Whippet Dog Breed Characteristics
Height
45 to 55 cm at the shoulder
Weight
10 to 20 kilograms
Life Expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Black, white, brindle, fawn, blue, red
Whippet
Sweet, quiet and gentle
About the Whippet Dog Breed
Once known as the Miniature Greyhound, the Whippet breed is a different dog altogether, but one that shares a similar name and appearance. This type of dog is known for its incredible loyalty and the velcro dogs’ nickname. They are sweet and calm, but only when inside the house. When they get outside, the energy and joy they have for life are incredible to see. Overall, these dogs make great companions and are incredibly talented in the field of dog sports. This type of dog is uniquely suited to being an ideal family pet.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Whippet, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly with Kids
Rated 5 out of 5
Friendly with Dogs
Rated 4 out of 5
Ease of Grooming
Rated 5 out of 5
Exercise Needs
Rated 4 out of 5
Prey Drive
Rated 5 out of 5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Rated 1 out of 5
Good for Novice Owners
Rated 3 out of 5
Apartment Living
Rated 5 out of 5
Whippet Breed History
The Whippet has a fascinating history that is largely unique to the breed. The Whippet is a dog that is traditionally from England, and it is likely a combination of Greyhound and terrier breeds. As such, the breed was sometimes referred to as the Poor Man’s Greyhound. Their role and purpose in their traditional settings was as a ratter, hunter of rabbits, and catcher of small game. However, the specific origins of the breed are largely a mystery.
The first mention of the whippet as a breed in 1610 described them as a combination of Greyhound and Spaniel breeds, for instance. As many individuals transitioned to city life during the industrial revolution, however, whippets became more popular due to their size, nature, and ease of care. They are also gentle with children, which made them even more popular for families who moved into the cities and began to adopt pets. Thus, whippets originated as hunters and ratters, but transitioned to pets over time – a role that most continue to fulfil today.
Caring For a Whippet Puppy
- Temperament: Whippets have a zest for life, traits inherited from their racing background. They can be both playful and calm. They are very affectionate with their families but may be a bit cool to those they don’t know. They are social animals that will do well in the right home environment.
- Grooming: Grooming Whippets requires minimal effort. Weekly brushing suffices to maintain their sleek coats. Nail trimming should be routine, as well as ear checks and cleaning. Baths should remain occasional to avoid stripping natural oils. Regular teeth brushing ensures oral health, rounding out their basic grooming regimen.
- Exercise: Beyond their deep-seated instinct, Whippets also require regular exercise to satisfy that need for speed. Like any dog, Whippets need regular walks and jogs, or a game of fetch to help their agile bodies get some good exercise.
- Nutrition: Owners should feed their Whippet one to two cups of dry food a day. This amount should be split between meals for the adults and smaller portions for the puppies throughout the day. Whippets thrive on this food, but an owner should seek out the advice of a vet to nourish their pet properly.
- Training: Whippets are intelligent dogs that are relatively easy to train, whether for agility, retrieving or more basic obedience. Whippets respond well to positive reinforcement methods, and the key to successful training is clear communication that helps the dog to understand the behaviours that you want it to perform.
How to Choose a Responsible Whippet Dog Breeder
A good Whippet breeder should have extensive knowledge of their breeding lines and there should be no problem for them to show you their facilities.
It is always important to meet the parents of the puppies to get a feel for what your puppy will be like when it is older.
Most importantly, the breeder should care about the well-being of their dogs more than the profit they make from selling the puppies. Responsible breeders will provide all sorts of information and will adhere to best practices in raising and selling puppies to ensure high-quality and well-socialized additions to Whippet owner’s families.
Whippet FAQ
Can Whippets be left alone throughout the day?
No, they do not enjoy being left alone to their own devices. They may become moody and depressed if they do not get enough attention throughout the day.
Do Whippets make good guard dogs?
No, they are not good guard dogs, as they are too quiet to raise an alarm if they encounter intruders, and will not defend their property.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Whippet
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
