With their friendly, loving personalities and even temperaments, Whippets are excellent companions. They are known for being gentle, intelligent, and great with children. Full of energy when playing outside but calm and relaxed when indoors, the Whippet is a joy to live with.
You may have high hopes of owning one of these fantastic dogs but are not sure what to expect as far as price tags are concerned. No worries! We have all the information you need right here, and rest assured, a Whippet is worth every penny.
How much do Whippet puppies cost? They typically cost between $1,200 and $2,000. The most notable influencing factors are the breeder’s quality and reputation and the puppy’s pedigree, though location and rare colors can affect the price as well. Adoption costs are usually $200 – $500, if you’re able to find one to adopt.
In the following, we’ll show you actual prices, explain what impacts prices, and provide tips on finding quality breeders and dogs up for adoption.
Actual Whippet Prices
Deciding to purchase any dog is a big decision and sometimes average prices just aren’t specific enough. To help you out, we put together this table of actual breeder prices from different areas of the country. All breeders listed routinely perform eye and heart screenings on their dogs and are committed to producing puppies who adhere to breed standards.
| Breeder Name | Location | Price |
| Arwen Whippets | Arizona | $2,000 |
| Mohr Whippets | Ohio | $1,500 |
| Sugar Valley Farms | Georgia | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Summit Whippets | California | $2,000 |
| Timbreblue Whippets | Virginia & South Carolina | $1,500 |
What Impacts Cost Differences in Whippet Puppies?
As you can see from the above table, and as you will likely discover in your own search for Whippet breeders, prices can vary somewhat but usually fall between $1,200 and $2,000. What is the reason for price differences? Well, let’s take a closer look.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) Whippet breed standards, the color of Whippet is, “immaterial,” meaning that any color is acceptable. Much more emphasis is placed on how well the dog conforms to the breed’s ideal body structure. Because of this, Whippet breeders should not price their dogs according to color or markings, as all are considered equal.
Two exceptions might be for any dogs who have the “dun” color or who are pure white – both of which are rather rare, therefore worth more.
The location of the breeder sometimes influences the price of their pups. Those who live near busy cities where the demand is often higher will frequently charge a bit more compared to those located in more rural areas.
A breeder’s reputation directly hinges on the quality of the facilities and, more importantly, the ability to consistently produce high-quality puppies who adhere to the breed standards in terms of body conformation and temperament. A breeder with a sterling reputation is justified in charging more for puppies.
A puppy’s pedigree not only shows the pup’s ancestors but also lists titles, points, and championships that they earned in competitions. A puppy whose bloodline is filled with proven winners will usually cost more, and rightly so.
How to Find a Quality Whippet Breeder
Perhaps you are fortunate enough to live in a part of the country where you have several nearby Whippet breeders to select from. Maybe you are hours away from any breeders and will be forced to travel. Either way, you will want to pick the highest quality breeder to put the odds in your favor of bringing home a healthy and well-bred little Whippet.
Is it possible to tell a quality breeder from one who is merely interested in making a quick buck? Yes. Absolutely. You simply need to know what to look for and what to steer clear of.
Quality Whippet Breeders
Whippet breeders should have the best interest of the puppy first and foremost in their mind. This is the reason that quality breeders will question you before a sale. They may ask about:
- Your family – to determine if the puppy will receive enough attention. (If you’re busy raising triplet infants, you may not have time to properly raise a puppy.)
- Your employment – to see if you can afford to care for a puppy and to see if you will be at home enough for your puppy.
- Your home and yard – to make sure there is adequate room for a puppy and a safely fenced yard to protect him. (Many Whippet breeders will not sell you a puppy unless the yard is securely fenced.)
Responsible Whippet breeders will health check their dogs before breeding takes place to screen for any eye and heart issues. They should willingly provide documentation and discuss the results with you. They should also provide a certificate of health from a veterinarian for each puppy.
Quality breeders will keep the mother and puppies inside their home to ensure that the pups are accustomed to people and the day-to-day sounds of a busy household – the beginning of socialization. The litter should be registered with the AKC.
Breeders should allow you to meet the parent dogs if both are on sight (the sire might have been a stud from another breeder but pictures should be available) and allow you to view the area where the puppies have been raised.
The area where the puppies are kept should be clean and odor-free. All of the dogs should be in good health and appear to be well cared for. Quality breeders will have puppies that are inquisitive, friendly, and energetic – the picture of good health.
Another sign of a quality breeder is the willingness to educate you on not only the Whippet breed but also about basic puppy care and what to expect in your dog’s first year. Vaccines, deworming, housebreaking, nutrition, teething, training, and socialization should all be discussed.
Less Than Ideal Whippet Breeders
Sadly, there are Whippet breeders out there who are only interested in selling as many puppies as possible to turn a quick profit. Their dogs reap the consequences.
Instead of peppering you with questions to see if a Whippet is a good match for your family, poor quality breeders often attempt to rush the sale and place pressure on you to buy quickly before they sell out.
Irresponsible Whippet breeders don’t health screen their dogs to rule out genetic health issues before breeding. They also will generally have little paperwork and no customer contract listing your responsibilities for you to sign.
Substandard breeders may house their dogs in inferior, poorly kept conditions often without climate control and routine cleaning. Their dogs may appear thin, lethargic, or disinterested. Their puppies are often fearful or shy around people due to a lack of socialization.
Any breeder who won’t allow you to meet the parent dogs or see the place where the puppies are kept is obviously trying to hide something and should be avoided.
Typically, a poor breeder is easy to spot and the red flags are blatantly evident. Please do not purchase a dog from a breeder who clearly does not care for the dogs properly. As tempting as it might be to buy one in order to “rescue” him from a sad life, don’t do it. The breeder would only be encouraged to continue practicing low standards of care. Contact an animal rescue group if you are truly concerned.
Finding a Whippet That Needs a Home
When searching for a Whippet puppy, bear in mind that most breeders do not have puppies available frequently but will be happy to place your name (usually after a deposit has been paid) on a waiting list for an upcoming litter.
If you would rather not wait for months, adoption may be an option. Due to various circumstances, Whippets occasionally are placed up for adoption. Whippet groups on social media are a great place to inquire about Whippets in need of a loving home.
Unlike Greyhounds, Whippets are not typically commercially raced, so a racetrack rescue isn’t a valid option. Whippet Rescue and Placement is, however. Adopt-a-Pet.com and Petfinder are worth looking at too.
What Are Owners Saying About The Cost?
“I got my two-month-old Whippet from a Breeder a close friend recommended who has been showing and breeding Whippets for almost 30 years. He cost $1500. He is not “show quality” or otherwise he would have run about $2,000. According to most people I’ve spoken to price ranges for a puppy from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the state you’re in. I live in Los Angeles.”
“I’m in California and I got my boy from a reputable breeder 15 years ago…he’s an old man now. They charged $750 if I recall correctly. But that was 15 years ago.”
“$1400+ airfare. He is my ideal pup, so worth it!”
“$1,000 for my first one in NC and $800 for a second one. She was born weighing a lot less than her siblings, which I think means she’s the runt, so maybe that’s why she was cheaper.”
