Whippet Dog Breed Information
| Whippet Quick Facts | ||
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| Breed Group: | Hounds | |
| Origen: | England | |
| Nickname: | ||
| Weight: | 20-40 lbs | |
| Height: | 18-22 inches | |
| Color(s): | Beige, blue, roan, black, black and white, or white with streaked or yellow patches | |
Whippet Appearance
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound. It is the lightweight version of the Greyhound with curvaceous, streamlined silhouette, long legs and a lean physique. He is slightly longer than tall. His expression is keen and alert. His eyes are large, round to oval in shape. The skull is long and lean with a fairly wide space between the ears. The front legs are straight and the feet are thick either cat or hare like.
The Whippet has the ability to accelerate to top speed and to twist and turn with unequaled agility giving him the capacity to execute the double suspension gallop at its most extreme. He is a true sporting hound that covers a maximum of distance with a minimum of lost motion, capable of speeds up to 35 m.p.h. The Whippet short, smooth coat comes in all colors including beige, blue, roan, black, black and white, or white with streaked or yellow patches. The weight of the Whippet is around 20-40 pounds; and the height is around 18-22 inches.
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is intelligent, energetic, friendly, sweet, and easygoing. They make an ideal pet for people who want a quiet housedog and absolutely devoted companion. He is extremely gentle with children all ages as long as the children do not roughhouse or tease the dog. They are extremely sensitive (physically and mentally) and cannot take rough treatment.
They are good watchdogs and may be reserved with strangers. They are generally good with dogs and other house pets but need to be careful with small animals as they will chase anything that moves: cats, squirrels, rabbits, etc. It is important to keep them safe on lead or in a fenced-in area as they are fast and impossible to catch and they can see for miles.
Is Whippet the Right Dog Breed for Me?
The Whippet is a natural athlete and needs regular exercise but is relatively calm indoors and can make a good apartment dog as long as if it is taken for a long walk or run daily. They need human companionship and do not do well if left alone.
They love to curl up beside you on the couch and sleep with you in your bed, under the covers if you let them. Whippets are not well suited to live outside; their short coats do not provide insulation to withstand prolonged periods in cold temperatures. Their natural attachment to people makes them happiest when kept indoors.
Whippet Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Whippet is around 12-15 years.
Whippet Health problems
There is a number of health problems associated with this breed. The major concerns are Genetic eye defects. They are also prone to stomach upset, skin problems and undescended testicles. Like most sighthounds, they are intolerant of barbiturate anesthetics.
Whippet Care & Grooming
The Whippet grooming is minimal; their hair is extremely short and fine, and is virtually free of “doggy odor” They can play and run in snow and cold weather but should spend inactive times in warmer temperatures. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe in mild soap only when necessary.
Whippet Shedding
The Whippet is an average shedder, and therefore is not well suited to allergy sufferers.