young female © Cukurs (Thomas Schmitt) | Dreamstime.com

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

© Madja (Magdalena Sobczyk) | Dreamstime.com

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.

© Ds34450 (Daniel Shalloe) | Dreamstime.com

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.

© Lebedinski (Vladislav Lebedinskiy) | Dreamstime.com

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

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Recommended books for further reading:

Whippets (A Complete Pet Owner's Manuals) By D. Caroline Coile and Michelle Earle-Bridges Published in 1998 96 pages

Whippet (A Comprehensive Owner's Guide) By Juliette Cunliffe, Isabelle Francais, and Carol Ann Johnson Published in 2005 155 pages

Pet Owner's Guide to the Whippet By Anne Vickerstaff Published in 2003 80 pages

Whippet (A Complete and Reliable Handbook) By Dean Keppler Published in 1999 93 pages

The Whippet (The World of Dogs) By J. P. Moran-Healy Published in 2001 256 pages

The Whippet (The Dog Anthology) By Various Published in 2007 68 pages

Whippets Today By Patsy Gilmour Published in 1994 175 pages

The Whippet Handbook By Lewis Renwick, W. Published in 2006 132 pages

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Other websites for additional information:

American Kennel Club breed page
American Whippet Club
Wikipedia breed information page
Whippet Rescue

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Page Last Updated: February 1, 2018

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