Whippet

From The Pet Wiki

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: England

Group: Sighthound

Height: 19-22 in., females 18-21 in.

Weight: males 25-40 lbs., females 20-35 lbs.

Life span: 12-13 yrs.

Trainability: low

Good with children: yes

Good with other pets: yes with dogs, may chase cats & other small animals

What is the origin of the Whippet?

The Greyhound, a dog of kings dating back to the time of the Pharaohs, was the primary ancestor of the Whippet. It was developed in crossings with terriers in NE England by men who wanted a dog with great speed to use for racing. The name Whippet is derived from an old English word for small dogs.

What does the Whippet look like?

The Whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound. Height is 18-22 inches and weight about 25-40 lbs., depending on gender. Ears are small and rose-shaped. The head is long, lean with powerful jaws. The tail is long and tapering with a gentle curve. Coat is fine and short, close to the body. Colors are any color or mix. Whippets are clean dogs with little odor and need just occasional brushing.

What is the temperament of the Whippet?

Friendly, gentle, affectionate, obedient, undemanding are adjectives describing the Whippet. They should be trained with a gentle hand. They are good with children who treat them kindly. While they  are good with other dogs, they will chase and kill small animals. Whippets need protection against cold weather.  They can live in apartments as long as they get plenty of exercise and a place to run.

What are the uses of the Whippet?

The Whippet is used for short races and can reach speeds of 37mph. When not used as such, it will be a watchdog for its family. Because it is so good-natured, the Whippet is valued as a companion dog.