Whippet

Breed: Whippet | Size: Medium | Average lifespan: 12 to 15 years | Training: Easy, but requires sufficient recall training | Coat: Short | Origin: United Kingdom.

The Whippet is nicknamed the “poor man’s racehorse” and is an elegant, athletic, and incredibly gentle dog breed. These dogs are recognized for their graceful silhouette and their affectionate personality, and quickly became a popular companion for dog lovers around the world. While they were originally bred for hunting and sprinting, the Whippet is now loved both for its gentle and flexible nature and its agility.

The origins of the Whippet

The Whippet is also known as the “dwarf Greyhound” or “pocket Greyhound”. It is an elegant and fast breed, famous for its slender silhouette and gentle temperament. This dog, originally from England, has a fascinating history closely linked to its qualities as a hunter and companion.

The beginning of the Whippet

The Whippet originated in the 19th century in the industrial regions of northern England. Mine and mill workers, who were eager to own a fast dog that was smaller and more affordable than the large Greyhounds, crossed Greyhounds with Terriers and, possibly, Italian-type dogs.

This mix resulted in an agile, compact dog, perfectly suited to hunting rabbits and other small game. It was particularly prized for racing and snap dog competitions (fast hunting in enclosed areas).

Official recognition

Over the years, the Whippet has gained popularity thanks to its exceptional performance on the racetrack and its pleasant temperament. It was officially recognized as a separate breed by the British Kennel Club in 1891.

Traditional uses

• Hunting: Thanks to its remarkable speed, which can reach up to 60 km/h (≈ 37.28 mph), this dog breed was a valuable asset for catching game.
• Races: Workers organized Whippet races for entertainment, which greatly contributed to the breed’s reputation as the “poor man’s Greyhound.”
• Companion: In addition to its hunting skills, the Whippet was prized for its gentle and affectionate nature, which made it an excellent family dog.

Modern evolution

Today, the Whippet is appreciated all over the world, not only for their speed and elegance, but also for their calm and affectionate nature. They excel in various canine sports, such as coursing (simulated hunting) and agility, while remaining an ideal companion for family life as well.

The Whippet’s character

What are the Whippet’s qualities?

This dog is an exceptional companion thanks to its affectionate and calm nature. They get deeply attached to their owners and want hugs and special moments together. It’s the ideal dog for a family with children. They are very patient and tolerant dogs.

Their intelligence makes them a dog that is easy to train, and they are particularly receptive to gentle methods and positive rewards. In addition, they excel at canine sports, such as agility and coursing, where it can fully exploit its impressive speed and lightness.

Indoors, they are discreet and adapt well to life in an apartment, as long as they have moments to exercise. In addition, their short coat does not need a lot of care.

Are there any downsides to having a Whippet?

Despite their numerous qualities, the Whippet has a few traits to keep in mind. Their emotional sensitivity makes them vulnerable in noisy or stressful environments. They do not handle being alone long well, which can lead to destructive behavior if they get bored.

Their Greyhound nature drives them to instinctively chase anything that moves, such as small animals or bicycles. This requires extra vigilance when walking outdoors, especially when off-leash.

Whippets are also sensitive to extreme cold due to their short coat and low body fat. Extra protection is needed in winter to prevent them from catching cold. Lastly, their natural independence can make them seem distant at times. However, they remain deeply attached to their home and family.

The Whippet’s physical characteristics

This medium dog breed is elegant, athletic, and easily recognizable thanks to their unique traits and their morphology that is perfectly adapted to their speed.

General

The Whippet measures between 44 and 51 cm at the withers, weighing between 9 and 14 kg depending on the sex. It has a slender, muscular build with a slightly arched back, typical of Greyhounds.

Head

The Whippet’s head is long and slender, with a flat skull and well-defined lines. Its almond-shaped eyes, often dark in color, express its gentleness and intelligence. It is a friendly dog breed. When it comes to their ears, they are small and folded like roses, accentuate its attentive expression. Its jaw is slender and well-defined, giving it a noble appearance.

Body

The Whippet is built for speed. Its slightly arched back and deep chest allow for excellent breathing capacity. It has long, slender limbs combined with well-developed muscles. In addition, it has a thin, tapered tail that complements the natural elegance of its gait.

Coat, colors, and grooming

The Whippet is known for its short, silky coat that is easy to maintain.

Coat and colors

The Whippet’s coat is thin, smooth, and soft to the touch. It can be a great number of colors, which gives them a lot of diversity as a breed. The most common colors are white, black, fawn, brindle and blue. Some coats have patterns, such as spots or marbling.

The pigmentation of the nose generally varies depending on the coat color. It is often black, but it can also be blue-gray or brownish in dogs with lighter coats. The Whippet’s skin is thin. This skin accentuates its delicate appearance and highlights the shine of its coat.

Grooming

Grooming the Whippet is simple and quick. Their coat just needs to be brushed weekly to get rid of dead hair and maintain the coat’s shine. A glove or soft brush is ideal for preserving the quality of its coat.

It is recommended to keep an eye on the cleanliness of their ears, ears, and their teeth to prevent infections and dental issues. Also, due to their sensitivity to the cold, the Whippet may need a coat in winter to stay warm. An occasional bath is enough to keep its skin soft and healthy.

Health and average lifespan

While the Whippet is a robust breed, the breed requires careful monitoring throughout their life to ensure their well-being and longevity. With the appropriate care, they can lead a long and healthy life.

Common health issues

Whippets can be prone to certain health problems. Unfortunately, fractures are relatively common due to its thin bone structure. In additon, with age, some dogs may also develop heart or eye problems. It is therefore important to ensure regular veterinary check-ups to detect and prevent these conditions. Particular attention should also be paid to its diet to avoid overweight, which could affect its joints and mobility.

Average lifespan

With the appropriate care, a Whippet can live between 12 and 15 years. A balanced diet, exercising regularly, and paying attention to their general health are key factors to guarantee a long and happy life. Despite the breed’s delicate appearance, the Whippet is a resilient dog that can live an active and fulfilling life.