Free returns
Sign up to our newsletter
180-day guarantee
Whippet Dogs
Breed Rating (2 Reviews)
| Appearance | |
| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
| Garden |
History
Whippets originate from Greyhound stock, possibly a case of breeding small greyhounds with other dogs to get the size. They were bred as sight hounds and used in catching rabbits. When workers moved to the cities, they discovered that Whippets would chase a waving flag and 'Whippet Racing' became a popular pastime amongst the working classes. It was officially recognised as a breed in 1888 and has since become a popular pet and racing dog.
Behaviour
Whippets are extremely loyal, calm and placid dogs. They are excellent and very gentle with children and love being part of a family. They can be quite timid by nature and will jump when touched unexpectedly. For such a fast runner, they are very happy to sleep. They will spend most of their time asleep on your sofa or bed if not provided with a very comfortable bed of their own. Being sight hounds they will see things miles away and can bolt to chase after something. Recall training is vital as they will be gone in a second. They are a responsive and obedient breed.
They do need exercise and will run around and play, but then will want to head back home for a well deserved nap. Training needs to be gentle as they don't react well to harsh words and treatment. They like to please and do well in racing, agility, the show ring or as a couch potato house dog. They are sensitive to moods and will want to climb on the sofa and cuddle you, they really are very loving. Whippets tend not to bark unless something is wrong. They also don't like to be left alone for too long unless they are under your duvet and dreaming of chasing rabbits. They are friendly towards other dogs if socialised from an early age and rarely show aggression. If anything, they will walk/run away rather than risk it.
The one thing Whippets cannot abide is cold. They will need a jacket/coat in colder weather, as they have little body fat and a thin coat. Grooming is minimal as they have a short haired coat. The main concern with this breed is eye trouble. They are sensitive to anaesthetic.
Temperament
Whippets have an obedient and sensitive temperament. Like their larger greyhound cousins Whippets love comfort. Quite happy to snooze beside you on the sofa and have the occasional belly tickle the Whippet will be happiest in an affectionate household that can pamper them. That said they are incredibly agile dogs who do love a chance to sprint and test out their immense speed. Easygoing when meeting new people and animals the Whippet is hard to fault.
Health Problems
Health problems that may affect Whippets include cancer, epilepsy, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (the dogs own immune system attacks its red blood cells), eye disease, skin problems (including allergies), heart disease, inherited deafness and chronic diarrhoea.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
- Weight: 6.8 - 14 kg
- Height: 18 - 22"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Short
- Grooming Requirements: Once a week
- Town or Country: Either
- Minimum Home Size: Small House
- Minimum Garden Size: Small to Medium Garden
- Breed Type: Hound
- Size: Medium
- Energy Level: Medium
- Exercise Required: Up to 1 hour
More to love
Whippet Pictures
Latest Reviews For Whippet (2 of 2)
THE MOST SWEETEST BREED - Saxon,
I have two female whippets. They are loyal, loving, mischievous, lazy dogs. Amazing with my SEND son who can be rough with them at times. I wouldn’t ever have another breed now. Whippet mum for life x
Whippets - Joanne,
I have a fabulous whippet his name is Mordecai. He is the sweetest most loving dog in the world. Very friendly with other dogs brought up with 2 cats who he loves always eager too please. Loves being spoilt loves beds and sleep. Runs in enclosed field extremely fast I found clicker good for recall and he wears a racing muzzle when off the lead as he can try to take other dogs down like prey just his nature. Best dog ever with children, old, disabled . Love him too bits