Whippets are gentle, affectionate, and playful companions—but if you’re considering introducing them to another dog, you may be wondering: Do whippets really get along with other dogs?
The short answer: Yes, whippets can get along wonderfully with other dogs—provided they are socialized early, introduced properly, and paired with compatible breeds.
But not every breed is the perfect match for a whippet’s sensitive nature. In this guide, you’ll discover:
- ✅ The truth about whippets’ temperament with other dogs
- ✅ Which breeds whippets bond well with (and which may be challenging)
- ✅ How whippets behave with cats, rabbits, and other pets
- ✅ 5 advanced tips to ensure smooth introductions
- ✅ Expert-backed insights to prevent jealousy, aggression, or stress
Let’s dive in.
🐶 Whippets’ Temperament: Why Socialization Matters
Whippets are known for being gentle, quiet, and sensitive. They rarely show aggression, but because of their timid streak, early socialization is crucial.
- Well-socialized whippets → Confident, friendly, able to adapt to dogs of different sizes.
- Poorly socialized whippets → Shy, anxious, sometimes fearful-aggressive around unknown dogs.
👉 According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), whippets thrive in multi-dog households when introduced early and given consistent positive experiences.
🐾 Do Whippets Get Along With Other Whippets?
Absolutely. Whippets usually bond exceptionally well with their own breed.
- Similar play styles (zoomies, sprinting)
- Equal energy levels
- Both enjoy lounging indoors after exercise
💡 Pro Tip: Whippet-to-whippet households are one of the easiest combinations for first-time multi-dog owners.
🐕 Breed Compatibility: Whippets With Other Popular Breeds
Here’s a breakdown of how whippets typically get along with different breeds:
| Breed | Compatibility | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Greyhounds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Calm, affectionate, similar personalities & energy. |
| Labradors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Playful & friendly, but labs are more energetic. |
| Pugs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Gentle indoors, but pugs can’t keep up outdoors. |
| Staffies | ⭐⭐⭐ | Can be strong-willed, but fine if socialized. |
| Terriers | ⭐⭐⭐ | Terriers are feisty; may trigger prey drive. |
| Chihuahuas | ⭐⭐⭐ | Whippets may get anxious from yappy behavior. |
| Dachshunds | ⭐⭐⭐ | Protective nature can clash with whippets’ timid side. |
⚡ Key takeaway: Laid-back, friendly, and playful breeds are the best match for whippets.
🐈 Do Whippets Get Along With Cats and Rabbits?
This is where things get tricky.
- Whippets have a high prey drive due to their hunting ancestry.
- Quick-moving pets like rabbits or cats can trigger chasing behavior.
- That said, many whippets do live peacefully with cats if raised together from a young age.
💡 Training Tip: Always supervise early interactions. Use baby gates, leashes, and controlled exposure until trust is built.
⚡ 5 Expert Tips to Ensure Whippets Get Along With Other Dogs
1. Exercise Before Introductions
A tired whippet is a calmer whippet. Give them a walk or run before meeting new dogs to prevent overexcitement.
2. Prioritize Early Socialization
Between 8–16 weeks old, expose whippets to different breeds, sizes, and temperaments. This shapes their lifelong confidence.
3. Train Beyond the Living Room
Many owners only train indoors. Instead, practice obedience in parks, dog-friendly cafés, and busy environments so your whippet learns to listen around distractions.
4. Supervised Playdates First
Introduce them to well-behaved dogs initially. Avoid pairing them with aggressive or dominant dogs early on.
5. Watch for Jealousy
Whippets bond deeply with their owners. When bringing in another dog, ensure you give equal attention to prevent jealousy-driven misbehavior.
🔎 Advanced Tips for Multi-Dog Homes With Whippets
- Feed Separately → Prevent food guarding or competition.
- Match Energy Levels → Pair whippets with calm breeds, not overly dominant ones.
- Monitor Resource Sharing → Toys, beds, and attention should be fairly managed.
- Routine Vet Checks → Rule out stress-related health issues that can affect behavior.
✅ Final Verdict
So, do whippets get along with other dogs?
Yes! Whippets are naturally friendly, affectionate, and adaptable, making them excellent companions for other dogs—especially when introduced correctly and paired with breeds of similar temperament.
With early socialization, proper introductions, and consistent training, your whippet can thrive in a multi-dog household and even learn to coexist peacefully with cats or rabbits.
👉 If you’re adding a new pup to your family, follow the above tips and your whippet will likely make a lifelong friend.