In the following portrait of the breed, it becomes as fast as the wind. In the following lines is all about one of the fastest dogs in the world, the English Whippet.
This has blossomed from a noble status symbol and participant in dog races to a popular family and companion dog.
You will now find out what you should pay attention to when it comes to posture and the like.
Whippet Wanted Poster
Size Male: 48 to 56 cm, female: 45 to 53 cmWeightMale: 7 to 19 kg, Female: 6.8 to 14 kgColorsBlack, Blue, Red, White, Fawn, BrindleLife expectancy12 to 15 yearsOriginGreat Britain/Englandcharacter/temperamentfast, lively, calm, gentle, affectionate, intelligent, friendlyFCI groupGroup 10: Sighthounds, Section 3: Short-Haired Sighthounds
Look
Elegant, dynamic, graceful, dainty – Attributes that definitely apply to the Whippet’s extremely slim and streamlined physique.
This is characterized by a broad chest, a tucked-up stomach and a narrow waist.
Together with the long, slim and muscular legs, the Whippet is well equipped to run around as fast as the wind.
Like everything on the Whippet, the head is also very narrow and is characterized by triangular ears that are bent forward and a dark nose.
The large, widely spaced eyes are mostly dark brown and often have a slightly frightened expression.
Already knew?
A dog with its tail tucked between its legs is considered anxious. This is not automatically the case with the Whippet, in fact this is a typical breed characteristic.
Height Weight
The whippet should be as fast as the wind, and that is reflected above all in the weight of this dog.
With a size of 48 to 56 centimetres, males only weigh 7 to 19 kilograms.
Bitches are lighter and smaller, with 6.8 to 14 kilograms distributed over a shoulder height of 45 to 53 centimeters.
Coat, coat texture & coat colors
The Whippet may be bred in different colors and color combinations:
- Black
- brindle
- White
- Blue
- fawn
- Red
These colors are found on a very short, close-lying coat with a very fine texture. The whippet does not have an accompanying undercoat.
History & Origin of the Whippet
The Whippet is one english dog breed. It is believed that his ancestors came to England with the Romans.
At first they were popular hunting dogs with the English nobility before dog racing became more popular in the 19th century.
This is how the former aristocratic status symbol became what is known as the “little man’s racehorse”.
In the meantime, the Whippet has also become popular as a family dog. The FCI officially recognized the breed in 1955.
Nature & Character of the Whippet
The Whippet is a Dog with a particularly friendly and affectionate nature – one reason why he is a popular companion on four paws.
With his gentle and calm temperament, the whippet, who seems so frightened, is not easily disturbed by anything.
And that’s no wonder, because a dog that jumps out of its skin at the slightest noise would probably not be a good athlete.
Speaking of sport: Of course, the whippet loves to romp around with its people.
A lot of exercise and variety are an absolute must for this lively and lightning-fast dog.
While it forms close bonds with its humans, it tends to be skeptical and distant towards strangers.
With other dogs, on the other hand, the quite sociable dog usually gets along well.
Due to its people-related and sensitive nature, the Whippet should not be left alone for long.
Leaving him alone gives him trouble – so training to stay alone is part of puppy education.
attitude & upbringing
Would you like to know if The Whippet’s temperament, nature and size will have an impact on its attitude and training have? Then just keep reading.
Upbringing
The education of the Whippet belongs to the easy dog education. Because this fur nose is very willing to learn and loves to learn new things with her people.
It is important that you approach whippet training calmly and patiently.
Not because the dog has a short attention span, but because its sensitive nature is quickly completely overwhelmed with loud and harsh commands.
Whippet puppies are also happy to attend a puppy school, where they can socialize with their peers at an early age.
attitude
Do you live in an apartment? Then a Whippet has no problem moving into these as well, because he is considered to be very adaptable.
Of course, it is important that he gets enough exercise every day, ideally in the form of 2 to 3 hour walks and mental stimulation.
Whether it’s an apartment or a house: the Whippet is just as happy if he can live here with children, other dogs and cats, with whom he gets along really well.
Health & Care
Are you thinking about the Whippet Illnesses and problems and complex care have to do, the following lines tell you.
Life expectancy
The average life expectancy of the Whippet is 12 to 15 years.
Health
The Whippet is one of the dog breeds with a very robust health. Breed-typical diseases and problems are therefore not present.
Some whippets can have a gene mutation in the pup. These dogs then have increased muscle mass and a stockier body.
Such a whippet then no longer corresponds to the breed standard, it can suffer from muscle cramps and have a significant overbite.
You should also make sure that your whippet is protected against the cold in winter, because the coat cannot cope with this task on its own.
Already knew?
Medical check-ups, comprehensive vaccination and parasite protection and a species-appropriate diet have a positive effect on the whippet’s health and life expectancy.
General Grooming & Grooming
All dogs have sensitive parts of their body that you should check regularly.
We’re talking about the ears, eyes, paws, mouth and anus. You should also check the claws regularly and trim them if necessary.
In this way, you can ideally avoid unpleasant inflammation and possible diseases that may result from it.
The fur of the Whippet, on the other hand, is very easy to care for. Weekly brushing is enough to remove loose hairs and dirt.
Is the Whippet right for me?
Are you already looking for a Whippet breeder? Then answer for yourself – and your Whippet – first the question of whether you two are compatible.
So that you don’t have to search for the answer for a long time, we have put together some statements for you.
- You are looking for a sensitive, empathetic and affectionate companion on four paws.
- You are looking for a friendly, playful and child-loving family dog.
- Are you looking for a sporty companion for hiking, jogging & Co.
Before moving in, please be sure that you are willing to take full responsibility for a living being.
Fun facts about the Whippet
Our Whippet breed portrait closes with more interesting fun facts about this dog away.
Plan to spend between $1,100 and $1,300 for a Whippet puppy from a reputable breeder.
Whippets can reach top speeds of up to 60 km/h. Only the greyhound is faster among the dogs, which can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h on the road.
The name Whippet comes from a now-defunct 17th-century word meaning «to move quickly.»
Whippets are extremely affectionate because they were never really bred for an exclusive outdoor life.
What other stories and tips can you think of about the Whippet? We would be happy if you share them with us in the comments. 😊