whippet are medium - sized bounder who closely resemble a smaller version of the Greyhound . However , they are a trenchant breed with unequaled qualities and characteristic . Owners in search of a playful family dog who will readily race after a ball at the park , then wave up on the lounge for a unruffled good afternoon , may find the Whippet to be a complete companion .
Breed History and Origin
mental image of dogs that resemble Whippets or Greyhounds in oil painting date back to the Middle Ages . However , the modern Whippet can be traced back to Great Britain in the 18thcentury . These dogs were originally engender to hunt and chase rabbits – known as coursing – which is how they developed their quick speed . This skill guide to the breed realize thenickname " snap - dog,“because they participate in contention that involved snapping up as many rabbit as possible within an area .
Whippets were cheaper to keep equate to large greyhound , so they were dubbed the " poor man ’s Greyhound . " Whippets made their agency to the United States in the 1800s , where they continued racing and made their mark as show dogs . TheAmerican Kennel Club ( AKC)recognized the breed in 1888 . Today , Whippets are triumphant in dog show and sporting event .
Characteristics of the Whippet
While whippet may expect like smallGreyhounds , they have some unparalleled physical characteristics and personality traits .
Appearance
Whippets are intermediate - sized detent , consider in between 25 and 40 pounds on average . Female dogs digest 18 to 21 column inch grandiloquent at the shoulder joint , whereas males are around 19 to 22 in in acme . Assighthounds , Whippets divvy up similar characteristics to other members of the grouping . They have a polished trunk structure with slender , foresightful leg , a drawn-out neck , deep chest , and an obvious tucked waist . Although they are slim , these dogs are n’t frail , and have a toned physique .
Whippets have a svelte head and prospicient schnoz . Their ear are defined as " blush wine - shaped , " which means they are tumid but the pinna flaps close to the sides . The stock holds their slender tail quite low . It ’s not strange for a Whippet to hold their tail between their branch – this is n’t always an indication that they are frightened , and may just imply that the tail is in a relaxed position .
The Whippet pelage is unretentive and smooth . It come in several color varieties , include dim , fawn , brindle , red , white , silver , blue , or combinations of colour , such as white and black , lily-white and risque , white and fawn , or livid and brindle . Various markings are also see , such as a black mask or white marking .
Temperament
Whippets are nimble and playful dogs with happy behavior . These dogs can reach top speeds outside , but within the base they run to be quiet and relaxed . When their exercise requirements are met , they are rather undemanding familiar . Although they may be slightly too large to attend as lap covering hound , they ’ll pronto lounge on the lounge with you for most of the twenty-four hours . Affectionate and fast , whippet make great additions to most menage .
whippet are known to be gentle with children and are a corking fit for a family modus vivendi . However , give their natural tendency to chase fair game , these dogs may be inclined to trail go objects , so they may not do well in a household with cats or small pets . They by and large get along well with other dogs if socialized properly .
Exercise Requirements
Whippets are acrobatic Canis familiaris who necessitate quite a turn of physical activity . They need at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise each 24-hour interval . programme to take your Whippet for everyday walks , runs , rise , off - trey frolic , or engage in dog sports to fulfill these needs . If you ’re hoping to enroll in dog sport with your Whippet , know that these frump surpass in many dissimilar areas . Their upper , athleticism , and word allow them to vie inlure coursing , race play include rally , agility , flyball , and disc dog , among others .
After this strain has adulterate their long legs and burned off extra energy , they ’ll fain drowse on the couch for the rest of the day . However , if they are n’t properly exercised , they can become destructive within the dwelling .
Training
Early socializingand grooming are crucial for every dog , and the Whippet is no different . This stock can be mischievous , which makes obedience training and the recall command so decisive . While they ’re independent and confident , whippet can also be raw , so positive support is recommend over abrasive tongue-lashing or penalization . These dog are very levelheaded and should learn cues quickly with ordered and patient training , though they may not be ideal for first - time dog owners .
Health Concerns
Whippets are a relatively healthy breed with minimum inherit diseases . Some of the most common conditions seen in members of the strain include :
Lifespan
The life expectancy of a Whippet is typically 12 to 15 years . However , the oldest known blackguard of this breed lived to be 21 .
Grooming
whippet have a very fluent and short coating , but they do shed mildly . Their sloughing occur throughout the twelvemonth rather than during a specific season . possessor should contrive to sweep their Whippet at least once each week to remove open whisker . This will also keep their peel stimulated and respectable . you could bath them once every three months or as necessitate if they become soiled . Do n’t forgetdaily toothbrushingand routine nail trimness .
Fun Facts About the Whippet
Where to Buy or Adopt a Whippet
Individuals or families ready to bring a Whippet into their home have several places to look for the perfect puppy . TheAmerican Whippet Cluboffers prospective owner a stock breeder directory . to be considered for the directory , breeders must be members of the tie , uphold their code of ethic , and pay a fee for their list . There are severalregional Whippet clubsaround the United States that may also serve with stock breeder referral .
TheAKC Marketplacealso tilt available Whippet puppies for leverage . find an honorable and responsible stock breeder is the key to obtaining a healthy puppy that will suffice as your fellow for many year to add up . A well - cover Whippet puppy will cost anywhere from $ 850 to $ 1,500 or more .
Alternatively , you may wish to adopt a Whippet in need of a home . Whippet Rescue and Placement ( WRAP)is the largest Whippet - specific organisation that work on to place homeless whippet . Sighthound rescues also live that may have usable Whippets as well as other members of the Hound Group . These includeFast Friends Greyhound Adoption , Greyhound Friends for Life , andSenior Sighthound Sanctuary .
Is the Whippet the Right Breed for You?
For the phratry or somebody that can dedicate the prison term for training and exercising the playful Whippet , this breed may be a complete fit . Prospective owners should complete research tofind a responsible for breeder . With a powerful , athletic consistence and resilient personality , the Whippet has a combination of many worthy traits .
