About that Wonderful Breed, the Whippet

Whippets are a elegant and powerful breed.  They may look frail, but they are far from it.  One of the few breeds that do NOT have hip dysplasia, or very many other diseases, they are healthier, gentler and easier to live with than most. They've been called the "poor man's Greyhound, because of their smaller size. The Whippet was probably created some time in the late 18th century for use by poachers in search of rabbits and other small game, as well as in "snap" contests, in which the goal was for the dog to snap up rabbits in a circle. They really took off however, when it was discovered that they would chase a waving flag, and Whippet racing became popular among working class men. Many were said to be fed better than the miners’ own families. The whippet is 18″ to 22″ at the shoulder, and generally weighs between 25-35 pounds. The coat is short and close, requiring little grooming, but whippets do shed as much as any other dog. Greyhounds are much taller and weigh 60-70 pounds; and the Italian greyhound, a toy breed that also looks much like a whippet, is only 13-15 inches tall at the shoulder.

This medium-size hound has a short, dense coat in a variety of colors and markings covering a streamlined body. They are built for racing!  The Whippet is not a miniature Greyhound but was developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terriers and, later, Italian Greyhounds. The result was a sleek and beautiful dog who is gentle and affectionate.

Whippets are often called the perfect dog.  They are keen competitors in agility, flyball, and lure coursing. Although they have an  independent temperament, many Whippets compete successfully in obedience trials.  It's all about motivation.

 Whippets almost always get along with other dogs and people, although early socialization — exposure to different people, sights, sounds, and situations — is necessary for any dog.  If not socialized well, a Whippet could become fearful of new situations. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase anything that moves (which includes cats). While some Whippets can live peacefully with cats and other small furry pets, there have been cases of Whippets killing family cats.  That same prey drive that makes Whippets unsuitable to homes with cats makes them unsuitable to walks off leash.  If they see something to chase, even a well-trained Whippet will ignore commands to come and take off in pursuit - sometimes for miles. 

It is important that a Whippet gets daily walks, and an opportunity to run in a fenced yard or other confined area. No, an underground fence just won't work. And, ALWAYS walk on leash since they can be gone in a nanosecond if they see something interesting to chase.

At home, they're gentle and undemanding, asking only to enjoy your company and snuggle. They love children and are playful and mischievous. Their thin coats and affectionate nature make them unsuited to living outdoors. Their best claim to fame in the home is they make GREAT bed warmers!

Whippets are suitable for apartment living if you have access to a safely fenced area where they can run such as a nearby playground or dog park. Whippets have low energy levels indoors, but can become overactive and destructive if their exercise needs are not met. An improperly socialized Whippet may become timid and stressed by changes in their environment. A properly socialized Whippet is a polite and undemanding dog who's wonderful with strangers and other dogs alike - they are the kind of dog you can take everywhere - even to friend's homes and no one will mind.

Whippets are terrible watch dogs, not only are they quiet and don't bark much - but they are friendly to everyone, even people they don't like.

Whippets are easy keepers when it comes to grooming....you really don't have to do much of anything.  Their shedding is minimal, and being petted with a hound glove is all the grooming they need.  A quality food is important to keep the coat shiny and dandruff free. However, a Whippet's thin skin is vulnerable to scrapes, tears, and nicks so be careful where you let them run.

Like any dog, without daily exercise, a Whippet can become destructive. Whippets can suffer from separation anxiety and can become destructive when they do. They need a reasonable amount of attention and he needs to be able to follow you from room to room or just snuggle at your feet, or on the couch with you. When their exercise needs are met, Whippets are generally quiet and calm dogs. They are NOT outdoor dogs and should live in the house with their people as they don't have the coat or fat layer to tolerate even moderately cold temperatures.

 Whippets do very well in multi-dog households and get along with other breeds - even breeds that are not particularly other dog friendly.  I attribute this to their submissive, gentle, easygoing nature - they are not a threat.  Unless you are a cat, then there may be a problem. There have been some Whippets who live happily with cats and other small furry pets, but these dogs were socialized to the animal at a very young age. 

Whippets are great companions for kids. Nonetheless, it's important to teach your child how to properly interact with dogs and to never leave a young child alone with any breed of dog. The Whippet will love to play chase games with your child, but is still small enough not to knock over the child if things get a little too rambunctious.

Whippets get cold easily and it's common for many to have an entire wardrobe.  This probably isn't a necessity, but your Whippet will love playing dressup with your child (or you) and well happily wear all kinds of silly outfits. If you love to be outdoors in the winter, a Whippet will need a fairly extensive coat collection.  If you live in a warmer climate, just a wide collar may be all he needs, though he'll enjoy dress up too. Many Whippets are Divas....even the boys.  And will appreciate when you lavish attention on them with lots of toys and clothes and soft beds.

 So, now you know....

• Whippets have two speeds. 35 miles per hour or asleep on the couch. 
• Owners of this breed are used to being covered in short, hard hairs but nobody notices because they always wear their Whippet's colors anyway.
  
• Don't let them off  leash, unless you don't care if they run. If they see anything  move they're gone!
• You will hear this often: "Is that a miniture greyhound?" and "Isn't he too skinny?"
• Once you have one, you're hooked for life.
• Nobody knows what a whippet is...they've been called everything from tiny great danes to kangaroos and deer.
• Whippet's tail is a lethal weapon in a happy dog.
• Whippets are often the choice of owners as a second dog because they're easy keepers and will keep the first exercised.  
• Whippets can excel in conformation, lure coursing, agility, rally, obedience, nosework, barn hunt, frisbee, tracking, dock diving, therapy work, and just about any activity they can share with their people.
• Whippets are excellent jumpers, which makes them great at jumping on the kitchen counter, dining room table, or the top of the refrigerator.
• Whippets are Divas. Buy a soft bed for these or they'll be climbing under the covers with you.
• If you're looking for a guard dog this isn't the dog for you.   They are too sweet to chase anything away.
• Whippets get along fabulously in groups, so why not have more?
• They are colorful. Shades of red, fawn, blue, blue fawn, and black.