Despite pointing out the problem with the breed, the trainer said they are still ‘sweethearts'
Dog trainer Will Atherton has claimed there's a problem with the “lovely” Whippet breed, despite describing them as “sweethearts”. Initially joking that he “hates Whippet breeds,” Mr Atherton quickly retracted his statement, clarifying that he doesn't dislike any dog.
However, he did highlight an issue with the breed that potential owners should be aware of. “Every breed has their pros, every breed has their cons,” he said, adding that while he “loves” certain aspects of some breeds, he “isn't a fan of” certain traits in others.
Regarding Whippets, Mr Atherton warned: “With the Whippet, the thing I'm not a huge fan of is that it can be incredibly over-sensitive.” He described Whippets as “lovely sweetheart dogs,” but explained that the one at his facility was there due to “problem behaviour stemming from that exact thing”. Mr Atherton advised that if you get a Whippet, you need to know how to instil confidence in them to prevent them from becoming “overly nervous, overly anxious, or develop things like separation anxiety”.
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According to the PDSA, Whippets require a good run around but will then happily curl up on the sofa for the rest of the day. They are medium-sized dogs, making them a popular choice for first-time pet owners, but the PDSA does note that “training a Whippet can take some time”.
The animal experts have said: “They enjoy being part of everything at home, so it suits households where they can be included in everything. They have a lot of character although can be a little shy when meeting new people, so early socialisation is a must,” They also cautioned that if left alone, Whippets may “start to destroy things around the home”, pointing out the importance of constant companionship for the breed due to potential separation anxiety. The PDSA advises that Whippets are best suited to “a home with slightly older children who understand when to give your dog space”, reports Surrey Live.
In response to Mr Atherton's TikTok post, one user commented: “They are just the bestest [sic]. It's their sensitivity I love.”
Another shared their personal experience, defending the breed: “My Whippet just passed away, but she was the BEST dog I've ever had. She did not have any behavioural issues; I love this breed.”
A dog owner added their perspective: “I will agree with you that they can be sensitive dogs. But when you say they are anxious dogs, the majority of problems with the breed is the owners that cause the problems.”
