About Whippet

The Whippet, often mistaken for a smaller Greyhound, is a graceful and athletic breed with a fascinating history and a loving heart. Known for their incredible speed and gentle nature, Whippets make wonderful companions for the right owner. Learn more about this elegant sighthound and discover if a Whippet is the perfect addition to your family.

History and Origin

The Whippet's history is deeply rooted in England's working class. Developed in the 19th century, they were nicknamed "the poor man's racehorse," bred down from larger Greyhounds to provide sport and hunting for those who couldn't afford the larger breeds. They excelled at "rag racing," where they would chase a waved rag, showcasing their remarkable speed and agility. The Whippet's ancestry also includes terriers, contributing to their tenacity and hunting instincts. This combination of speed, agility, and a keen prey drive made them valuable members of working-class families. They were officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1890, solidifying their place as a distinct breed.

Physical Characteristics

Whippets are medium-sized dogs, typically standing between 18 to 22 inches tall and weighing between 25 and 40 pounds. They possess a distinctive arched back, deep chest, and lean, muscular build, perfectly designed for sprinting. Their coat is short and smooth, coming in a wide array of colors and patterns, making each Whippet visually unique. While the breed standard dictates a smooth, short coat, it is important to note that some Whippets can have a slightly longer, curlier coat due to genetic variations. Their elegant, streamlined silhouette is a testament to their purpose-bred athleticism.

Temperament and Personality

Whippets are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are generally quiet indoors, enjoying lounging and cuddling with their families. Despite their high energy level outdoors (5/5), they are surprisingly adaptable to apartment living if given sufficient exercise. While they can be good with children (2/5), early socialization is crucial, and interactions should always be supervised, as their prey drive might be triggered by sudden movements. They are moderately good with other dogs (3/5), but small animals should be approached with caution. Whippets are sensitive and thrive on positive reinforcement.

Training and Exercise Needs

Whippets are intelligent but can be somewhat independent, making training moderately challenging (3/5). Consistency and positive reinforcement methods are key to success. Short, engaging training sessions are more effective than long, repetitive ones. Housebreaking can sometimes be a challenge, requiring patience and a consistent routine.

Their high energy level demands regular exercise. Daily walks are essential, but they also require opportunities to run at full speed in a safe, enclosed area. They excel at activities like lure coursing, agility, and flyball, providing both physical and mental stimulation. Without adequate exercise, Whippets can become bored and destructive.

Health and Care

The average lifespan of a Whippet is 10-12 years. They are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions, including mitral valve disease, hypothyroidism, and eye disorders. Regular veterinary checkups are essential for early detection and management of any potential health issues.

Grooming needs are relatively minimal (2/5). Their short coat requires occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Shedding is high (5/5), so be prepared for some hair around the house. They rarely drool (1/5). Regular nail trimming and dental hygiene are also important aspects of their care.

Is This Breed Right for You?

Whippets are wonderful companions for active individuals or families who can provide them with the exercise and attention they need. They are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming but require a commitment to training and socialization. If you are looking for a loving, loyal, and athletic dog who enjoys both sprinting and snuggling, the Whippet might be the perfect breed for you. Consider your lifestyle and ability to meet their specific needs before bringing a Whippet into your home. Remember that their strong prey drive requires vigilance when around small animals.

Temperament

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Upload a Photo

You must be logged in to upload photos.

Compare Breeds

Compare this breed with another to find the perfect match for you.

Select another breed Select a breed AffenpinscherAfghan HoundAfrican DogAiredale TerrierAkita InuAmerican TerrierAppenzellerAustralian CattledogAustralian KelpieAustralian ShepherdAustralian TerrierBasenjiBasset HoundBeagleBedlington TerrierBernese MountainBichon FriseBlenheim SpanielBlood HoundBluetick CoonhoundBorder CollieBorder TerrierBorzoiBoston BulldogBouvier des FlandresBoxerBrabanconBriardBrittany SpanielBull MastiffCairn TerrierCardigan CorgiCaucasian OvcharkaCavapooChesapeake RetrieverChihuahuaChowClumberCockapooCocker SpanielCoonhoundCotondetulearCurly RetrieverCzechoslovakian WolfdogDachshundDalmatianDandie TerrierDholeDingoDobermanEnglish BulldogEnglish HoundEnglish MastiffEnglish SetterEnglish SheepdogEnglish SpringerEntlebucherEskimoFlatcoated RetrieverFox TerrierFrench BulldogGerman PointerGermanlonghair PointerGermanshepherdGiant SchnauzerGolden RetrieverGordon SetterGreat DaneGroenendaelHavaneseHuskyIbizan HoundIndian BakharwalIndian ChippiparaiIndian GaddiIndian GreyhoundIndian MastiffIndian MudholIndian PariahIndian RajapalayamIndian SheepdogIndian SpitzIrish SetterIrish SpanielIrish TerrierIrish WolfhoundItalian GreyhoundItalian SegugioJapanese SpanielJapanese SpitzKeeshondKelpieKerryblue TerrierKombaiKomondorKuvaszLabradoodleLabradorLakeland TerrierLapphund FinnishLeonbergLhasaMalamuteMalinoisMalteseMedium PoodleMexicanhairlessMiniature PinscherMiniature PoodleMiniature SchnauzerMixNewfoundlandNorfolk TerrierNorwegian BuhundNorwegian ElkhoundNorwich TerrierOtterhoundPapillonPatterdale TerrierPekinesePembrokePitbullPlott HoundPomeranianPugPugglePyreneesRedboneRhodesian RidgebackRottweilerRussell TerrierSalukiSamoyedSchipperkeScottish DeerhoundScottish TerrierSealyham TerrierSharpeiShetland SheepdogShiba InuShihtzuSilky TerrierSpanish WaterdogStaffordshire BullterrierStandard PoodleStbernardSussex SpanielSwedish DanishSwiss MountainTervurenTibetan MastiffTibetan TerrierToy PoodleToy TerrierVizslaWalker HoundWeimaranerWelsh SpanielWelsh TerrierWesthighland TerrierWheaten TerrierYorkshire Terrier

Compare