Frequently Asked Questions

There are many factors that influence our breeding plans. Extensive planning, pedigree research, and investigation into the stud dog we wish to use—including his progeny—are essential. We consider what we want to achieve with this breeding and what can be improved through this particular pairing of dogs. We consistently breed to enhance future generations, aiming to preserve this magnificent breed. We maintain a low coefficient of inbreeding by employing linebreeding and outcrossing in our breeding practices to improve genetic diversity. Good temperament is paramount; titles and show achievements are secondary. All the dogs used for breeding undergo extensive health testing, including the stud dogs we plan to use. We do not breed our females until they reach three years of age, ensuring they have completed all health tests with positive results, are physically and mentally mature, and their temperaments are well known. Additionally, each breeding is a collaboration of breeders that makes this possible.

We take pride in thoroughly health testing all our dogs, striving to breed healthier, better dogs for the future. All our dogs are DNA tested through MyDogDNA/Wisdom Panel, which includes over 200 genetic tests, a number of which are applicable to the whippet breed. We undertake extensive heart testing, including ultrasound and Doppler. Once a year or prior to breeding, our dogs undergo the BVA Eye Testing Scheme. We are the first and only breeders in Ireland to screen whippets for Lumbosacral Transitional Vertebrae (LTV), a concerning spinal anomaly that is rapidly affecting our breed. As a Veterinary Nurse, I pay particular attention to our dogs' annual health checks. We also conduct yearly blood tests to ensure everything is functioning as well on the inside as it is on the outside. To learn more about our health testing process, please visit our "Health Testing" page.

All our puppies are subject to a legally binding contract. These contracts detail information about the puppy and the breeder, as well as establish agreed-upon guidelines for the puppy’s care and your responsibilities as a new owner throughout its lifetime. The contracts are designed with the best interests of our puppies in mind. There are three different types of contracts for our puppies, depending on the type of ownership and terms. These include a pet/companion contract with endorsements, a show/breeding contract for homes where the puppy will be shown and/or bred in the future, subject to meeting specified conditions such as completing health tests, and a co-ownership contract for puppies co-owned by me and the new owners under mutually agreed terms. All contracts are available to prospective new owners who have been accepted onto our puppy waiting list. We are always happy to discuss this in more detail with anyone interested in a Shannavarius puppy.

Absolutely! Our dogs and puppies we breed are first and foremost loving family members and cherished lifetime companions. Not every dog is a show dog. Not every puppy we breed has the qualities for the show ring. That doesn't mean the puppy is any less than his littermates. Most of our puppies go to loving pet homes, and these are the homes we love placing our puppies in - with caring families.

We match our puppies with future owners based on your plans for a puppy - whether you want a pet companion or a show dog, your expectations, previous experience with the breed, as well as the puppy's temperament and predisposition. Our goal is always to select the best puppy for your family and lifestyle. During the selection process, we will consider your personal preferences alongside our recommendations. Please note that we do not breed for or select puppies based on colour. Final puppy selection takes place when puppies are around 6-7 weeks old, after they have undergone temperament and show ring assessments. We are also happy to discuss this process in more detail with any prospective owners.

All our companion pet puppies are subject to endorsement and limited registration with the Irish Kennel Club, as well as neutering contracts. This means that although they are Irish Kennel Club registered, they can't be bred from or shown at any type of dog show. The contract details the terms and conditions. The endorsement on the IKC registration will include "Not For Breeding" and "Not For Export". We require that all of our puppies on pet/companion contracts be neutered by 24 months of age, and we kindly ask families to respect these terms. Failure to do so may result in legal action. Our prospective show puppies may also be subject to endorsement and limited registration until they meet the requirements specified in the contract, particularly regarding health testing. Once these criteria are met, endorsements can be lifted on our show prospect puppies and the puppies we co-own. As breeders, we are happy to discuss the above in detail with prospective owners.

We understand that our puppies may be priced higher than some breeders in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but they are very much in line with reputable breeders across Europe — in fact, our prices are often lower than those charged in Europe and the United States. Doing things the right way is costly, and we spare no expense when rearing and raising our puppies. As a Registered Veterinary Nurse with additional training in emergency and critical care, as well as canine fertility, I bring professional expertise and medical knowledge to every stage of our breeding programme. All our practices are always guided by up-to-date research, continuous professional development, and the highest standards of welfare. This investment in expertise means that both our puppies and dogs receive the very best care from the very beginning, all year round. All our breeding dogs undergo extensive health testing, including full DNA panels, BVA eye screening, LTV screening, and more. Each puppy also receives a full veterinary health check before joining its forever home. We provide premium nutrition, supplements, and preventative healthcare, and raise our puppies in safe, clean, and nurturing environments so they thrive physically and emotionally. Just as importantly, we dedicate countless hours to early socialisation and preparation. From their earliest weeks, our puppies are gently introduced to different environments, handling, and experiences, including crate training, car exposure, toilet training, and more. This helps them develop into confident, resilient, and well-rounded family companions. We also pride ourselves on creating an experience for our families based on trust, education, and excitement. Every family has access to learning resources, updates, and guidance to ensure you feel fully supported and involved in your puppy’s journey. Finally, we are proud members of the Irish Kennel Club (IKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). We abide entirely by the Code of Ethics and the Rules and Regulations of the Irish Kennel Club, which relate to Responsible Dog Ownership and Breeding. All of the above reassures families that they are choosing an authentic, responsible breeder. In short, while there may be cheaper options, our prices reflect the time, knowledge, and resources we invest in every puppy, providing you with peace of mind that you are welcoming a healthy, happy, and well-prepared new family member to cherish for many years to come.

Placing a reservation fee with Shannavarius Whippets shows your genuine commitment to welcoming one of our puppies into your family. For this reason, we ask for a reservation fee deposit to secure your place on our waiting list. The fee is 15% of the total puppy purchase price, and is 50% refundable. Although our initial fee is refundable, we ask families to carefully consider their decision before joining our waiting list, as this is a lifelong commitment. Once your reservation is secured, you’ll receive access to resources designed to support and prepare you for the journey ahead, alongside regular email updates to keep you connected and informed. Once the puppies are born and selected for your family between the ages of 5-7 weeks, a 35% non-refundable holding fee deposit is required. We understand that life can sometimes change unexpectedly. If the timing is not right, your non-refundable holding fee deposit can be deferred for up to three future litters, giving you added flexibility while still keeping our programme structured and reliable.

Yes. We have previously exported puppies to European countries and the UK. Export of puppies is possible; however, under European law, a puppy can not leave Ireland until 30 days after a rabies vaccine has been administered, and a Pet Passport has been issued. This means the youngest a puppy can leave us is at 16 weeks old. Certain countries outside the European Union, including the UK, may require longer export times. We are happy to arrange all the necessary paperwork and documentation.

All our puppies are ready to leave us at 9-10 weeks of age. Collecting your puppy at this stage ensures they have had enough time for incubation after the first vaccination and are prepared for this exciting new journey with you. This is the perfect time for puppies to start bonding with their new family and to settle into a consistent routine. Puppies thrive on structure, and moving at the right moment helps them adjust more smoothly to their forever home. If you are unable to collect your puppy on the planned date, we may be able to keep the puppy for a limited period. This is considered on a case-by-case basis and usually extends to about 2 weeks beyond the original collection date. During this time, your puppy will stay in our care and continue with their daily training, socialisation, and routine. Any additional treatments or vaccinations your puppy might need during this period are your responsibility, and an extra fee may apply. To give your puppy the best possible start, we kindly ask families to plan ahead and keep around 2 weeks of annual leave free for the collection day. The first days and weeks at home are vital for establishing a routine, building trust, and helping your puppy settle into their new environment. Different rules and collection schedules apply to puppies being exported to other countries, and are individually discussed with prospective owners.

There are many factors that influence a dog's trainability, and the early puppy days are the most crucial for building a positive relationship with your whippet through training, which will help raise an amazing adult dog in the future. Puppies will be puppies, and they are on a learning curve every day, exploring the world around them. They will chew, nip, toilet indoors, and test boundaries — all natural parts of their growth. At Shannavarius Whippets, we introduce early training and socialisation to build a solid foundation, but the true key to raising well-mannered dogs is your ongoing commitment once your puppy is at home. We recommend signing up for local puppy training classes once your puppy is fully vaccinated and settled, and we are always happy to advise on where to go in your area. These classes aren’t just about teaching the puppy but about teaching you, the owner, on how to guide and support your puppy’s learning effectively. We recommend only positive reinforcement training, based on patience and consistency, to help your puppy develop good habits in a fun and engaging way. Group classes are also an excellent choice, as they offer valuable socialisation and the chance to practise in new environments. Puppies love them, and they equip you with the tools to handle common puppy challenges such as mouthing, teething, jumping up, and kitchen worktop surfing. With time, consistency, and ongoing training, your puppy will develop into a sociable, fun-loving, and well-behaved dog. Whippets, in general, in our experience, are very trainable dogs, and truly enjoy the companionship while working with you. Start with the basics, and keep sessions brief and focused, especially with puppies.

All our dogs have excellent recall and can enjoy time off lead. It is very important to begin training recall early with your whippet to ensure off-lead adventures are safe. We recommend using long lines when training recall - this can be used in parks, on hikes in woodland areas, on beaches and more! It provides your dog with both freedom and safety while the training continues.

When introduced early on, in puppyhood, and in a safe manner for both the dog and the cat, whippets can happily live with resident cats without any issues. In fact, we have plenty of puppies that went to new homes and live with cats. It's important to highlight that although your whippet puppy may get on with the cat at home, they might still want to chase other cats in the neighbourhood!

Yes! However, don't get overly obsessed (it's difficult at times, I know!). Puppies grow very quickly, so buying expensive dog coats is not advisable, as they will likely outgrow them in a few weeks. We recommend getting "an adult-sized" coat when your whippet is about 9-10 months old. It's best to have something waterproof and a fleece coat. In winter, a denser, padded coat is recommended, especially at temperatures of 0 degrees and below. Some of the brands we recommend are Sofa Dog Wear and Pomppa Dog Wear.

Whippets are a relatively low-maintenance breed and require minimal grooming. They do shed like any other dog, so don't be fooled into believing or being told that they don't. They do shed, and they are not hypoallergenic. A soft rubber brush works great during shedding season and will be a blessing for the dog and your couch or car to remove tiny hair! We bathe our dogs quite regularly for show purposes. However, during late autumn and winter, we avoid washing the dogs unless absolutely necessary. Our top tip is to keep a small dog towel at the doorstep along with a pack of non-fragrant, sensitive skin baby wipes. Can't get any easier than that! We recommend routine teeth cleaning using a specially designed dog toothpaste and toothbrush—dental diseases are very common in dogs and can develop as early as 2 years of age in extreme cases. Hard, natural dog treats are a good aid for helping clean teeth without a brush, but they should never fully replace regular toothbrushing for optimal dental health. Yearly veterinary checks are essential. Whippets have delicate, paper-thin skin, making laceration wounds and stitch repairs quite common in this breed.