Is a Whippet the Right Dog for You?
They may be one of the sweetest dog breeds on earth. The non-aggressive Whippet is loved for their even temperament and astounding athletic ability. Here are 13 facts about the Whippet dog breed. Check out the Whippet User Gallery for some great Whippet pictures shared by users!
Whippets were imported into England from Italy in the 1870’s
The breed was used for hunting small animals such as rabbits and hares. They quickly became popular with hunters for their ability to run down prey and because they were less expensive than greyhounds. They were sometimes called “snap dogs” because of their tendency to attack and seize prey by outrunning it, like a pouncing cat.
In 1890, this breed was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club
and they began to be imported into the United States. Whippets were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as part of the miscellaneous class. It was not until 1891, that they were officially recognized as a breed separate from greyhounds and given their own classification.
Whippets were sometimes crossed with terriers
which produced a wire-haired Whippet. This was actually recognized as a breed until the 1960’s by the FCI. There are cross breeds today called Silken Windhounds which are Whippet mixes but they are not a recognized breed. The modern Whippet can reach up to 22 inches in height and 40 pounds in weight and is only recognized with a short coat.
In DNA Research
the Whippet has been shown to share the most identical DNA to a common ancestor as the Greyhound, Italian Greyhound and Scottish Deerhound.
The whippet is a breed of dog who loves to run.
In fact, they are an incredibly fast breed of dog known for being able to reach speeds as high as 40 miles per hour during playtime. These dogs love to spend their time with their owner and do best when they are not left alone for long periods of time. Separation anxiety and crate claustrophobia can be an issue.
Whippets are sweet, gentle, and fearless animals
who enjoy human company above all else (although they also like the company of other dogs and animals as well). They make incredible pets because they can be incredibly affectionate with people and are very outgoing. In fact, they often become VERY excited when you return home or visitors arrive!
The Whippet breed is a sighthound, bred for chasing game.
Because of this they were historically bred to be hunting companions and still retain the natural instinct to follow moving objects. For this reason, it’s important that owners keep their dogs active with long walks or runs or other exercise opportunities throughout the day to prevent them from becoming bored and destructive. A bored Whippet will bark and howl, chew through drywall or linoleum floors, or find a more creative outlet for their energy such as digging holes in the yard or jumping over fences to explore the neighborhood.
Whippets are sprinters, built to run at very high speeds for short distances and then rest.
. Their muscles and respiratory systems support this high intensity sprinting ability and can easily be overtaxed by too-long of runs or too much jumping and pulling on the leash. For this reason, avoid exercising your Whippet beyond its natural abilities.
Whippets are intelligent dogs that can learn new behaviors easily
but they’re also sensitive animals. They tend to get nervous when you raise your voice or scold them for doing something wrong. One way to train your dog without scaring or upsetting them is to use clicker training. Clicker training teaches your dog that good behavior results in a treat or praise, which helps them understand positive reinforcement.
How Fast Can a Whippet Run?
In AKC sponsored racing events (100 yard sprint called the Fast Cat) the average speed of the Whippet was 30.5 mph. The top speed was by a dog named Jammin’ Afternoon Tea At Chartwell at 40.99 mph!
In dog temperament research
called the C-BARQ study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, the Whipped ranked 6th out of 124 breeds in prey drive-or their need to chase after other small animals. If a squirrel passes-your Whippet is GONE!
In this same research
Whippets ranked VERY low in aggression towards their owners, other dogs and strangers. They are generally a very affectionate breed.
Whippets are generally a healthy breed
that lives 12-15 years. However, there have been concerns about cardiac disease in the breed. Some other rare genetic condition seen are deafness, hypothyroidism, eye problems and Anesthesia Sensitivity.
Check Your Whippet Facts and Take a Fun Whippet Quiz!
Whippet Humor!
Facts About Whippets-Final Thoughts
Whippets are a wonderful breed of dog that require minimal grooming and are well-suited for indoor living. Their small size and smooth coat make them easy to care for, with only occasional brushing needed to keep their coat looking its best. Despite their low-maintenance grooming needs, Whippets still require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy and they do have a high prey drive, so supervision and a fenced yard may help keep other small animals safe. They have a gentle nature that makes them perfect companions for families of all sizes. Whether participating in dog sports like agility or flyball or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, Whippets are affectionate pets that will form a natural attachment to their owners and will want to be by your side. If you’re considering adding a new member to your family, Whippet puppies are an excellent choice as they possess all the qualities that make them natural family pets.
