Whippet | The Swift & Graceful Companion Dog Breed
The Whippet is a medium-sized, elegant dog that is very fast and moves beautifully. Commonly known as the ‘poor man’s racehorse’, Whippets were bred for hunting and racing. Despite their athletic abilities, they are gentle and affectionate and make excellent pets for all the family and individuals alike. Because they’re so calm and low maintenance in terms of grooming needs, they make a great choice for someone who is looking for a loyal, good run companion. Read on to find out how the Whippet came to be, what traits they possess, and how to care for the Whippet in our in-depth article.
History of the Whippet
The Whippet is a dog that has its history in the 19th century in England where it was bred by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terrier breeds. The result of this breeding was a dog with the speed and agility of the Greyhound but in a smaller more manageable size. Whippets were created for hunting small game, which is rabbits and hares, and that all dogs were created with their incredible speed and precision.
The Whippet became popular in racing, their speed and competitive spirit were on display over time. In fact, Whippets were raced against other Whippets in straight sprints and their ability to chase and catch prey was naturally developed. Nowadays, Whippets are not only famous for their speed but also admired for their gentle and affectionate temperament as a pet.
Classification of the Whippet
History: Whippets were bred for hunting and racing and they did both very well because of their speed and agility. Although they are not currently used as much for hunting, Whippets still compete in dog racing and other competitive events. They are also good pets because they are affectionate and they are adaptable to living situations.
Size: The Whippet is a medium sized dog, males standing 18 to 22 inches, females 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder. They range from 25 to 40 pounds in weight. Compared with other dog breeds, Whippet has a streamlined slim body which enables them to reach speeds of upto 35mph – that makes them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
Most Popular Whippet Traits
Whippets are known to be beautiful, speedy, and calm.
Whippets have a slender, athletic body, and a short, smooth coat that lies flat against the body, with appearance making it look as if it does not have a coat. There is a wide variety of colors and patterns in their coats, ranging from solid, brindle, and multi-colored. Their graceful appearance is completed with a narrow head, large dark eyes and long muscular legs. Whippets are elegant and refined with their movement and are known to ‘dance’ in their speed.
Speed: Whippets are well known for their speed, but surprisingly they are calm creatures inside. They like short bursts of intense exercise like play fetch or running in a safe area, but they are content to relax for the rest of the day. If you are seeking active dog but do not like excessive, aggressive behavior, whippets are just what you want.
Whippets are very gentle and friendly in temperament. They are affectionate toward their families, sometimes seeking attention and cuddles, but they are not excessively demanding. Typically good with children, other pets and, depending on their prey drive, less tolerant of rabbits or hamsters. Whippets are intelligent, calm, and easy to train, and would make great dogs for first time dog owner or the seasoned one.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Whippet
Before your decide to bring a Whippet into your home make sure you consider these a few factors.
Exercise: Whippets are not high energy dogs but they do need regular exercise, and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Running, playing fetch, or other activities that let them stretch their legs are all activities they enjoy. But aside from being content to relax and curl up on a couch after a good run, they are also happy to indulge. However, daily walks and sometimes a little time in a secure yard or dog park are usually adequate to provide their exercise needs.
One of the Whippet’s pluses is their low maintenance grooming needs. A short coat is all they need with only occasional brushing to remove loose hairs. Whippets are not a smelly dog but do require bathing when they get dirty and are generally clean dogs. Because of their thin coats, they are prone to cold weather and should have a warm place to rest during the colder months.
Whippets are relatively easy to train due to them being very intelligent and eager to please. Positive reinforcement techniques work well with them, such as treats or praise, as well as mental stimulation, for example, learn new tricks. Being such sensitive dogs, when training, it is best to train them gently and consistently. This is so that they become well adjusted as well as comfortable around other animals and people.
Whippets are generally a healthy breed, but like any breed, they carry with them certain genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, cataracts and heart problems. It is important for them to have vet check ups and a healthy diet as regular. As the whippet is a sensitive dog he is also sensitive to extreme temperatures, particularly cold weather. When it is cold outside, they should always have a warm and comfortable place to rest.
Tips for Responsible Whippet Ownership
Have enough exercise: Whippets need to actively exercise every day. They should be taken out for daily walks or left in an enclosed area safe to run and play.
Whippets are thin coated, so they can get cold easily. In addition, at colder months, bring the dog coat or sweater to cover them up when they go outside.
Whippets do not need a lot of exercise, but they do like mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, training sessions as well as interactive play can keep their minds sharp.
Health issues like hip and patella dysplasia: Hip and patella dysplasia are two health issues that are commonly found in Whippets. Take the steps to remain proactive with scheduling annual exams and vaccinations.
Fun Facts About Whippets
Whippets are one of the fastest dog breeds that can sprint at a speed of up to 35 miles per hour.
Originally bred for hunting and racing, this breed is also a good companion due to their calm and friendly nature.
Even though Whippets are known to be couch potatoes when inside, they are also known to be fast, and Whippets can run for hours after a good run.
Since whippets have a strong prey drive, they may not be the best pet for rabbits or guinea pigs.
For Sale: Where to Find Whippet
If you are considering adoption of a Whippet, however, you should choose a reputable breeder that puts a strong emphasis on health and temperament. Always ask about the puppy’s health history and get any health clearances that may be a factor in the development of diseases such as hip dysplasia or heart disease. Or, you may opt to adopt from a rescue organization that is a Whippet specialty group.
FAQs about Whippet
Conclusion
Fast, elegant and affectionate, the Whippet is a dog breed that is both athletic and companionable. The Whippet is an excellent choice for either a dog that can keep up with you on runs or a calm, friendly pet to relax with at home. Whippets are low grooming, have a gentle temperament, and graceful nature, and are the perfect pet for active individuals and families alike. If you are prepared to offer them the exercise and mental stimulation they need, a Whippet will bring you nothing but joy.