Whippet: the myostatin mutation and what it means for feeding
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
A particularly muscular Whippet isn't just a well-trained athlete: part of the breed carries a precisely identified genetic mutation that directly changes muscle mass, with real consequences for feeding needs. Find all our feeding guidance in the dog food section.
Contents · 4 sections
What the landmark study shows
A study by Mosher, Quignon, Bustamante, Sutter, Mellersh, Parker and Ostrander, published in 2007 in PLoS Genetics, identified a mutation in the myostatin gene, a negative regulator of muscle mass, in racing Whippets. Dogs carrying a single copy of the mutation showed increased muscle mass and raced significantly faster than non-carriers in the events studied. The rare individuals carrying two copies develop the so-called "bully whippet" phenotype, markedly over-muscled, independent of training or diet.
What this means at mealtime
- A properly adjusted protein intake, since greater muscle mass means higher quality-protein needs than a standard-build Whippet.
- A calorie ration matched to actual activity, since a highly muscled, athletic dog needs more energy than a sedentary dog of the same weight.
- Closer attention for heavily muscled dogs, whose metabolism and nutritional needs are worth discussing individually with a vet rather than following a standard ration.
Adjusting care to the dog's build
A Whippet that trains or races hard often benefits from a ration adjusted regularly through the sporting season. Since the breed carries little protective body fat, the dog bedding and habitat section helps you pick a well-insulated bed to pair with an adjusted ration in cold weather. Find the full breed profile on the Whippet page and browse all our guides on the dog hub.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Whippets carry this mutation?
No, only part of the breed carries it, with one or two copies of the gene; a genetic test can determine this precisely.
Does a heavily muscled Whippet automatically need to eat more?
Generally yes, since greater muscle mass and a sustained activity level both call for higher calorie and protein needs.
Does this mutation cause a health problem?
The two-copy phenotype ("bully whippet") deserves close veterinary follow-up, but single-copy carriers show no identified health issue.
In our shop, for this use: Spiral slow-feeder dog bowl, 23 cm (€22.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.