Whippet

Quick Facts:
Group Classification: Hound
Country of Origin: England
Date of Origin: 18th Century
Weight M:25-45 pounds (11-20 kg)
Height M: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm)
Weight F: 25-45 pounds (11-20 kg)
Height F: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Life Expectancy 13-15 years

History

The Whippet derives its name from 'whip it' meaning move quickly because of its agility and speed. This breed was created towards the end of the 18th century through crossing the Greyhound with the Italian Greyhound and the Terrier. Whippets are outstanding track racers and this made them to be widely used for gambling by the lower classes in England. The Whippet is still used for both hunting and guarding.

Description

The Whippet closely resembles a small greyhound and is slender, well-balanced, graceful and strong. The whippet's short, dense and smooth coat can be found in a variety of colors, spots and markings. These colors include black, brindle, fawn, tigered white, slate blue or red. The coat can either have a solid or a mixture of colors. The dog's muzzle is slender and long giving it an overall impression of sleek elegance. One outstanding feature of the Whippet is its delicate lean, thin body shape together with its wedge shaped head. Its eyes are dark colored and often varies with the color of the coat. The dog's upper jaw teeth fit nicely onto those of the lower jaw forming a scissor bite. The Whippet has small rose shaped ears that folds elegantly along its neck. It also has a broad and long back and a deep chest. Its well-defined hindquarters are powerful with muscular and broad thighs while its tail is long and pointed.

Temperament

Whippets are quiet, gentle and docile and will be content with lying around the home with the family. They are very lively, intelligent, affectionate, and highly loyal to their masters and due to their temperament, they make good companions in the home. Due to their sensitivity mentally and physically, the dogs should not be taken through rough training. They get bored easily with routine training, so ensure to introduce a variety of training techniques. Whippets get along easily with children so long as they are not teased or treated in a rough manner. Whippets also make excellent watchdogs since they are reserved towards strangers. This breed is unsurpassed in terms of speed and its ability to accelerate to very high speeds.

Health and Care

Like the majority of the hounds, this breed is not susceptible to hereditary diseases though some may suffer from skin conditions, eye infections and stomach upsets. The dogs perform exceptionally well in warm weather and are very sensitive to cold conditions. They are also clean and easy to take care of and this makes them adapt very well to living in apartments, though they need to be taken through regular exercises. The Whippet dogs should be given opportunity to freely run on open ground and be taken out for long walks. They are likely to go after small animals thus they should be kept in fenced yards.

Grooming

The dog's coat is smooth and sort haired making it easy to clean. This can be done by brushing the coat using a soft bristle. Washing should only be done only when necessary.

Pets4You offers listings of Whippet breeders with puppies for sale.