Whippet Stud Dog Guide: Health Testing, Myostatin, Stud Fees & Breed Standards

The Whippet is a sighthound of extraordinary elegance — fast, gentle, and surprisingly low-maintenance. Breeding quality Whippets requires attention to cardiac health, eye certification, and one unique genetic consideration found in no other breed.

The Whippet is one of the cleanest breeds to own — low odour, moderate exercise needs (despite their speed), and an affectionate, people-oriented temperament. Demand for quality Whippets has grown steadily, and serious buyers expect health-tested, well-structured dogs from proven lines.

Breed Overview for Breeding Purposes

Whippets are a medium-sized sighthound, typically 25–40 lbs and 18–22 inches at the shoulder. The breed standard emphasises a long, elegant neck, deep chest, tucked abdomen, well-arched loin, and smooth, effortless movement. A stud dog should exemplify these qualities — a well-built Whippet moves with a characteristic double-suspension gallop that is only possible with correct structure.

Males are typically used for breeding from 18–24 months after health testing is complete. Most serious breeders wait for full cardiac and eye certification before the first breeding.

Health Testing Requirements

Cardiac Evaluation

Cardiac disease is the most significant health concern in Whippets. The breed is prone to a form of cardiac arrhythmia and, in some lines, to dilated cardiomyopathy. OFA cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist is the gold standard. A stud should have a current clean cardiology exam — this should be repeated annually for active stud dogs.

Eye Certification (CAER)

Annual CAER eye exams by a veterinary ophthalmologist screen for progressive conditions. Whippets can develop PRA and other inherited ocular diseases. A stud should have a current clean CAER exam each breeding year.

Hip Evaluation

While not as high-risk as in larger breeds, OFA hip evaluation is still recommended for Whippet studs. Fair or better is the acceptable standard.

Deafness (BAER Testing)

Deafness is not common in Whippets but occurs rarely, particularly in dogs with heavy white markings. BAER hearing testing confirms bilateral hearing in both ears and is advisable for any white or predominantly white stud.

The Myostatin Mutation — Bully Whippets

This is the most genetically unique aspect of the Whippet breed. The myostatin gene controls muscle mass. Whippets can carry a mutation in this gene:

• Normal (no mutation): Standard lean, elegant Whippet body
• Heterozygous carrier: Carries one copy — typically results in a slightly more muscled, powerful build. These dogs are legal show dogs and are often the fastest Whippets.
• Homozygous (two copies): Results in a dramatically over-muscled "bully Whippet" — massive muscle bulk, bulging physique. These dogs cannot race competitively and are not breed-standard.

For conformation and racing purposes, breeding two heterozygous carriers together is generally acceptable (25% chance of bully offspring) but breeding two bully or carrier-to-carrier breedings specifically for muscle bulk is not responsible practice. DNA testing for myostatin status is available and should be done for any stud used in serious programmes.

Coat Colours in Whippets

Whippets come in virtually every colour — brindle, blue, fawn, red, white, black, cream, and combinations thereof. Colour does not affect health in Whippets (unlike in some breeds where dilute or merle carry additional risks). Colour preference is aesthetic, though some lines are known for specific patterns.

Stud Fees for Whippets

Whippet stud fees typically range from $800 to $2,000:

• Health-tested male with cardiac clear and current CAER: $800–$1,400
• AKC or UKC champion with full health panel: $1,200–$2,000
• Racing or lure coursing titled male: premium pricing in performance communities

Summary

A quality Whippet stud has a current clean cardiology exam, annual CAER certification, OFA hip evaluation, and known myostatin status. Cardiac health is the most critical item — do not breed to a male without a current cardiology report. Myostatin testing should inform your generation planning if racing or show performance is a goal. Fees run $800–$1,500 for a well-tested male with a clean health record.