Whippet Health
The Whippet is a robust and naturally hardy dog, with a good lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. Thanks to its athletic build and low body fat, it is rarely subject to joint problems or excess weight if properly maintained. However, like any breed, it can be predisposed to certain pathologies, although few health tests are officially required in France for its breeding.
INFORMATION
LIFE EXPECTANCY
The Whippet is a robust dog, with a life expectancy of generally between 12 and 15 years, and even longer for some individuals. Thanks to its athletic morphology and balanced metabolism, it often ages while maintaining good physical and mental condition.
With age, however, the Whippet can become more sensitive to the cold, lose some muscle mass and see its pace slow down. It is important to adapt its diet, exercise and comfort to maintain its well-being. Regular veterinary monitoring also helps to detect and manage possible age-related disorders, such as osteoarthritis or heart problems.
Even as he ages, the Whippet remains an affectionate dog and close to his family. With attention and appropriate care, he can enjoy a beautiful, serene and fulfilled retirement.
LACK OF TESTS
To date, no health test is mandatory for the Whippet, and there is no official recommendation from the breed club or the Canine Center regarding screening. Thus, a breeder who does not carry out tests should not be systematically discredited, especially since the Whippet is a generally healthy breed.
However, any serious and responsible breeder ensures the good health of his lines and will exclude from breeding any dog presenting a proven genetic condition, in order to preserve the breed and guarantee healthy puppies.
SCREENINGS
Although not required, several tests can be performed to ensure better health in Whippets:
Eye defects : Some inherited eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or hereditary cataracts, can be detected by an eye exam.
Cardiac monitoring : Although the Whippet is generally free of serious heart disease, a heart murmur may occasionally be heard, often not serious but should be investigated. An echocardiogram may be considered for dogs intended for breeding.
Other optional checks: Some breeders also perform genetic testing to assess the presence of mutations responsible for rare diseases, although these conditions remain uncommon in the breed.
TRANSITIONAL VERTEBRA
Transitional vertebra is a congenital anomaly that can occur in some Whippets. It is a vertebra located at the junction between two segments of the spine (thoracic-lumbar or lumbar-sacral) that has mixed characteristics of both regions.
This peculiarity is usually detected by X-ray and can be asymptomatic or, in some cases, promote mobility problems or back pain, especially in very athletic dogs.
Although its impact on the dog's health varies from individual to individual, the transitional vertebra is an element to take into account in reproduction, because it can be hereditary. Appropriate veterinary monitoring makes it possible to assess its consequences and adopt the necessary precautions for the dog's well-being.
DYSPLASIA
Unlike other breeds, the Whippet is rarely affected by hip or elbow dysplasia, thanks to its light and slender morphology. However, although rare, this joint condition can occur in some cases and cause discomfort or lameness, especially in very active dogs.
Radiographic screening can be performed on breeders to assess the presence of dysplasia and limit its genetic transmission. However, the results of the X-rays cannot currently claim to be an official reading, as the pathology is not recognized in the whippet. Good growth management, a balanced diet and appropriate exercise also help to preserve the Whippet's joint health throughout its life.
SCREENINGS
Although not required, several tests can be performed to ensure better health for Whippets:
Eye defects : Some inherited eye conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or hereditary cataracts, can be detected by an eye exam.
Cardiac monitoring : Although the Whippet is generally free of serious heart disease, a heart murmur may occasionally be heard, often not serious but should be investigated. An echocardiogram may be considered for dogs intended for breeding.
Other optional checks: Some breeders also perform genetic testing to assess the presence of mutations responsible for rare diseases, although these conditions remain uncommon in the breed.