Often referred to as “small Greyhounds” due to their striking resemblance to the large breed, Whippets are lean, graceful, and loving canines who are unique in their own right. Tall and slim with deep chests and slender yet sturdy legs, these dogs are built for speed and agility—they’re swift as lightning when sprinting or chasing after small animals.
But impressive speed is not the only trait that makes Whippets stand out, although it did make them exceedingly popular as racing dogs during the Industrial Revolution. Today, many dog lovers have fallen for the Whippet’s gentle disposition and affectionate nature. Given ample exercise, Whippets are happy to relax at home and cuddle with their owners.
Of course, Whippets still need a lot of physical activity to expend their energy and satisfy their natural instincts for running or hunting. So it’s vital to give your Whippet toys that will exercise both his brain and body. To help make the right purchase for your canine friend, we’ve come up with the 5 best dog toys for whippets based on reviews from experts and fellow pet parents.
1. Chuckit! The Whistler Ball: Adds Challenge & Excitement to Fetch Games
Why settle for a boring fetch toy when your pup can have a whistling ball? The Chuckit! Whistler Ball is designed to make fetch games even more exciting for your active Whippet. This ball features 4 sound holes that emit a loud whistling noise as it flies in the air, securing your dog’s focus and attention every time you throw it.
It also bounces higher and faster than tennis balls, enticing your pup to jump, run, and chase after it. This keeps your dog from losing interest in fetch games too quickly. Plus, its durable material withstands rough activity and outdoor use to ensure hours of fun at the park or in your backyard!
- Makes an attention-grabbing whistling sound for more exciting fetch games
- Bounces high and flys quickly through the air
- Outlasts rough play and regular outdoor use
Whippets have a high prey drive by nature, which can lead to dangerous or destructive behaviors. A good way to keep this in check is by giving your dog chase toys like the Outward Hound Tail Teaser Wand.
This flirt pole comes with two plush toys that mimic the sound of real animals, awakening your pup’s hunting instincts and encouraging him to chase after it. It also features a durable nylon wand that allows you to train or play with your dog for hours, whether to encourage exercise indoors, practice impulse control, or simply to have fun with him.
- Helps manage your Whippet’s strong prey drive and satisfy his instincts safely
- Comes with two plush toys that look and sound like real prey
- Perfect as a toy for playtime or a tool for training
3. Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Toy: Perfect for Independent & Interactive Play
Got a Whippet who loves tug-of-war games? Get him the Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Toy for hours of fun tugging! This extra-tough rope is made from premium poly-cotton yarn that can withstand forceful pulling, featuring 2 sturdy knots that give you a firm grip while playing.
This rope toy is also ideal for solo play, keeping your Whippet entertained when you’re not at home! The two knots also make chewing more enjoyable for your pup, while the fine cotton fibers clean his teeth as he chews.
- Extra-tough and durable rope that can withstand pulling and tugging
- Makes interactive tug-of-war games more fun for your pup with less effort from you
- Keeps your pup entertained with enjoyable chewing sessions
4. Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy: Exercises Your Dog’s Brain
Like other dogs, Whippets can become destructive when they’re bored or left alone for long periods of time. The Nina Ottoson Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy helps banish boredom and keeps your pup entertained with a reward-based brain teaser!
This ball comes with two holes that dispense kibble, challenging your pup to paw and nudge at it until he gets all those tasty treats. Not only does this game help stave off boredom, but it also gives your Whippet a mental workout that hones his problem-solving skills and keeps his mind sharp and alert.
- Provides mental stimulation with a fun & challenging reward-based game
- Dispenses kibble to entice play and boost your pup’s problem-solving skills
- Keeps your Whippet entertained and prevents boredom
5. Multipet Duckworth: Perfect Bedtime Companion and Playtime Buddy
Of course, no toy box for dogs is complete without a plushie. The Multipet Duckworth is a fluffy plush toy in the shape of an adorable duck—the perfect nighttime buddy for your cuddly Whippet! With its soft fabric and squishy stuffing, this toy can also give your pup comfort and help ease his anxiety when you’re at work or out of the house.
Better yet, it squeaks—so when you’re home and ready to play, you make it squeak to get your pup’s attention and toss it for a fun indoor game of fetch. Pet parents have also praised this toy for being durable enough to outlast chewing sessions despite not being a chew toy.
- Offers warmth and comfort at bedtime or during stressful situations
- Designed with soft plush fabric and comes with a squeaker to entice play
- Large size makes it ideal for Whippets
How to Keep Your Whippet Active
Whippets enjoy the best of both worlds: they can be total couch potatoes at home who are happy to curl up next to their owners on lazy afternoons, but they can be equally as ecstatic about playing and running in the great outdoors. It’s important to give your Whippet a lot of physical activity to allow him to expend his energy, so he can doze off next to you in total contentment later on.
Here are a few of the best ways to keep your Whippet active:
Exercise your Whippet for at least 1 hour every day
An hour of daily walks is enough to keep your Whippet happy, but make sure to split it into 2 to 3 walks so he makes the most of his exercise.
If you’re an active individual who enjoys running, a Whippet can make an excellent running buddy. Take note, though, that these dogs are sprinters and not marathon runners; they may lose interest when running long distances. Opt for shorter, faster runs with your canine instead.
You can also take your Whippet on short hikes up to an hour long. Make sure to keep him on a leash as he’s likely to chase after small animals.
Play games with your Whippet and buy him interactive toys
Many Whippet owners find that their pups aren’t always in the mood to play, so getting them to stay active indoors can be a challenge. A good way to encourage playtime is by tossing toys they can chase; Whippets are gifted runners and hunters by nature, so they’re sure to enjoy games where they can run after their prey.
Whippets also thrive on human companionship. As such, they may become bored or suffer from separation anxiety when left to their own devices. Make sure to give your Whippet interactive toys, such as chew toys and puzzle toys, to keep him active and occupied when you have to be away.
Train your Whippet and involve him in dog sports
Obedience training does more than just introduce extra physical activity into your Whippet’s daily routine; it also helps ensure you get a well-rounded dog. However, Whippets are infamously difficult to train. You’ll need a lot of patience and creativity in training your Whippet. Make sure to use food rewards and keep training sessions short so as not to lose his focus.
Whippets also possess impressive athletic abilities, so they naturally excel at dog sports. Agility, flyball, lure coursing, and racing are just a few of the many types of dog sports in which your Whippet can participate and succeed.
In Closing
Finding the perfect toy for your Whippet can make a world of difference in how active and happy he is at home. If you’re on the hunt for the best product for your pup, feel free to choose one from our list above! Any one of those options can help encourage your Whippet to engage in healthy playtime, make both indoor and outdoor games more exciting, and—most importantly—strengthen your bond with him.