Buying a Whippet Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A good breeder will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smellng of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC eye scheme – DBRG recommends that all dogs should be visually examined for inherited eye disease before breeding
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Some laboratories offer DNA tests for rare inherited diseases that might occur in Whippets
Other Tests
- Whippets should have their hearts examined by a specialist veterinary cardiologist before breeding
Brief explanations and other diseases that may be more common in the breed – if in doubt then consult your vet for guidance
Official Health Schemes
The BVA/KC eye testing scheme is available for all breeds, and checks for many inherited abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain
Other Diseases
- Autoimmune diseases (various types)
- Endocrine diseases (various types)
- Heart disease (various types, including abnormalities of the mitral or pulmonic heart valves and cardiomyopathy (progressive disease of the heart muscle)