Information about the Whippet Dog Breed

The whippet breed was developed nearing the end of the nineteenth century by crossing the Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound, and the Terrier. Whippets originated in Northern England with the original purpose of hunting, as well as racing. After all, the name "whippet" was derived from the saying "whip it", meaning to move quickly.

Because whippets were mainly owned by working class families when they first originated, they became known as the "poor man's greyhound" or the "poor man's racehorse". Nevertheless, owners raced their beloved companions in what became known as "rag races", due to a piece of cloth that was used as a lure, whenever they got a chance. The races would take place in fields or on roads, and go on, typically in a straight line, for about 200 yards.

The whippet is a medium-sized member of the sighthound family. While the whippet appears graceful and slender, they are actually quite resilient. Whippets generally range from 18-23 inches in height and typically weigh 25-45 pounds. This breed has a fine, smooth coat, which comes in a variety of colors. Their muzzle is long and slender, while their abdomen is retracted, and the tail is pointed. The whippet also has small ears, a gracefully arched neck, a deep chest, and an extensive back.

The whippet is known to be rather intelligent, affectionate, and calm. Whippets are generally quiet and gentle dogs, who are likely to spend most of they day sleeping. These dogs are very sensitive, so they should never go through rough training. They are very good around and with children, as long as they are not teased or taunted by the children. Cats and small animals, however, are not safe, due to the whippets hunting instinct. However, if a cat is introduced to the whippet while he/she is still a puppy, they should continue to get along as they grow older.

Whippets cannot withstand living in a kennel or outside, but will be more than willing to share your family life indoors. Exercise is a must with these dogs! They may appear calm and laid back, they love to get out and run around. For this reason, on top of the fact that they are both a hunting and a racing dog, your yard must be fenced in. Fences should be at least four feet high, but six foot fences are exceedingly recommended. Whippets also have no road sense, so they should be kept on a leash at all times when not in a fenced area.

Unlike other breeds, males have been proven easier than females. Both genders are equally aggressive and easy to housebreak. However, males tend to be more loyal while females tend to be more strong-willed. Both genders also enjoy playing; males more so than females.

It is recommended that both males and females be desexed. It is healthier for females to be desexed since continued exposure to the hormones the season creates is quite damaging to the uterus. It is because of this that mammary cancers are much more common in non-desexed whippets.

Since they are hunting dogs, whippets' teeth are very strong. When they are younger, their teeth will generally be clean and white, but once they reach the age of two you will have to brush their teeth and/or purchase raw bones for them to chew on. Whippets' toenails also grow rather quickly and will need to be trimmed approximately every two weeks.

Because of the breed's smooth, short-haired coat, grooming is fairly simple. Whippets should be brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush, and bathed only when necessary. However, due to their dense coat, whippets cannot withstand cold temperatures for a lengthy period of time. Nevertheless, whippets should be able to walk and run regularly, in an open space, so be sure to purchase a coat for your friend in the cold months.

Although whippets are not a breed that constantly sheds, they do tend shed some hair. Whippets typically shed a lot of hair at the change of season when the weather becomes warmer. With regular brushing, the shedding should cease within a week or two.

Whippets are generally healthy and usually live for 12-15 years. This breed is prone to upset stomach and skin problems. Undescended testicles are common in the breed. Whippets, like most sighthounds, are sensitive to barbiturate anesthetics. Genetic eye defects have also been found, but are extremely rare.

To purchase a registered, pedigreed, micro-chipped, and vaccinated whippet as a pet, it will cost approximately $250-$450. To purchase a whippet as a show dog, prices generally start around $500.

Overall, whippets are calm and quiet, yet playful and fun-loving, making the perfect companion.

Information on whippet breeders and rescues can be found at: www.whippet-rescue.com, and www.rescueinfocenter.com.

Sources:
http://www.whippet.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whippet
http://www.geocities.com/thewhippetclub/
http://www.americanwhippetclub.net/