Whippet Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Whippet?

The whippet dog breed originated in England. Greyhounds and terriers were crossbred, giving the whippet (also called the snap dog) the appearance of a small greyhound. The Whippet caught the eye of wealthy dog enthusiasts, who bred in some Italian greyhounds to give the whippet its elegant shape.

Originally bred to hunt small game, their speed gave rise to the sport of whippet racing. Because of their small size, they are known as
"the poor man's greyhound" or "the poor man's racehorse".

The whippet was brought to the United States in the 1800s and was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1888. This dog breed is well-loved in America and has led to the development of the American whippet club. Interestingly, the English Kennel Club only registered the whipped as a breed in 1891.

Who are Whippet dogs best for?

Whippets do well indoors and are perfect apartment dogs as long as they get regular exercise. They are not endurance runners and do well with a few short sprints to get rid of their energy.

Whippets enjoy relaxing and curling up with their owners and are fairly quiet inside with proper stimulation.

Whippets hate being cold (and they get cold easily) and also do not enjoy lying on a hard surface. This means that your Whippet will try its best to get on your furniture and snuggle with you in bed.

Whippets are terrible guard dogs, but loyal friends. They are well suited to families and do well with other dogs. Because of their natural instinct to hunt, they will need proper training if they are going to be living with smaller pets.

How much grooming does a Whippet need?

The silky coat of a Whippet requires very little attention. They are low to moderate shedders, and will only require occasional brushing to remove loose hairs. Their nails should be trimmed, and they can be bathed once in a while if dirty or smelly.

You should check the ears of your Whippet often, and clean them with proper ear cleaner for dogs (but only as far as you can see into the canal).

Do Whippet bark much?

The Whippet is one of the quiet dog breeds out there. They are considered shy and do not have a natural tendency to bark.

Of course, like all dogs, whippets will bark if they want to alert their owners or become excitable, but barking is not a natural behaviour, which contributes to their success as apartment dogs.

Do Whippet bite?

Whippets are shy and calm, and it is unlikely that they will bite without cause.

As with all dogs, some individuals could be more aggressive. Aggressive Whippets should be trained and socialised as soon as possible.

To curb aggressive behaviour, try socialising your aggressive Whippet while wearing a muzzle, in a calm environment. Reward positive and friendly behaviour, and reprimand (using a single word) signs of aggression.

Fearful whippets can be calmed by strangers through positive interaction, such as offering treats or allowing the Whippet to approach them on the dog's terms.

Certain dogs are predisposed to biting, but the whippet is not one of them.

What is the temperament & personality of a Whippet?

The whippet dog breed has two personalities - running at full sprint, and lazing about or curling up to sleep against their owners.

Whippets are quiet and calm but do tend to chase small animals that cross their paths.

Whippets are part of the sighthound family, and just like other sighthounds, they are obedient and gentle. They are loyal, loving, and friendly, but can be a bit shy and apprehensive around strangers.

This dog breed appears to be sensitive and shows signs of distress when separated from its family. When around people they love, they will cuddle and play.

What is the weight & size of a Whippet?

Weight:

• 11 to 18 kgs

Height:

• 45 to 55 cm

How much training does a Whippet need?

Whippets can be naturally shy, so they require proper socialisation, especially at a young age. Whippet puppies are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Whippets do not cope well with crate training and can get claustrophobia and separation anxiety when left unattended in a crate.

Because Whippets love their owners so much, they could be overexcited when greeting family members. This behaviour can be discouraged by training your dog to stay calm with the arrival of guests or loved ones.

Pups should be taught from a very young age how to interact with cats and other small pets living in the household. Sadly, due to their hunting instincts, whippets can never be totally trusted around smaller pets. They do well with other breeds with a similar disposition.

Whippets were bred to run, and they do well in dog sporting events like lure coursing, dock diving, and agility. They require vigorous exercise in the form of short sprints each day.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Whippet?

Responsible breeders will maintain the breed standards as established by various international kennel clubs. Breeding dogs that meet the standards are less likely to have offspring with health conditions.

Just like other dogs in the hound group, Whippets are prone to some hereditary health conditions, which include:

• Von Willebrand's Disease: a disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly, which can lead to bleeding.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This disease affects the retina and can result in blindness.

• Anesthesia Sensitivity: Sighthounds are sensitive to anesthesia.

• Dental issues: if you regularly brush your Whippet's teeth these can be avoided.

What is the lifespan of a Whippet?

The life expectancy of a whippet is 12 to 15 years.

How much should you feed a Whippet?

To maintain a healthy weight, a whippet must eat 3/4 cup of dog food each day, which must be fed across several mealtimes.

As with any other dog, the feeding needs of an individual dog will depend on the size, age, and activity level of the dog. It is best to get an expert opinion from your vet if you are uncertain about the amount to feed your dog.

Treats should be fed in moderation to prevent obesity. Avoid feeding your whippet food from the table, as this can also lead to weight gain in dogs that do not get daily exercise.

What is the price of a Whippet in Australia?

Whippets can cost anywhere from $1,400 to $3,500. The price will depend on the breeding stock and the bloodline of the whippet puppy.