Whippet Breed Info

Energy ***
Trainng ***
Watchdog **
Grooming *

Whippet is originated from Great Britain
Size: max: 22 in (H) & 28 lbs (W)
Color: any color
Coat: short and smooth
Personality: friendly, intelligent, quiet, gentle
Care: fenced yard, protection from cold, leashed
Known health problem: eye problems
Group: hound dogs

Good with children? yes
Good with other pets? may tend to chase cat or small animals


Whippet dogs have roots from the Greyhound breed, which are genetically designed to race as fast as possible. People would place bets on the Whippet of their choice who would snap up as many rabbits as they possible could before escaping from the game circle.

Whippet dogs started to emerge when the Industrial Revolution started. Huge numbers of rural workers had moved their entire livelihoods to industrialized areas. Along with them came their Whippets that was a good source of entertainment.

Whippet dogs were just as excited to race towards other objects, particularly a waving flag. This was the dawn of flag racing, which became very popular amongst coal workers. Whippets were not only used for entertainment, but also to help the poor earn extra income.

Currently, Whippet racing is still somewhat popular, but it never took off quite as commercially as Greyhound racing did. As a result, it remains an amateur sport. In 1888 the AKC officially recognized the breed and through further mixing with the Italian Greyhound, many beautiful looking Whippets have been born and raised in many family households.

The Whippet is claimed by dog enthusiasts to be the most obedient of all of the sighthound dog group. They are extraordinarily gentle with kids and is on the overly-sensitive side, both mentally and physically. They do not fare well when treated harshly or yelled at. If you are looking for a quiet house dog that is a totally devoted and loyal companion, this dog will make the perfect pet. Whippets may or may not bark when strangers arrive, and are not suited to being guard dogs due to their trusting and unsuspicious nature.

Taking Care Of Your Whippet Dog

Whippet dogs love to run but can also do very well in a small-sized apartment, as long as daily walks are given. They absolutely dislike cold weather and they are not well adapted for living outside because their short coats which do not provide the insulation to withstand prolonged periods of exposure to the cold. Their natural attachment to people makes them happiest when kept as housepets. Grooming does not take much work, if any at all. The hair on their coat is extremely short and it rarely gets that musty "doggy smell" most dogs get. A healthy Whippet dog can have a lifespan of up to 16 years, with the average being 13 to 14 years.

Whippet Club

The American Whippet Club
www.AmericanWhippetClub.net

Whippet Dog Breeders >>