Whippet
Some Advantages
- Friendly and loving
- Intelligent and good-natured
- Hardy and seldom ill
- Barks very little
- Good with older kids and other dogs
- Sheds little
Some Challenges
- A born hunter, this dog should not be trusted with cats or other small animals
- Too friendly and docile to be a guard dog
- Can be a slow learner – patient training is required
- Requires warmth – not an outdoor dog!
- Should never be walked off-leash, as this dog is a speed-racer
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Whippet
Physical Characteristics
Size
Slender, medium-sized dog
Weight
18-28 lbs.
Coat
Smooth, short coat
Colors
Many colors and combinations, including black, fawn, white, blue, brindle, black & white and blue & white
Life Expectancy
12-15 years
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Whippet
Personality
Similar in appearance to a small Greyhound - and closely related in ancestry - the Whippet is a lean and muscular dog equally well suited to hunting or racing. Belonging to the sight hound (or gaze hound) group, the Whippet is one of the few dogs that chases its prey by direct sight rather than by scent. In work or play this devoted companion does its best to please, and makes a wonderful pet; today this graceful houndis the 62nd most popular breed registered with the AKC in the United States.
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Whippet
History and General Information
History and Origin
Faster than the Greyhound, the Whippet was developed in late 19th century
Englandas the ultimate dog racing competitor. A superlative sprinter, this dog can reach speeds of up to 37 mph in a matter of seconds. Nicknamed “the poor man’s racehorse”, thisbreed was embraced by the miners of
Northern England, both for its formidable racing skills as well as its rabbit hunting abilities. Although still used today as a fiercely focused hunting and racing dog, the gentle and affectionate Whippet’s main role is as a beloved companion.
General Information
The devoted and loving Whippet is intelligent, sweet, and calm when at home, yet highly competitive when racing or hunting. As it was bred to do, it will pursue and kill cats and other small animals if given the opportunity, so a fenced yard is essential to avoid neighborhood tragedy. Your pet Whippet needs regular opportunities to run free on open ground (in a safe enclosed area) along with daily walks on a leash. This breed requires gentle, patient and persistent training – harsh methods should never be used, as this dog is extremely sensitive both physically and mentally. Good with gentle older kids, this dog should never be roughhoused. Trusting, friendly, quiet and unsuspicious, the Whippet makes a terrible guard dog, but a wonderful family pet.
Sensitive to the cold, your Whippet will enjoy a snuggle by the fireplace when indoors, and a warm sweater outdoors. Although the Whippet's smooth, short-haired coat is not a good insulator against the elements, the good news is it’s very easy to groom. A regular rub all over with a damp chamois will keep the coat gleaming.
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Whippet
Health
Health Ailments
Despite its delicate look, the Whippet is overall a very hardy breed. Known only for stomach upset, skin problems and occasional genetic eye disorders, the Whippet is otherwise free of typical breed afflictions such as hip dysplasia. However, vet visits can be more frequent than you’d like, as the Whippet is susceptible to skin and bone injuries sustained while racing around.
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Whippet
Community
Your Whippet
Send us pictures and stories about your pet.
Whippet Discussion Groups
Get tips from other Whippet lovers – and submit a few ideas of your own.
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