Whippet Overview

Another member of the sighthound group, the Whippet is said to be the most trainable of them all. Its thin and lanky appearance may not appeal to everyone. But aesthetic biases aside, this breed is a true companion dog for both single owners and families. 

They are well-behaved indoors and playful outdoors, clean, obedient, and gentle with children. They also get along great with other dogs. Their short hair makes grooming a breeze, as there are virtually no requirements attached, but they are highly vulnerable to cold weather. 

Being a dog that is bred for running, daily exercise is necessary. But their playful nature allows them to burn of energy in a backyard or indoor game. 

The Whippet is an excellent and devoted companion for anyone willing to feed its exercise and affection requirements.

Whippet History

It comes to no surprise that the Whippet is a product of specialized Greyhound breeding. In 19^th century England, peasants regularly utilized Greyhound mixtures for ratting and rabbit poaching. Typically, a Greyhound was bred with various Terriers to increase their speed in dog-racing competitions. 

The Whippet breed was not recognized until the Industrial Revolution. As peasants moved into the industrialized cities to find work, the purpose of the dog quickly shifted from worker to entertainer. It was found that Whippets would chase after a waving object as they would a wild hare. Knowing this, bored workers regularly entertained themselves with these tiny race horses. 

Eventually, Whippets became the pride and joy of poor families, as they could make extra money racing their dogs. Because of this, they were commonly considered members of the family and were sometimes treated as well as children. 

Today, Whippet racing is overshadowed by Greyhound racing and is still considered an amateur sport. But surprisingly, the Whippet is a more popular dog than the Greyhound itself, finding a place as a show dog, racer, or adored member of the family.

Whippet Character

This dog is ideally suited for most environments, be it an apartment or a ranch, provided the weather does not get too cold. They are moderately easy to train and always happy to please their owners. But training methods are important, for these are highly sensitive dogs that are readily turned off by harsh treatment or bullying. 

This breed is very loyal and devoted to their owners, so proper training can allow off-leash walks or exercises in the local park. 

A little pampering is necessary to keep this dog happy. Whippets have naturally bony bodies, so they do not find easy comfort sleeping on floors that are hard or have light carpeting. Without a proper bed, this dog will happily sleep on the couch whether or not the owner agrees on it. 

Families with children should seek this dog out, for Whippets are very gentle and patient with even the youngest of children. Early socialization, while always a good idea, is not imperative for this breed, as they have a naturally friendly nature with strangers, both human and animal alike. 

Unlike most sighthounds, the Whippet is a highly loyal, affectionate, and trainable pet for most anyone.

Whippet Care

Very easily groomed, Whippets must however be protected from the cold. His short, smooth and silky coat does not adapt well to colder climates. Averagely shedding, occasional brushing to limit shedding should suffice. Bathing every six months should be fine, as the short coat does not trap dirt well.

Whippet Training

The Whippet does best in a home with a gentle and warm handler. Being very intelligent, they are also independent which does require a bit of variety to keep them interested. Does well in working and obedience, the Whippet loves to run and would do exceptionally well in a sprinting sport.

Whippet Health

Common Health Issues for the Whippet:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Less Common Health Issues for the Whippet:

Disclaimer: While we try our best to provide accurate medical reference information, it is very likely that we have errors on our website. Do not use this website to diagnose or treat your dog. Please check with your veterinarian for health advice and treatment options.

Whippet Resources