Is the Whippet dog right for you?
- 1Whippet dogs are slim and graceful-looking.
- 2They are natural athletes and some of the fastest land animals of their size.
- 3Needless to say, Whippets need plenty of exercise but will be comfortable in a home after those needs are met.
HISTORY
At the end of the 19th century, the Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, and other terrier type dogs were cross bred in an attempt to create a better racing dog. The Whippet is what they ended up with. Once known as the poor man's racehorse, the Whippet was a popular racing dog, and was also used for hunting and as a watchdog. This breed was recognized by the AKC in 1888.
Quick Facts
Size
Medium
Lifespan
Around 12-15 years although some have lived longer
Hair Length
Short
Male Height
19-22 inches (47-56 cm)
Male Weight
25-45 pounds (11-21 kg)
Female Height
18-21 inches (44-54)
Female Weight
25-45 pounds (11-21 kg)
Litter Size
4 to 8 puppies
Personality
The Whippet is a smart, active, affectionate, and loyal breed. They are calm dogs that should be trained with a gentle touch, and never a harsh tone, as they are especially sensitive and may develop a complex. They are good with kids, assuming there is no rough play and the kids do not tease the dog, as, again, this breed is very sensitive. Being sighthounds, they have a reputation of chasing down and killing rabbits, cats, and other small animals, so part of their training should include socialization with cats if they are to live in a home with them. .
Color
Whippets come in different colors and patterns including solid black, white with red, fawn, blue, brindle (an appearance like tiger-striping), and cream. It is not unusual for one litter to have a mixture of spots, patches, stripes, or blazes with no two pups looking the same. The Whippet comes in almost every color imaginable for a dog.
Health Concerns
A very healthy dog breed, the Whippet can be expected to live for about 12-15 years. However, these dogs are susceptible to:
- stomach upset
- Skin problems
Appearance
The Whippet looks a lot like a Greyhound that has been shrunk down to about two-thirds size. They have the trademark sighthound pointy face and slender frame. They have strong, yet thin, legs that can propel this breed at speeds up to 37 mph. Their eyes are large and dark, and their ears are tiny folds that sit right on top of their head. They are about 20 inches tall and weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 24 pounds.