Easy
Whippet
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound of extraordinary speed and grace, with a short, fine, dense coat that is extremely easy to maintain. The breed is a moderate shedder but produces very little dander and has minimal doggy odor. Grooming needs are low, and the Whippet ranks among the easiest sporting-sized breeds to care for.
Coat Type
Short, Fine, Dense Single Coat
Groom Every
Every 8-10 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Standard Bath
A thorough bath with a gentle shampoo for fine-coated breeds, followed by a light blow-dry. The primary professional grooming need for the Whippet.
2
Racing Tidy
A functional maintenance groom including a bath, nail grind, ear clean, and paw pad inspection. Practical pre- or post-event care for a Whippet involved in lure coursing or racing.
3
Natural Coat
Simple home maintenance with a rubber grooming mitt used weekly to remove loose hairs and add coat shine. Sufficient between professional baths for a clean, active Whippet.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The Whippet's thin skin and minimal coat provide no cushion; always use a non-slip mat on the grooming table and work gently — the breed bruises and scrapes more easily than heavier-coated dogs.
- A rubber grooming mitt or hound glove used weekly in a circular motion removes dead coat efficiently and stimulates circulation, keeping the short, dense coat looking polished between baths.
- The Whippet is a lean-bodied breed with prominent bony prominences; during grooming, inspect the hips, elbows, and sternum for pressure sores or calluses, which can develop on hard surfaces.
- Whippets can experience temperature sensitivity despite not appearing cold-sensitive like Italian Greyhounds — dry thoroughly after bathing and keep the dog warm during the grooming appointment.
- Nails on a Whippet should be kept as short as possible — dark nails make the quick difficult to see, so use small, frequent cuts or a nail grinder and stop when the cut surface shows a small dark dot at the center.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
BrushAn excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
$15 - $25
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Deep Dives
Whippet Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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