whippet? When they are young they don't need to lots of walking, so how often will you use the coat? Do you need it for those late night comfort breaks? Why not take a look at our Be Seen Hi Viz coats - fleece lined, washable and practical.
Our whippet collars are super soft, ideal for long velvety whippet necks, but aren’t really necessary until at least 5 – 6 months. A slim collar is ideal when they are very young - for this we have Puppy's First Collar, the same soft leather but straight with a small buckle and d ring. I also think a harness is a good idea at least until they are trained to walk nicely beside you on the lead and without pulling. Many people with whippets continue to use harnesses into adulthood and there are many great ones on the market.
If your dog has arrived with no items of clothing, you will need a collar, lead, fleece jumper and coat. However, you don’t have to buy it all from us, as lovely at that is, buy what you can afford. There are many whippet and hound charities that sell perfectly adequate coats, at very affordable prices, with the proceeds going to very good causes, but if you really love what we do, go for the Fleece Jumper as ours are designed with your hounds shape in mind, it's shaped as they are, wide at the chest, slim at the tummy and our unique slim elasticated waist keeps the chills from getting in!
Well, this one I can’t help you with! But do remember:
If you are in a hurry give us a call so we can tell you what colours and sizes we have in stock, that way you will get it quicker than if we have to make it.
It is entirely possible that in the coming months I will be able to advise you better and might even have introduced some more products specifically for puppies as we will be welcoming George into our lives in early September and one thing I do know is that he will be needing a fleece and I will be knitting him the cutest of jumpers!!
I hope you have found this helpful and if you are planning on getting a whippet pup please keep us in mind and remember we ship our lovely products all around the world!
Debbie x
