Never mind the moniker “the poor man’s racehorse;” Whippets are dignified, graceful sighthounds beloved for their affectionate nature and adaptability to smaller spaces. The most popular sighthound in the United States, these medium-sized dogs can run 35 miles per hour. But make no mistake: the Whippet is a low-maintenance breed who does not require excessive amounts of exercise. Rather, they enjoy about one to two hours of physical activity daily, followed by lounging on the couch while you watch TV.
These dogs are suitable for a variety of households, including those with young children and other pets. Many Whippet enthusiasts even keep pairs, so their pets have company in their absence.
In Victorian England, coal miners loved racing dogs and hunting rabbits for sport. Unfortunately, they lacked the financial resources for kennels and food for larger Greyhounds. Although it’s unclear how breeders were able to condense the 70-pound Greyhound into the sleeker Whippet, they were evidently successful. Whippets made their way to America at the turn of the century, where they continued to enjoy popularity as both racing dogs and companions.
©Dyrefotografi.dk - stock.adobe.com
Whippets are beloved for being playful, affectionate, and calm dogs who thrive with attentive owners. They can excel in a variety of breed-specific sports, including AKC Lure Coursing and AKC Fast CAT, making the most of their lean, aerodynamic frame. While Whippets have origins as rabbit hunters, their prey drive isn’t so overwhelming that they can’t co-exist with household cats and small dogs. Whippets can be fairly independent themselves, and they may even find companionship in your feline friend.
A Whippet’s lean physique may deceive observers into assuming this is a lightweight dog but make no mistake: a Whippet can weigh anywhere from 25 to 40 pounds, with males generally on the heavier side. At the withers, males stand 19 to 22 inches, while females are a bit shorter at 18 to 21 inches. These dogs boast a deep chest with a tucked waist, long, arched neck, and “feet more like a cat,” per the breed standard.
Additionally, the Whippet has a dolichocephalic skull shape, meaning that it has a long head and narrow nose. Other dolichocephalic dogs include Dachshunds, Afghan Hounds, and of course Greyhounds, the breed from which the Whippet originated.
Whippets are robust dogs who, with proper care, can enjoy lifespans of anywhere from 12 to 15 years. A complete and balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and proper exercise can help your Whippet live a long and fulfilling life.
Whippets come in a variety of colors – 22 to be exact, 18 of which are accepted in conformation competitions. They also feature various markings, including black masks, white markings, and “water marked,” which refers to when a sable and white dog has pools of color around the edge of the sable coat, resembling a watercolor medium. Needless to say, there’s a color and pattern combination for every taste!
Here’s more good news for those interested in the breed: Whippets have short coats that only require once-a-month combing with a bristle brush or mitt to remove dead or loose strands of fur. Because these dogs have such short coats, they’re less likely to retain that unpleasant “dog smell” common of denser-coated breeds. Be sure to regularly trim their nails to avoid breakage, and brush their teeth two or three times a week to prevent dental disease.
©otsphoto - stock.adobe.com
Whippets are undeniably intelligent dogs who can master basic commands with consistency and clear expectations. However, they can prove fairly stubborn and independent, which can prove frustrating at times. They’re not self-willed to the point of ignoring you entirely, but they’re not as eager to please as, say, a Labrador Retriever.
Properly training your Whippet involves identifying what drives them, then centering activity around that motivator. For instance, if your Whippet is toy-crazy, you may integrate their favorite plushies and balls into your training sessions to capture their attention. Always use positive reinforcement-based methods when training a Whippet; these dogs are very sensitive and could become anxious in the face of punishment.
Whippets get fives across the board when it comes to their compatibility with family life. These playful dogs love children of all ages, although rough play is ill-advised because of this dog’s fragile frame. Additionally, Whippets make great additions to households with other dogs, and they particularly get along well with other Whippets.
Getty Images for The Westminster Kennel Club
The winner of the Hound Group was “Bourbon” GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, handled by Chelsie Pickett Smithey.
Whippets aren’t just good for families; they’re also great for apartment living. What’s more, while these dogs want to be involved in your daily activities, they aren’t prone to excessive barking – ironic, considering the word Whippet comes from “whappet,” referring to a small, yappy dog. A Whippet is more of a second shadow than a walking alarm system.
Whippets can prove extremely mischievous as puppies, using their agility to jump hurdles and climb fences. However, this breed truly “mellows out” as it ages. An adult Whippet will be content with a daily burst of activity in a fenced-in backyard before heading inside to sleep the day away. Still, early socialization is a must to ensure that your Whippet matures into a confident, well-mannered companion.
Ultimately, the right dog for you depends more on their personality than their breed. While exploring your options, take the opportunity to connect with sighthound enthusiasts and learn whether Whippets could enrich your life. No matter what breed you choose, there’s a dog for everybody – and this elegant athlete could be for you!
The post Is the Whippet a Good Fit for You? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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These dogs are suitable for a variety of households, including those with young children and other pets. Many Whippet enthusiasts even keep pairs, so their pets have company in their absence.
The Whippet’s Temperament
In Victorian England, coal miners loved racing dogs and hunting rabbits for sport. Unfortunately, they lacked the financial resources for kennels and food for larger Greyhounds. Although it’s unclear how breeders were able to condense the 70-pound Greyhound into the sleeker Whippet, they were evidently successful. Whippets made their way to America at the turn of the century, where they continued to enjoy popularity as both racing dogs and companions.
©Dyrefotografi.dk - stock.adobe.com
Whippets are beloved for being playful, affectionate, and calm dogs who thrive with attentive owners. They can excel in a variety of breed-specific sports, including AKC Lure Coursing and AKC Fast CAT, making the most of their lean, aerodynamic frame. While Whippets have origins as rabbit hunters, their prey drive isn’t so overwhelming that they can’t co-exist with household cats and small dogs. Whippets can be fairly independent themselves, and they may even find companionship in your feline friend.
Physical Traits and Grooming Needs
A Whippet’s lean physique may deceive observers into assuming this is a lightweight dog but make no mistake: a Whippet can weigh anywhere from 25 to 40 pounds, with males generally on the heavier side. At the withers, males stand 19 to 22 inches, while females are a bit shorter at 18 to 21 inches. These dogs boast a deep chest with a tucked waist, long, arched neck, and “feet more like a cat,” per the breed standard.
Additionally, the Whippet has a dolichocephalic skull shape, meaning that it has a long head and narrow nose. Other dolichocephalic dogs include Dachshunds, Afghan Hounds, and of course Greyhounds, the breed from which the Whippet originated.
Whippets are robust dogs who, with proper care, can enjoy lifespans of anywhere from 12 to 15 years. A complete and balanced diet, regular veterinary check-ups, and proper exercise can help your Whippet live a long and fulfilling life.
Whippets come in a variety of colors – 22 to be exact, 18 of which are accepted in conformation competitions. They also feature various markings, including black masks, white markings, and “water marked,” which refers to when a sable and white dog has pools of color around the edge of the sable coat, resembling a watercolor medium. Needless to say, there’s a color and pattern combination for every taste!
Here’s more good news for those interested in the breed: Whippets have short coats that only require once-a-month combing with a bristle brush or mitt to remove dead or loose strands of fur. Because these dogs have such short coats, they’re less likely to retain that unpleasant “dog smell” common of denser-coated breeds. Be sure to regularly trim their nails to avoid breakage, and brush their teeth two or three times a week to prevent dental disease.
©otsphoto - stock.adobe.com
How Much Training Does a Whippet Need?
Whippets are undeniably intelligent dogs who can master basic commands with consistency and clear expectations. However, they can prove fairly stubborn and independent, which can prove frustrating at times. They’re not self-willed to the point of ignoring you entirely, but they’re not as eager to please as, say, a Labrador Retriever.
Properly training your Whippet involves identifying what drives them, then centering activity around that motivator. For instance, if your Whippet is toy-crazy, you may integrate their favorite plushies and balls into your training sessions to capture their attention. Always use positive reinforcement-based methods when training a Whippet; these dogs are very sensitive and could become anxious in the face of punishment.
Are Whippets Good for Families?
Whippets get fives across the board when it comes to their compatibility with family life. These playful dogs love children of all ages, although rough play is ill-advised because of this dog’s fragile frame. Additionally, Whippets make great additions to households with other dogs, and they particularly get along well with other Whippets.
Getty Images for The Westminster Kennel Club
The winner of the Hound Group was “Bourbon” GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, handled by Chelsie Pickett Smithey.
Whippets aren’t just good for families; they’re also great for apartment living. What’s more, while these dogs want to be involved in your daily activities, they aren’t prone to excessive barking – ironic, considering the word Whippet comes from “whappet,” referring to a small, yappy dog. A Whippet is more of a second shadow than a walking alarm system.
How Social Are Whippets?
Whippets can prove extremely mischievous as puppies, using their agility to jump hurdles and climb fences. However, this breed truly “mellows out” as it ages. An adult Whippet will be content with a daily burst of activity in a fenced-in backyard before heading inside to sleep the day away. Still, early socialization is a must to ensure that your Whippet matures into a confident, well-mannered companion.
Ultimately, the right dog for you depends more on their personality than their breed. While exploring your options, take the opportunity to connect with sighthound enthusiasts and learn whether Whippets could enrich your life. No matter what breed you choose, there’s a dog for everybody – and this elegant athlete could be for you!
The post Is the Whippet a Good Fit for You? appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
