The Whippet: A Living Work of Art
The whippet is a medium sized sighthound, powerful yet graceful, a true work of streamlined art. Similar in lines to its larger cousin the greyhound, the whippet was first developed in the late 19th century by British coal miners who wanted to create a supreme rabbit courser who could also provide racing sport on weekends.
Today’s whippet is the most stylish of dogs, an excellent companion animal, equally at home lounging on the couch or out in the fields, racing at speeds of up to 35 MPH. Whippets are sensitive, gentle companions, who do not require much grooming. Whippets come in a rainbow of colors and markings, and both males and females make equally good pets. The breed excels in racing and lure coursing, agility, and can be excellent show dogs. Whippets can also perform very well in obedience and tracking, and have also been used as therapy dogs and in Search and Rescue.
Being the ultimate athlete, whippets require short periods of daily vigorous exercise, either in a safely fenced yard or park, where they can chase a ball, frisbee, or each other. It is extremely important to keep your whippet on leash unless it is in a safely fenced area. As sighthounds with high prey drive, whippets will suddenly chase a moving object or small animal, forgetting all training. The most prevalent cause of death of whippets is, unfortunately, being hit by cars.
Because of their short fur and lean profile, whippets get cold easily and appreciate a warm coat or blanket on those cold, rainy winter days. Their low body fat also means that they are sensitive to certain types of anesthesia and other medications. When choosing a veterinarian, make sure that they are familiar with the medical requirements of sighthounds.
Whippet puppies are well known for their destructive behavior, which can include chewing of priceless antique objects, shredding of important documents, and counter surfing of the Holiday turkey. A good sense of humor can come in very handy at this stage! However, once they mature into adulthood, whippets are usually sensible and well-behaved housedogs, whose favorite spot is often under the covers of their owner’s bed. Whippet owners can expect up to 16 years of loving companionship from their pet.
For more information, read the AWC Whippet Standard or check out our Frequently Answered Questions.
Today’s whippet is the most stylish of dogs, an excellent companion animal, equally at home lounging on the couch or out in the fields, racing at speeds of up to 35 MPH. Whippets are sensitive, gentle companions, who do not require much grooming. Whippets come in a rainbow of colors and markings, and both males and females make equally good pets. The breed excels in racing and lure coursing, agility, and can be excellent show dogs. Whippets can also perform very well in obedience and tracking, and have also been used as therapy dogs and in Search and Rescue.
Being the ultimate athlete, whippets require short periods of daily vigorous exercise, either in a safely fenced yard or park, where they can chase a ball, frisbee, or each other. It is extremely important to keep your whippet on leash unless it is in a safely fenced area. As sighthounds with high prey drive, whippets will suddenly chase a moving object or small animal, forgetting all training. The most prevalent cause of death of whippets is, unfortunately, being hit by cars.
Because of their short fur and lean profile, whippets get cold easily and appreciate a warm coat or blanket on those cold, rainy winter days. Their low body fat also means that they are sensitive to certain types of anesthesia and other medications. When choosing a veterinarian, make sure that they are familiar with the medical requirements of sighthounds.
Whippet puppies are well known for their destructive behavior, which can include chewing of priceless antique objects, shredding of important documents, and counter surfing of the Holiday turkey. A good sense of humor can come in very handy at this stage! However, once they mature into adulthood, whippets are usually sensible and well-behaved housedogs, whose favorite spot is often under the covers of their owner’s bed. Whippet owners can expect up to 16 years of loving companionship from their pet.
For more information, read the AWC Whippet Standard or check out our Frequently Answered Questions.