Whippet Dog Breed

About the Whippet

The Whippet is a quick and beautiful purebred recognized for its incredible speed and gentle temperament. The breed was created in England for coursing hares, a pastime which later became outlawed. Today, these sighthounds chase lures for sport. This breed has a slim frame and a sleek coat, and a great desire to chase moving objects. Since it is characterized by a graceful sleekness, the name Whippet has become synonymous with grace.

AKC Group

Hound

Height

18 – 22 Inches

Weight

25 – 40 Pounds

Lifespan

12 – 15 Years

History of the Whippet

The mild-mannered Whippet is a very successful member of the lightning-fast group of sprinting canines known as sighthounds. However, unlike some breeds within this clan, the Whippet is not much more than a couple hundred years old. This medium-sized breed was first developed in England during the late 1700s by crossing Greyhounds with terriers.

North-country coal workers enjoyed dog racing and rabbit hunting on their days off, but they couldn’t afford to feed a large dog. Their solution was to cross Greyhounds with smaller dog breeds, producing dogs that competed in races across an open field. Later, when chasing rabbits became outlawed, the dogs chased rags or pieces of cloth.

The Whippet was known as the “Poor Man’s Racehorse” and the “Lightning Rag Dog” in its early days because it would chase a rag trailed along a straight course. This early type of lure coursing supported dogs that eventually produced the fastest breed in the world relative to its size.

The Whippet as a breed was recognized in 1891 by the Royal Kennel Club in Great Britain. The American Kennel Club registered the breed somewhat earlier, in 1888, and stories indicate Whippets were brought to America by English mill workers.

General Appearance

Height & Weight

In terms of height, male Whippets measure between 19-22 inches and females are between 18-21 inches tall. Both males and females weigh within a range of 25 to 40 pounds, with females being smaller.

Body Proportion & Substance

The Whippet displays a fit and slender build, denoting both speed and elegance. The breed is muscular without appearing coarse, and its graceful silhouette is a clear indication of its sporting heritage. The backline runs smoothly from the neck to the tail in a series of alternating S-curves, with a tuck up of the underline that declares this dog an unmistakable member of the sighthound family. Fit for function all but defines the Whippet.

Coat Texture, Colors & Markings

Texture: The single coat of the Whippet is short and smooth and lies close to the body. The texture is firm but only moderate protective.

A Note About Color: The Whippet is one of the most colorful of all dog breeds. This sighthound’s base coat color may be fawn, red, orange, tan, cream, black, or blue. Markings may appear as brindle with black stripes or brindle with bluish stripes, a black or blue mask, watermarking, sabling, and varying amounts of white. A dog may be all-white or only have white toes and/or tail tip. Ticking on white areas is acceptable; however, definite spotting and the Harlequin pattern are not. Additionally, black and tan, tricolor, and liver-colored coats are not seen on a purebred Whippet, and the merle pattern is indicative of a cross with another breed.

Head

• Skull: The Whippet’s skull is long, lean, and fairly wide between the ears. There’s a barely perceptible stop which is a signature of a sighthound.
• Expression: The expression is intelligent and alert, with eyes that demonstrate the breed’s notably gentle nature.
• Eyes: The eyes of the Whippet are unforgettable. They are large and round, with a dark color that approaches black, regardless of the coat’s color.
• Ears: The breed’s rose ears are small and fine in texture. They are folded along the neck in repose as well as when the dog is at attention.
• Muzzle: The Whippet has a long and powerful muzzle without being coarse. A strong underjaw is indicative of the breed’s ability to bite and hold onto its quarry.
• Nose: The nose is completely pigmented in black, dark brown or dark blue. The color should appear as dark as possible.
• Bite: The Whippet’s bite is a clean and powerful scissors bite. The upper incisors closely overlap the lower incisors and are set square to the jaws.

Tail

The tail of the Whippet is long and tapering. It reaches the inside of the hocks when extended downward. The tail is carried low when the dog is moving, with only a modest upward curve. Even when the dog is excited, the tail does not extend above the top of the back.

The Whippet – What to Consider?

The Whippet is a gentle, playful, and affectionate sighthound. Among the breed’s positive qualities are its reluctance to bark and its playfulness with children of all ages. With these qualities in mind, this medium-sized breed has long been popular with families as well as with singles and the elderly. However, sharing a home with this fast and fit breed comes with specific responsibilities and factors that need to be considered for the sake of everyone’s happiness and well-being.

Whippet Health

To the untrained eye, the Whippet usually appears as a “skinny“ breed. However, like all sighthounds, the breed’s dynamic frame is built for speed and isn’t capable of carrying excessive weight. These dogs are powerful and muscular, despite their slim silhouettes. Responsible breeders understand this and are the best sources for acquiring the healthiest Whippet possible. Responsible breeders screen their stock for diseases and place their puppies in homes that can maintain a similar degree of care throughout each dog’s lifetime.

Lifespan: The average lifespan of the Whippet is 12 to 15 years, but with proper care, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups, many can thrive beyond these years.

Potential Health Risks

Although generally a healthy breed, some Whippets can be prone to certain health conditions, including:

• Anesthesia Sensitivity: Because of their low body fat, sighthounds like the Whippet may be sensitive to anesthesia and some other drugs. It is recommended to always find veterinarians who are aware of this or at least alert them to the risks.
• Deafness: This is an unusual condition within the breed, but it does appear occasionally. In case of deafness, the dog will have special training and communication needs. Vibrating collars can facilitate communication with a deaf dog.
• Eye Diseases: Various eye anomalies can appear in the breeds. When searching for a Whippet, it is important to discuss eye clearances with the breeder to ensure both parents are clear and that their eyes have been certified as normal.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease: This is a blood disorder that affects the clotting process of the blood. Excessive bleeding from injuries, surgeries or during heat cycles are some of the signs that a dog is affected with VWD. Treatment includes cauterizing or suturing injuries, infusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medicines.

Whippet Personality

The Whippet is amiable, gentle, and elegant yet powerful. The breed enjoys daily walks and always appreciates the opportunity to run around in a fenced yard. This sighthound is generally quiet at home, and between walks and bursts of energy, this hound loves to stretch out on a comfortable chair and relax for long hours.

The Whippet typically gets along well with people and other dogs, although early socialization is important. Prey drive is strong in this breed, so it is better to keep these dogs away from cats indoors. Also, because of that prey drive, it’s recommended to always walk this breed on a leash. If a Whippet sees something worth chasing, it will disregard commands such as “stay” and “come” and eagerly pursue its intended quarry.

Because the Whippet rarely barks, it can be a suitable choice for people living in apartment buildings with a lot of neighbors. The breed is not much of a guard dog, however, due to its amiable personality. And despite its friendly nature, it’s still important to expose a Whippet to different people, sights, sounds, and experiences from a young age. With early training and socialization, this gentle and patient breed can become an ideal playmate for older children and the perfect addition to any family.

Whippet Feeding & Nutrition

The Whippet should be fed a high-quality dog food, purchased commercially or prepared at home with a veterinarian’s supervision. The optimal diet would include a combination of high-quality protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber from vegetables and berries.

An adult Whippet needs 1 to 1.5 cups of food per day, divided into two meals. The dog should be fed at regular intervals throughout the day. Appropriate food must be chosen based on the age, size, and activity level of each dog.

Some Whippets can be prone to obesity, so it’s essential not to overfeed. Always measure each dog’s food and monitor its weight periodically. Avoid giving too many treats and feeding table scraps or human food, which can be too high in fat.

It is important to feed the Whippet high-quality ingredients. Low-quality food can promotec health problems, from obesity to various skin issues.

Whippet Training

Whippets are intelligent dogs and inherently happy to please. This often makes training a relatively straightforward process. Being sighthounds, however, they have a strong prey drive and can sometimes become distracted, especially if something catches their eye and tempts them to give chase. Hence, it’s crucial to incorporate consistent, positive reinforcement techniques when working with a Whippet.

These dogs respond best to gentle, rewards-based training. Harsh methods or negative reinforcement can prove counterproductive, potentially leading to a fearful or skittish Whippet. Early socialization is essential for the breed, which will expose puppies to a variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences while they’re still young. This may all but guarantee they’ll grow up to become well-adjusted adults.

Due to the breed’s prey drive, teaching a reliable recall is critical for these fast-moving hounds. While they love to run and chase, it’s essential that they learn to return when called, especially in unfenced areas. It should be noted, however, that training a good recall can be at but impossible with a Whippet.

Additionally, Whippets can excel in various dog sports such as Lure Coursing and Agility. Engaging these dogs in such activities not only reinforces training, it also provides them with a productive outlet for their energy and their need to run.

Whippet Exercise

Whippets are sprinters by nature. This means the breed can get occasional bursts of energy throughout the day that need to be satisfied with short but quick runs. With the breed’s moderate to high levels of energy, 40 minutes of walking each day should fulfill most of its exercise needs. This can be divided into several shorter strolls.

If a Whippet is not getting enough exercise, it can act out in a variety of ways. A bored dog might appear hyperactive, start gaining weight, become destructive or withdrawn, or even bark, which is not something the breed usually does often. If boredom is suspected, some exercise other than daily walks should be added. The good thing is that the new activities can be fun for both the person and the dog.

Playing ball can be a great exercise game for a Whippet. As it is in the breed’s nature, these dogs will probably start chasing the ball, and some can even be encouraged to bring the ball back. Overall, any exercise that contains a lot of short, fast runs and some toys is great for a Whippet.

Whippet puppies should be offered five minutes of exercise for every month of age, which means a four-month-old puppy will need 20 minutes of daily exercise. It’s important to keep in mind that walking is considered exercise and not an addition to an exercise regimen.

Whippet Grooming

The short, smooth coat of the Whippet needs little maintenance beyond general coat care. However, because of the breed’s thin coat, the skin is not as well-protected as that of many other breeds. For this reason, Whippets shouldn’t be bathed too often.

Although they are short-haired, Whippets do shed. Weekly brushing can aid in the shedding process and will also allow time to check for injuries, rashes, and signs of infection. Grooming should begin at a young age so that a puppy learns to look forward to the routine.

A Whippet’s teeth should be brushed at least two or three times a week to remove food and to prevent plaque buildup. To avoid gum disease and bad breath, daily brushing and/or dental sticks are generally recommended.

A Whippet’s nails should be trimmed once or twice a month as needed. Short, neatly trimmed nails will keep the feet in good condition. Likewise, the ears of a Whippet should be checked periodically and cleaned with a veterinarian-approved cleanser.

Living With a Whippet

Whippets are gentle souls, known for their speed but also for their calm and amiable personalities. This combination of traits makes them a perfectly adaptable breed. If they are outside, Whippets will gladly use the opportunity to do sprints and explore. Inside, to the contrary, they will turn into couch potatoes and enjoy their time just lying around.

Whippets are great medium-sized apartment dogs. They don’t bark as much as other breeds and they like the comforts of home. Playing with the kids can be their favorite activity too, almost as much as following their favorite person around. With this companionable nature in mind, these dogs don’t like being alone for too long.

Low body fat and a short coat makes the Whippet a breed that’s more suited for warm weather. In colder climates, a cozy dog coat or sweater is a necessary addition to winter walks.

Whippet Puppies

Whippet puppies have wonderful personalities. They are curious and playful, and they have no problem approaching strangers and letting people hold them. When choosing a puppy to bring home, it’s essential to always consider the breeder’s experience with this all-important decision.

Caring for a Whippet Puppy

Before bringing home a Whippet puppy, make sure to provide a safe and nurturing environment. Since the breed is curious from a young age, constant supervision is required to keep the pup from harm. Providing safe and soft toys will help with teething and add variety to every playtime.

During the puppy’s growth stages, nutrition is critical. It’s best to feed a Whippet puppy a high-quality food that will ensure it receives all the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Setting a regular feeding plan is also a good idea, as puppies are always growing and need more food than adult dogs.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial during the first year of life. Vaccinations, deworming, and basic health checks should be performed to ensure the puppy is growing normally.

Important aspects of puppy care include basic training and socialization. Training puppies at an early stage will encourage them to grow into well-behaved adults. Early and consistent socialization will instill confidence and reduce the chances of fear or aggression later in life.

Whippet Activities & Dog Sports

The Whippet is a sighthound that excels in speed-based activities. These powerful and graceful dogs are agile and versatile too. They can climb, jump and run with the best competitors in an exciting array of dog sports.

• Agility: In Agility Trials, dogs navigate through a pre-set obstacle course within a specified time limit. Tunnels, weave poles, jumps, teeters, dog walk, and an A-frame are utilized on courses consisting of 14-20 obstacles.
• Lure Coursing: This dog sport involves chasing a mechanically operated lure. The purpose of this competition is to preserve and develop the coursing skills inherent in sighthounds and to demonstrate a hound can perform the function for which it was bred.
• Frisbee Dog: In these events, dogs and their disc throwers compete in distance catching and partly choreographed freestyle catching. Frisbee tournaments allow active dog and handler teams to demonstrate their skills while celebrating the bond they share.
• Dock Diving: Dock Diving is a sport in which dogs compete at a distance or height by jumping into water from a raised platform known as a dock. Dogs can be scored based on distance (the distance between the dock and where they land in the water), speed (how quickly they recover a toy at the pool’s end), or height (how high they can jump to fetch a toy dangling above the water).
• Flyball: This is a canine sport in which teams of dogs race in a relay from a start/finish line, over a series of hurdles, to a box that releases a tennis ball when the dog presses a spring-loaded pad and then returns to its handler while carrying the ball.
• Therapy Dog: The gentle disposition and intuitive nature of the Whippet can make it an excellent Therapy Dog. The breed’s intelligence and trainability have even led these dogs to serve as Assistance Dogs for those with disabilities.
• Rally Obedience: Rally-O, or Rally, is a team sport in which handlers guide their dogs around a course by following a series of printed signs. Rally courses demonstrate obedience-like skills that teams must complete before proceeding to the next sign. Each team strives to complete all of the signs in a certain order in the shortest amount of time.

Group Classification & Standards

The Whippet is recognized by the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations, which categorize the breed into a specific Group based on its unique characteristics. This breed is recognized worldwide under the following Group designations:

The ideal Whippet is described by a Breed Standard that is approved by each of the world’s leading registries and kennel organizations. The Breed Standards for this breed may be found in the following links:

Whippet Breed Clubs

The most important thing when searching for a Whippet is finding a reputable dog breeder. Reputable breeders are dedicated to producing healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make excellent companions. They will test their breeding stock for health issues, socialize their puppies from birth, and offer a lifetime of support.

The American Whippet Club (AWC) is a national breed club operating under the broader umbrella of the American Kennel Club. It promotes responsible breeding, offers resources, organizes events, and supports Whippet-related health research.

The Whippet Club in the United Kingdom was formed in 1899 and is the oldest Whippet club in the world. Also, it is the only breed club in Britain to provide for all working Whippet disciplines.

The National Whippet Group of Canada (NWCC) is the Canadian Kennel Club’s (CKC) national organization for the breed. The club’s aim is to unite Whippet enthusiasts for mutual support that benefits the breed.

Joining or engaging with these clubs provides Whippet enthusiasts with a wealth of information and opportunities to connect with others who share the same passion for this enchanting breed.

Whippet Rescue Groups

A Whippet can, regrettably, sometimes find itself in need of a new home due to unforeseen circumstances, such as owner illnesses, financial hardships, or behavioral challenges. Whippet rescue groups rise to the occasion, ensuring that these loyal companions find loving forever homes while also providing education to potential adopters.

Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association is a rescue group that operates in the United States. This group encourages people interested in the breed to come to their events and meet the breed. All operations are done under the National Whippet Rescue group.

In Canada, The National Whippet Club of Canada is the national breed and rescue club working under the Canadian Kennel Club. The organization’s volunteer’s have successfully found homes for many Whippets, emphasizing the importance of the right match between dog and owner.

Just Whippet Rescue is a rescue charity operating in the United Kingdom. This group is a non-governmental rescue that shelters, rehomes, and rehabilitates any Whippet in need.

Whippet Facts

• Speed: The Whippet is a sprinter, originally used for hunting and coursing. These sighthounds are extremely fast and capable of reaching speeds up to 35 mph.
• Temperament: Whippets are typically gentle, affectionate, and playful companions. Although they are great apartment dogs, these dogs enjoy exercise and love to run in a safely enclosed, fenced yard.
• Bathing: The Whippet, with its short, smooth coat, is a moderate shedder that benefits from weekly brushing. However, these thin-skinned dogs only need bathing if they get dirty.
• Bark: Whippets are not generally vocal dogs, which means they don’t bark as much as many other breeds. The only time a Whippet is likely to bark is if it’s bored or unhappy.
• America: Whippets were originally bred in England; however, the breed has become really popular in the United States. The Whippet appears to have been introduced to America by English mill workers in Massachusetts.
• Weight: To anyone who is not familiar with the breed, the Whippet can seem like a skinny dog. Actually, this sighthound’s elegantly curved frame is indicative of the dog’s health and its usefulness as a canine that loves to run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes a Whippet a Whippet?

The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound bred to course fast-moving game at a high rate of speed. The breed’s aerodynamic form, with its series of undulating S-curves, indicates a high degree of elegance as well as acceleration. A short coat provides little resistance and comes in a seriously wide array of color combinations and markings.

Do Whippets shed?

Whippets shed, but it’s usually minimal due to the breed’s short, fine coat. Regular grooming, even just a weekly brushing, can help to manage and reduce the amount of hair that’s shed. Using a rubber grooming mitt or chamois cloth can be especially effective for removing the loose hairs.

Are Whippets good family dogs?

Yes, Whippets are known to be affectionate, friendly, and good with families. They are often gentle with children and are generally loving companions. It’s important to note that Whippets are agile runners, so providing a securely fenced yard for playtime is crucial to ensure their safety.

Are Whippets healthy dogs?

Whippets are generally healthy, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Some potential health concerns include heart issues, eye disorders, and some skin conditions. Regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet can help to maintain their overall health.

Are Whippet dogs easy keepers?

Whippets are typically easy keepers, as the breed is generally known for its calm and friendly nature. However, like all dogs, individual temperaments can vary, so proper socialization and training from a young age are essential.

Are Whippets hypoallergenic?

No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and Whippets are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. They have short, fine hair that sheds; however, their shedding is relatively minimal when compared with many other breeds.

Are Whippets good apartment dogs?

Yes, Whippets can be good apartment dogs. While they are known for their speed and enjoy regular opportunities to run, they are also quite calm indoors and are known to be couch potatoes. Regular exercise is essential, but these dogs are certainly adaptable.

Are Whippets good guard dogs?

Whippets are not used as guard dogs. They are more friendly and docile by nature. While they might alert you with a bark to someone approaching, they’re not inherently protective.

Are Whippets good with other dogs?

Whippets generally get along well with other dogs, especially if they are socialized properly from a young age. However, given the breed’s history as a hunting dog, some Whippets can have a high prey drive and will chase smaller animals. It’s always a good idea, therefore, to introduce individual dogs slowly and supervise their interaction with other companion animals.

What’s the difference between a Whippet and an Italian Greyhound?

If the Whippet is a smaller version of the Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound (IG) might well be considered a smaller version of the Whippet. Of course, each breed is distinctly its own, with the IG being smaller and more slender than either of its British cousins. The Italian breed is essentially a rather delicate lap dog, though it is still quite capable of quick bursts of speed when it feels the need to chase something in its sights.

Are Whippets easy to train?

Yes, Whippets are generally easy to train due to their intelligence and inherent willingness to please. They typically respond best to gentle, rewards-based training methods. However, the breed’s strong prey drive can sometimes be a distraction, so consistency and early socialization are essential for best results.