How Much is a Whippet? Puppy & Adult Dog (with Calculator)

The prospect of raising a Whippet is an exciting one! As you bring a new dog into your home, however, there are a few things you should know about, particularly when it comes to planning your finances. The dog should never be a financial burden on you or your family, so we have developed a cost calculator to help you get a personalized estimate as to how much it should cost to raise a Whippet! This accounts for things like supplies, food, medical expenses, training costs, grooming costs, and other essentials as well as the cost of the puppy or dog itself.

A Whippet puppy is likely to cost between $850-$1,500 with the average price being $1,200. First-year expenses are around $3,840 and will be about $1,300/year (or $108/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Whippet is $20,740.

This covers all the essentials, including supplies, training costs, medical expenses, food and treats, grooming expenses, licenses, and a microchip. Additionally, optional costs include medical expenses such as a spay/neuter procedure and services, such as dog walking and dog boarding, as well as pet insurance.

With all these included (assuming you hire a dog walker five times a week for 50 weeks and use a boarding service for one week every year), we estimate the total cost of owning a Whippet to fall between $69,945 and $137,540, with an average cost of $101,945 for 14 years.

In this article, prices in the higher range apply for people willing to buy high-end products and services and/or living in an expensive area, while the lower range will probably be more relevant if using cheaper products and services and/or living in a less expensive area.

Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the expenses, see what applies to you and get experts’ opinions on Whippets. At the bottom of the article, we have also added a cost calculator that will allow you to assess your personal situation and get a much more accurate estimate as to how much it should cost you to buy and raise a Whippet puppy!

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For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

How much does a Whippet puppy cost?

Our team has perused through 42 ads from reliable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind to estimate the average price for Whippet puppies under 6 months of age to be $1,200 per puppy. Roughly 80% of the puppies reviewed fell between $850 and $1,500. But note that some Whippets were priced as high as $2,000.

When buying a Whippet puppy, we strongly recommend doing some research to find a reputable shelter or breeder. This will have a major impact on your dog’s long-term health and well-being! Also, adoption can be a much more economical option, with adoption or rehoming fees typically ranging from $50-$500, depending on your location.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A WHIPPET PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 23 best places to find your perfect pet.

This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.

“As a veterinarian, I think Whippet breeding dogs should be evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding: hip dysplasia, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluation, autoimmune thyroiditis (blood test), congenital deafness (BAER test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

The cost of supplies when welcoming a Whippet

As with any dog, you will need several products on hand to make raising a Whippet easier. This includes items like bowls, collars, toys, beds, shampoo, sanitary equipment to name just a few. Based on prices of over 250 Walmart, Amazon and PetSmart best sellers, essential supplies add up to anywhere between $185-$790 for the first year depending on the quality of the items purchased and location.

As your Whippet grows, the price of supplies eases up considerably. Each subsequent year entails expenses ranging from $75 to $330, with an average of $185. This includes replenishing your stock of some aforementioned items (toys, bed, poop bags, shampoo, toothbrush).

Additionally, you may require things that are not accounted for here, such as clothing, play pens, fences, muzzles, harnesses and other cosmetic or maintenance items. These items are bound to push your expenses higher, so keep that in mind when planning your finances.

Looking to save on pet supplies? Check second-hand stores and websites to find great deals.

Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.

If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Training a Whippet

According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., Whippets are “timid dogs that need to build confidence”. This is one of the reasons why professional training is strongly recommended. Private lessons will help with potty training, crate training and positive leadership. Additionally, group classes for basic obedience and socialization purposes are also recommended.

You will be looking at anywhere between $750-$1,000 for 5-7 private lessons and $150-$200 for 5 group lessons, depending on your locality.

Reading a dog training book and educating yourself on dog behaviors and psychology before welcoming the pet will also ease up the process.

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If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

“Whippets are shy, timid dogs. They bond with one person and prefer calm adult homes. Training is important as they are smart but need help to build confidence.”

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist

Medical costs for a Whippet

Leslie Brooks, DVM, a licensed veterinarian estimates the medical costs to fall between $395 and $795 for the first year with a Whippet puppy and $330 to $725 every year after that. These costs are based on her experience and may obviously vary depending on many factors such as location, the clinic taking care of the dog and the dog’s health itself.

A one-time $50-$300 expense must be planned for spaying/neutering a Whippet if the owner decides to go down that road. Most clinics would charge $100-$300 for the procedure but it is possible to find low cost alternatives that will run you as low as $50. In general spaying (female) is more expensive than neutering (male).

Vet cost for a Whippet puppy (first year)

Through the first year, Dr Brooks suggests making at least three trips to the vet, with the first one scheduled at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip will cost you anywhere between $65 and $170 and they will cover exams, essential vaccines, a fecal examination as well as the first three doses of heartworm and flea prevention.

Besides, she advises owners to pursue heartworm and flea prevention, each roughly accounting for $10-$15 every month for a pup. Heartworm prevention helps prevent the development of heartworm disease which is problematic in the US especially in the Southeast part of the country.

Moreover, the dog may require vaccines that depend on its owner’s lifestyle and activities:

• Lyme ($60-$80 including a booster shot) if the dog is exposed to ticks often.
• Leptospirosis ($15-$25) for dogs exposed to wildlife, standing water, or taken on camping/hiking trips often.
• Influenza ($70-$90 including a booster shot) mostly if the daycare or kennels the dog is visiting require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks.

If spaying (female) or neutering (male) is considered, the owner should expect a $100 to $300 bill in most clinics, depending on the area. It is also possible to find low-cost options as low as $50 in some places. Note that, generally, spays tend to be slightly more expensive.

Medical expenses for the following years

For an adult Whippet, one trip per year is recommended by licensed veterinarians like Dr Brooks. The yearly visit price should range around $125-$265 and includes a general examination, necessary vaccines, heartworm test and, for older dogs, some blood work to detect any potential hidden issues. Recommended heartworm and flea prevention will run about $65-$100 and $140-$200 for every adult year, respectively.

Optional booster shots for the lifestyle vaccines (Lyme, Leptospirosis, and Influenza), could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. In some cases, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also does a $40-$50 fecal examination, especially if the dog shows an inconsistent stool quality.

Whippet potential health issues

Whippet can be prone to certain diseases or medical conditions like the ones listed by Leslie Brooks below.

Epilepsy (seizure disorder): this is a cost estimate for diagnostics and lifelong medications. The high end of the range is for dogs who need an MRI.

Intervertebral disc disease: $250-$500 for conservative treatment and basic diagnostics, such as x-rays. $2,000-$4,000 for surgery (some dogs may need surgery more than once).

Dental disease: this is the cost estimate for the dental procedures to clean the teeth and remove any infected teeth if needed. It typically needs to be done about 2-4 times throughout a Whippet’s life.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: the cost estimate covers diagnostics, treatment with medications, blood transfusion if needed and follow up blood work.

Cancer: The cost really depends on the type of cancer and if an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments, versus if they elect to just keep the pet comfortable with medications.

“Whippets are prone to dental issues and they will likely need to have at least 2 to 4 dental procedures throughout their life to prevent them from developing tooth root abscesses and other problems.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

Dog insurance cost

The latest North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s State of the Industry report puts the average price of accident and illness coverage plans at $565. For accident only plans, the average yearly cost is $190. Insurance can come in handy as it is impossible to predict some medical expenses. Check with pet insurance companies to get a quote and know more about coverage.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

The cost to feed a Whippet

Considering adult Whippets weigh 35 lb. on average (usually 25 to 40 lb.), your food-related expenses can be calculated after combing through prices across best-selling brands available. On average, a Whippet puppy is likely to consume close to 120 lb. of dry food, putting the average first-year cost at $140.

An Adult Whippet generally needs close to 190 lb. of dog food, bringing your average cost for each subsequent year around $180. Note that there is a huge price gap between cheap and premium dog foods and the final cost will greatly depend on the chosen brand.

We have also estimated the yearly cost of treats for medium-sized dogs reviewing the price of the 27 best sellers on Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon.

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

Four dog food brands compared

A Whippet puppy will eat around 120 lb. of food during the first year. Note that it can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s level of activity and its size.

An adult Whippet will eat close to 190 lb. of dry food every year. Again, it will depend on the variables mentioned above as well as the dog’s age.

Generally, it works out cheaper as you get much better deals if you purchase dog food in bulk. Although it is a perishable commodity, it can be stored for long periods of time, making bulk purchases a very practical option. It is also a good idea to consult your vet as to what food would be the most appropriate for your Whippet.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Whippet Grooming

According to Corryne Smith, professional dog groomer, grooming a Whippet is easy and many dog owners will be able to do it themselves. If they decide to take the dog to a professional instead, they can expect up to 6 visits to a grooming salon every year to keep the dog happy and healthy. Generally, one visit at a grooming salon should cost anywhere between $40 and $50 for a Whippet.

Professional dog grooming services usually include the following: bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling, nail trimming, teeth brushing, eye and ear cleaning. Rates will vary depending on the actual grooming time which is determined by the services requested as well as the dog (age, size, health, behavior, coat condition).

If you would like to do the grooming at home, you will need some equipment on hand to make the process effective and easy. This entails a $25-$290 expense, as grooming kits are available online and typically cost $75 on average.

Additional costs to consider

License

On average, the cost of a license in the U.S.A ranges between $10 and $20. It could be slightly higher if your Whippet is not spayed or neutered. In many states and territories, it is against the law to have an unlicensed dog, so we highly recommend getting your dog licensed as early as possible. In the unfortunate event that your dog is lost in the future, a license will also make locating it that much easier.

Microchip

Microchips play a crucial role in the identification of your dog. Many states require pets to be microchipped, making it a necessity depending on where you live. This can run you $25-$50 on average.

Dog walking

If you cannot walk your dog during the day, Tamaria Reddick, a well-reputed dog walker and dog sitter, recommends hiring a dog walker for a daily 30-minute walk, as it is best that a Whippet gets some sort of exercise as well as outdoor time. On average, these are affordable. A 30-minute walk usually costs between $15 and $25 ($20 to $50 for 1 hour) depending on your location.

But you must be aware that those costs add up very quickly if you need a dog walker five days a week all year long. To find a dog walker in your area and validate the price, you can use apps like Rover or Wag. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive.

Traveling

If you are traveling for an extended period, you will also need to consider the price of pet-services, such as dog boarding. Prices vary depending on location, the time of the year and the level of service but you can reasonably expect to pay somewhere between $25 to $85 per day of dog boarding.

During particularly busy times, such as the holiday season, we recommend booking such services in advance, as you are likely to get better rates, while also guaranteeing a safe and secure place for your dog to stay. The most affordable and sensible option, however, is to see if any family and/or friends might be comfortable with hosting your dog, as this drastically cuts your costs.

Apart from these types of services, taking your dog with you is also an option. These days, many airlines and train companies can make provisions for dogs provided you submit a request ahead of time. The cost varies drastically and can only be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as it depends on several variables such as location, destination, mode of transport, etc.

Yearly and monthly cost of a Whippet

How much is a Whippet puppy during the first year?

The average cost of raising a Whippet for the first year falls within the $2,585 to $5,165 range, with an average cost of $3,840. Most of these expenses will happen early and will hardly be avoidable, as they are essential to the health and well-being of your Whippet.

Potential additional expenses include sterilization, dog insurance and services like dog walking and dog boarding.

Assuming you spay/neuter your dog, require the services of a dog walker 5 days a week for 42 weeks (30-minute walks), enroll in an insurance plan and use a boarding service for 1 week of the year, your first year cost is likely to rise into the $6,310 to $12,090 range.

Adult Whippet yearly and monthly costs

For each adult year, a Whippet will require $620-$2,025 in essential expenses, depending on your locality as well as the pet-related businesses that are accessible to you. On a monthly basis we are talking costs in the $52-$169 range or $108 on average.

Assuming you use a dog walker every weekday for 50 weeks, maintain your insurance enrollment and send the dog to a boarding facility for 1 week, you can expect to spend as high as $4,895-$9,650 every year ($408-$804 every month).

Whippet cost of ownership

Whippets have an average life expectancy of 14 years (usually 12 to 15 years). This puts the overall cost of ownership in the $10,645 to $31,490 range using the figures outlined above. On average, an owner can expect to spend $20,740 over the years.

Using the same additional costs scenarios introduced in the previous sections of the article (spay/neuter, insurance, dog walking and dog boarding), you will be looking at total cost of ownership range of $69,945 to $137,540, with an average overall cost of $101,945 for 14 years.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget Whippet cost calculator

The cost of a Whippet – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a Whippet puppy?

On average a Whippet puppy will cost $1,200 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $850 and $1,500. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $185 and $790 in supplies when welcoming a medium-sized dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $75 and $330. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a Whippet need training and how much will it cost?

Having a Whippet professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $900 to $1,200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, potty training, crate training, and positive leadership.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a Whippet?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a Whippet puppy during the first year and around $330 to $725 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $100 and $300).

5 – How much food does a Whippet eat and how much will it cost?

A Whippet puppy will eat around 120 lb. and an adult close to 190 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $105 and $265 for a puppy and $90 to $455 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a Whippet be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

Grooming a Whippet is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $50 depending on the dog and services needed.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a Whippet, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with owning a Whippet. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.