Whippet Pet Insurance | Compare Prices & Policies | Savvy

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Find out all about the Whippet and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 28th, 2023

Price range

$1,000 – $2,500

Height

44–51cm

Weight

9–19kg

Personality

Affectionate, gentle, playful

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

Moderate to high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12–15 years

Overview

Originating in England, the Whippet is a sighthound originally bred for their remarkable speed and agility. Their slender, elegant appearance, with a streamlined body and fine coat, reflects their exceptional athleticism.

Over time, Whippets have transitioned from their hunting roots to become beloved family pets. They are known for their gentle and affectionate temperament, making them excellent companions. Despite their racing heritage, Whippets are often described as “couch potatoes” indoors, enjoying a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle. However, they have bursts of energy and thrive during outdoor activities, such as agility courses and sprints. Their adaptability to different living environments, including urban settings, makes them a versatile choice for Australian families seeking a loyal and graceful pet.

Common diseases and conditions of Whippets

Eye conditions: regular eye check-ups are crucial for early detection and management of conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
Hypothyroidism: this is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy and skin problems. It can usually be managed with medication.
Cancer: Whippets can be susceptible to various types of cancer, making regular veterinary check-ups crucial for early detection and treatment.
Cardiac problems: conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy can affect Whippets, emphasising the need for regular heart health monitoring.
Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia: this condition involves the immune system mistakenly attacking red blood cells, and it can be managed with appropriate veterinary care.

Breed-specific issues:

Whippets have a strong prey drive that can sometimes lead them to chase small animals, so it's important to ensure they are in a secure and controlled environment. Additionally, their thin skin can make them more susceptible to injuries, so supervision during exercise is crucial. Whippets can also be sensitive to extreme weather conditions due to their lean build, so it’s important to provide appropriate protection in very hot or cold climates.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Whippet?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Whippet, including the following:

Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.
Type of insurance you choose: there are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.
The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.
Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.
Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.
Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do.
Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Whippets

Are Whippets good with children?

Yes – Whippets are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, which typically makes them good companions for children. They are patient and enjoy playtime, making them well-suited for family environments. However, as with any dog, it's important to supervise interactions between dogs and young children to ensure both parties are comfortable and safe.

Are Whippets suitable for apartment living?

Yes – Whippets can adapt well to apartment living. Despite their athletic nature, they are generally calm and well-mannered indoors. Providing them with regular opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation is important, and living in an apartment shouldn't be an issue as long as their activity needs are met.

Do Whippets bark a lot?

No – Whippets are not known for excessive barking. They are generally a quiet breed and are more likely to vocalise in specific situations, such as when they're excited or alerting their owners to something unusual. However, compared to some other breeds, they tend to be relatively quiet.

Do Whippets make good watchdogs?

No – while Whippets are alert and will generally be aware of their surroundings, they are not typically considered guard dogs. They are more likely to approach strangers with curiosity rather than aggression. They may alert you to someone's presence, but they are known for their friendly and sociable nature rather than guarding instincts.

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