Whippet Breed Information

Whippet

The graceful Whippet has a life expectancy of 14 to 16 years.

Origin
The Whippet was developed in Northern England around the mid-to-late 19th century and was nicknamed the “poor man’s racehorse.” The breed was created by the working class of the area who wanted a small, fast dog that could be used for hunting as well as racing. They used the Greyhound along with several other dogs, including some small terriers, to breed the Whippet.

Size
The lean Whippet weighs 29 to 34 pounds and measures 18 to 22 inches.

Grooming Needs
The Whippet has a short, smooth coat that only needs to be brushed once a week and bathed as needed. The Whippet is naturally clean and odor free.  Like all dogs, the Whippet also needs basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.  

The Whippet has thin skin and is more susceptible to cuts and scrapes than other breeds. They should be examined closely during grooming for any signs of injury.

Character
The Whippet is sweet and calm, but spirited and lively under certain conditions.

Temperament
The Whippet is a laidback and affectionate family dog. The Whippet is polite and welcoming, and much too trusting to be an effective guardian. They are quite good with children and enjoy attention from them. Whippets are sensitive and can be shy; they may grow closest to one member of the family.  

When at home with their family, the Whippet is perfectly content to lounge around and snooze. Get the Whippet outside, however and they take on an entirely new personality. The Whippet was bred to run and hunt, and becomes a playful ball of energy when outside.   

Training Needs
The Whippet is highly intelligent, but can be a challenge to train. The Whippet is independent and strong-willed, but also quite sensitive. Harsh treatment of any kind will cause the Whippet to shut down. They respond best to kindness along with lots of praise and treats. Whippets also need to be socialized early to help them overcome any shyness. When properly trained, Whippets can do quite well at lure coursing, agility and flyball.

Activity Level
Whippets are born speedsters and should be given regular time outside to stretch their legs and run. They also need daily walks and can be good jogging partners. Whippets do have thin coats, however, and should be protected with clothing during winter activity sessions.
 

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