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young female
© Cukurs (Thomas Schmitt) | Dreamstime.com
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Whippet
Breed origin: England
Original purpose: Race dog; rabbit courser.
AKC recognized: 1888
AKC group: Hound
Size:
Weight: 25 to 45 lbs
Size: Height: males 19 to 22 inches;
females 18 to 21 inches
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© Madja (Magdalena Sobczyk) | Dreamstime.com
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Color: Any color.
Life span: 12 to 15 years.
General characteristics/temperament: The Whippet is is amiable, friendly, gentle, quiet, and athletic. They are capable of speeds up to 35 m.p.h., and are top competitors in lure coursing and racing. They make excellent companions and house dogs. They may bark to announce the arrival of strangers, but are too friendly to be a guardian. They have strong hunting instincts and will chase and attack cats and other animals that stray into their territory. However, many Whippets have been raised with cats and can be taught to live harmoniously with the cats within their family, although stray cats may still be fair game to them. They have very little body fat, which means that they do not tolerate cold temperatures for long periods of time, and that they require soft bedding on which to sleep.
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© Ds34450 (Daniel Shalloe) | Dreamstime.com
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Good with children? Yes with well-behaved children.
Good with other dogs? Yes
Good with cats? No
Good watchdog? Yes
Protective? No
OK in apartments? Yes, if given enough exercise.
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© Lebedinski (Vladislav Lebedinskiy) | Dreamstime.com
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Energy/Activity Level: Moderate
Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, racing, lure coursing, hunting, agility, flyball, obedience
Exercise requirement: Access to a securely fenced area where they can run freely, in addition to regular walks. Whippets love to run, but they do not need to run for long periods of time.
Grooming requirement: The short, single coat is easy to maintain with a periodic light brushing and quick wipe with a cloth. Bathe occasionally as needed.
Known health problems: Cryptorchidism, sensitivity to anesthetics, cardiac problems.
Additional photos of Whippet
Recommended books for further reading:Show more books
Other websites for additional information:
American Kennel Club breed page
American Whippet Club
Wikipedia breed information page
Whippet Rescue
DogBreedMatch
