What makes the Whippet Unique?
These lovable dogs will race into the hearts of prospective owners by being a sweet-tempered, friendly breed that gets along well in urban areas.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 47 to 56 cm (19 to 22 inches) Females – 44 to 54 cm (18 to 21 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 11 – 21 kg (25 – 45 pounds) Females – 11 – 21 kg (25 – 45 pounds) |
| Origin: | England |
| Life Span: | 12-14 years |
| Colour: | Solid black, Blue, Brindle, Fawn, Red, Sable, Tan, or White; White with various color markings |
| Litter Size: | 1-10 pups per litter, with the average being 6.1 pups |
Is the Whippet Right For You?
Whippets are intelligent dogs with affectionate natures. They can be lively at times, but they are usually well-behaved and docile indoors as long as they receive appropriate amounts of exercise. Although they started off as a hunting breed and still occasionally serve that purpose, these dogs make great companions and travel buddies.
Whippets are devoted to their human families and they behave well around children as long as they are treated with respect. Members of this breed can be aloof around unfamiliar people but the dogs are nonetheless friendly and perform badly as guard dogs. Whippets are friendly towards other canines and those that are raised around cats will get along with the individuals in question. However, these dogs will chase and possibly kill most small animals that they encounter, including unfamiliar felines.
They do not like being cold and hate hard surfaces. If you cannot stand the thought of a dog on your furniture or in your bed, do not even think about getting a whippet.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Versatile
- Friendly
- Responsive
- Elegant
Characteristics
Learn About the Whippet
Description
General Description
Resembling nothing so much as smaller versions of the English Greyhound, Whippets are medium-sized dogs with slender, athletic bodies. These speedy sighthounds are capable of reaching up to 35 mph at a time on their long legs. The dog’s front legs are held straight and their paws are said to be cat or rabbit like in form. Whippets have lengthy skulls, arched necks, and tapered muzzles. They also have large, dark eyes that typically contain an alert, intelligent expression. Members of this breed additionally possess darkly colored noses that look black but may actually be brown or blue instead. These dogs should also have a scissors bite. Small, folded ears that perk up when the dog’s attention is captured are yet another breed feature. Long, tapered tails with a slight curve at the end can similarly be found on members of the breed. When a dog is on the move, its’ tail should not be carried higher than its’ back. Occasionally, Whippets will have their dewclaws removed.
Size
Although dogs of both genders typically weigh between 20 and 40 pounds (9 and 18 kilograms) the males are somewhat taller than the females. Male Whippets are usually 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 inches) in height with the females averaging about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) shorter overall.
Coat
Whippets have short coats with a smooth texture. According to the American Kennel Club, these dogs come in 18 different colorations including various combinations of fawn, black, white, blue, red, and cream. Brindles and solid color dogs are also permitted. Blue or black masks, white markings, or both are likewise standard for members of this breed.
Short History of the Whippet
Whippets may have a history that dates back to the dogs owned by the Egyptian Pharaohs but they are more certainly descendants, as least in part, of English Greyhounds. It is further thought that the breed contains some terrier and Italian Greyhound ancestry as well. During the Middle Ages, these dogs were used to catch vermin and small game once the onerous forest laws were repealed. Members of this breed also participated in contests to see which of them could catch the greatest amount of rabbits in the shortest time frame. Racing on a straight course similarly became a popular pastime for these dogs during the 1800s. Around the time of the Industrial Revolution, Whippets came in both smooth and rough coated varieties but only the former type exists to this day. The breed was eventually recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 and by the English Kennel Club in 1891.
Temperament
Whippets are intelligent dogs with affectionate natures. They can be lively at times, but they are usually well-behaved and docile indoors as long as they receive appropriate amounts of exercise. Although they started off as a hunting breed and still occasionally serve that purpose, these dogs make great companions and travel buddies.
Whippets are devoted to their human families and they behave well around children as long as they are treated with respect. Members of this breed can be aloof around unfamiliar people but the dogs are nonetheless friendly and perform badly as guard dogs. Whippets are friendly towards other canines and those that are raised around cats will get along with the individuals in question. However, these dogs will chase and possibly kill most small animals that they encounter, including unfamiliar felines.
Owners should likewise note that members of this breed are sensitive to cold temperatures. The dogs also dislike resting on hard surfaces. Therefore, those folks that mind their pets lying on their furniture should look for another breed. In fact, most whippets sleep with their human family members.
Caring for Your Whippet
General Health
Whippets are typically healthy dogs with a lifespan averaging about 13 years. Occasionally members of this breed may suffer from eye ailments, deafness, or arrhythmia. Owners should likewise note that some of these dogs may be sensitive to anesthesia. Naturally, puppies should be bought from a reputable dog breeder to avoid health problems. Whippet breeders should be able to show certificates for the Canine Eye Registry Foundation and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to prove that the dogs they have are generally in good health.
Care
Daily
Members of this breed need at least one briskly paced walk per day.
Weekly
These dogs are moderate shedders. Therefore, they should have their coats combed at least once a week using a brush with firm bristles. It is also important for owners to regularly clean their dog’s teeth clean using a canine toothbrush and vet-approved toothpaste that so that the animal in question maintains good oral health.
Monthly
Parasite prevention medications are a must for all dog breeds. Typically, these products are administered once a month for best results.
Grooming & Bathing
Whippets are not an odiferous breed and they will only need to be bathed when they get dirty.
Exercise & Training
These dogs are extremely sensitive and should be trained accordingly. Harsh instruction methods are definitely a bad idea when one is teaching members of this breed. Due to their high intelligence levels, Whippets also benefit from varied instruction that includes lots of games and playtime. Prospective owners should note that some Whippets can be difficult to housetrain. Many will refuse to go outside to use the bathroom in bad weather. However, a great many members of this breed excel at lure coursing, racing, and other dog sports such as competitive canine Frisbee.
These dogs naturally enjoy a good sprint and they appreciate having access to a safe, open area where they can run about freely, but Whippets that aren’t living in rural areas will also need a fenced yard to play in. They will pay no heed to electronic fencing devices and need an actual structure of at least five feet high to keep them from getting out. Due to their aforementioned tendency to chase and kill small animals that cross their paths, Whippets should be kept on their leash during their daily workouts to keep accidents from occurring.
Whippet Picture Gallery
