Whippet Dog Breed Characteristics
Height
45 to 55 cm at the shoulder
Weight
25 to 40 pounds
Life Expectancy
12 to 15 years
Coat Colours
Black, white, brindle, fawn, blue, red
Whippet
Sweet, quiet and gentle
About the Whippet Dog Breed
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound breed that is similar in appearance to a small Greyhound. They are also known to be very loyal and devoted to their owners. Whippets make excellent house pets and are often described as being “velcro dogs” because they love to be close to their humans.
Whippets are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, as well as their athleticism and speed. They make great family pets and are also often used in dog sports such as racing, agility, and lure coursing.
They’re sweet at home and very relaxed when indoors. When outdoors, they can be very active and playful, so they need plenty of space to run and play.
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
5/5
Friendly with Kids
5/5
Friendly with Dogs
4/5
Ease of Grooming
5/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
Prey Drive
5/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
1/5
Good for Novice Owners
3/5
Apartment Living
5/5
Whippet Breed History
Whippets were originally bred in England. It is believed that they are a cross between the Greyhound and the terrier, and were once known as the “Poor Man’s Greyhound”. They were frequently used to catch rats, rabbits and other small game.
The exact makeup of the breed’s ancestry is somewhat unclear, though they are certainly derived from Greyhounds. Further complicating the issue is the fact that the first mention of the Whippet as a dog breed in 1610 is in reference to a cross between a Greyhound and a Spaniel.
During the Industrial Revolution, many English families moved to cities where space was limited and hunting was no longer practical. Whippets became popular pets because they were small, quiet, and relatively easy to care for. They also had a reputation for being good with children.
Today, Whippets are still used for hunting in some parts of the world, but they are more commonly kept as pets.
Caring For a Whippet Puppy
- Temperament: They were originally bred as racing dogs and still retain many of the qualities that make them good athletes. They are lively and playful, but can also be calm and gentle. They are friendly and affectionate with their families, but can sometimes be aloof with strangers.
- Grooming: Their grooming needs are pretty basic. They need to be brushed frequently, at least once a week, and their nails should be trimmed regularly. They also need to be bathed as needed, but not too often, as this can dry out their skin. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, and teeth should be brushed often.
- Exercise: Whippets are a type of sighthound, which means they were bred to chase prey by sight. This natural instinct to run is still present in today's Whippets, and they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk or run is a must for these dogs, and they will also enjoy playing fetch or other active games.
- Nutrition: Adult Whippets will need around one to two cups of dry dog food each day, split into two meals. Whippet puppies will need around one cup split into three or four meals. Consult with your veterinarian to determine your Whippet’s exact dietary needs.
- Training: They are very intelligent dogs and can learn a variety of tricks and behaviours. Some common behaviours that are taught to Whippets include agility training, fetching and obedience competition. Training them requires patience and consistency.
How to Choose a Responsible Whippet Dog Breeder
It’s crucial that your Whippet breeder is responsible and knowledgeable about their breeding animals. They should have records of the ancestry of their dogs and should be able to advise you about any potential health problems of your puppy.
When buying a Whippet puppy, spend some time looking for breeders who will let you pay a visit to their premises. This should give you a chance to meet the parents of the puppy you’re looking to buy, and give you a better idea of the temperament of the puppy.
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.
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