Whippet

Size: Medium
Other Names:
Country of Origin: England
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Hounds
United Kennel Club (UKC): Sighthound & Pariah
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
The Kennel Club (KC): Hound
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

Height:

Male: 18½-22½ inches; Female: 17½-21½ inches

Weight:

25-45 pounds

Color(s):

Any

Coat:

Fine, dense

Description:

Whippets have been called the "poor man’s racehorse", as Whippets are outstanding running dogs and are top competitors in lure coursing, straight racing, and oval track racing.  The Whippet’s heritage is believed to include such breeds as the early working Terriers, the Greyhound, and the Italian Greyhound, possibly with the influence of the Pharaoh Hound.  The Whippet was used by the British working class for spring racing.  This sport was subsequently imported to the United States.  A 2007 study identified a myostatin mutation particular to Whippets that is significantly associated with their athletic performance.  Whippets with a single copy of this mutation are generally very fast; those with two copies have disproportionately large musculature and are known as "Bully Whippets".

Temperament:

The Whippet is amiable, friendly, gentle, and known for his big "smile".  He will become attached to his owner, and is not well-adapted for living in a kennel, or as an outside dog.  He is most at home in the company of his owners, either in their lap or lying next to them on the couch.  He is good with young children.  He is a quiet dog, and may be content to spend much of the day resting.  He may bark when strangers arrive, but is not suited to being a guard dog, as he is friendly to visitors.  He has a tendency to attack cats that stray into his territory, unless he has been brought up living with a cat.  With plenty of regular exercise, he is well suited for apartment life.  For all his gentleness, he is capable of great intensity during sporting events.  Male Whippets are as nonaggressive as female Whippets.  Males are sometimes considered to be slightly more loyal, and enjoy repetitive play.  Females can be a little more complex and strong-willed.

Training:

Early socialization is required for the Whippet to get along well with cats and other household pets.  Unlike some other breeds, male Whippets are as easy to housebreak as females.

Care & Grooming:

Whippets, like most sighthounds, are extremely sensitive to anesthetics.  Whippets require regular, healthy exercise.  The chance to run free in open spaces, with no traffic, should be made available to the Whippet.  Many Whippets enjoy flyball and agility training.  The Whippet’s coat does not provide insulation sufficient to withstand prolonged periods in cold temperatures.  The Whippet’s coat is easy to groom and maintain.

Shedding:

Very low; the fine coat leaves little hair.

Health:

Whippets may develop heart disease and are sensitive to many anesthetics.  Use sighthound-aware veterinary protocols and protect this thin-skinned breed from cold.

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Litter Size:

4–6 puppies