WHIPPET
APPEARANCE
The Whippet is a svelte, elegant, and fragile looking dog. He looks very much like a small version of a greyhound. These dogs have long legs, intelligent expressions, and move with grace and dignity. The coat of the Whippet is close fitting, fine, and smooth. The coloring of these dogs can vary and includes blue, brindle, white, fawn, and black. The height of the Whippet is around 18-21 inches for females, and 19-22 inches for males. These dogs weigh in at around 20-30 pounds for females, and 25-40 pounds for males.
PERSONALITY
Affectionate, gentle, and sweet, the Whippet is an adaptable creature with an amiable attitude. These dogs are devoted pets and companions, and are fine with inexperienced owners as well as the more experienced. The Whippet does like to have a run around and play, but is also happy enjoying the creature comforts of home. These dogs love the attention of their owners, and enjoy interactive play. He does require daily exercise, and his play area must be safe and secure, as he is very agile and will be off and away before you realize. They are very in tune with the emotions of their owners, and are sensitive and sometimes timid.
TRAINING
Unlike some other breeds, male whippets are as easy to housebreak as females. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and quick learning rate makes these dogs relatively easy to train, although corrections must always be verbal because of their sensitive nature. whippets are outstanding running dogs and are top competitors in lure coursing, straight racing, and oval track racing. With the advent of new methods in motivational obedience training being used, whippets are becoming successful obedience dogs. Many enjoy flyball and agility.
EXERCISE
Whippets need regular exercise because they were born to run. Their lithe figures are a product of good genes and sufficient exercise. They require regular walks and occasional good hard runs.
SOCIALIZATION
The Whippet will get on well with children, but he is fragile and should not be around younger, boisterous children that may pester and rough handle him. Some may be timid around strangers, whereas others will be polite. They do make good watchdogs, as they will bark is something appears to be amiss. With early socialization the Whippet should get on okay with household pets, although owners may want to be cautious around smaller, running creatures that could be seen as prey. Like other sighthounds the Whippet is very sensitive to touch, and should not be startled with unexpected physical contact.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Whippets are not well-adapted for living in a kennel, or as outside dogs. Their coats do not provide insulation to withstand prolonged periods in cold temperatures. Their natural attachment to people makes them happiest when kept indoors. They are most at home in the company of their owners–in their lap or lying next to them on the lounge. Whippets are quiet and thus well suited to apartment life, although like all dogs they need regular, healthy exercise.
GROOMING
When it comes to maintenance the Whippet does not require much work. You can simply brush his coat occasionally to keep it looking sleek and it good condition. These dogs are also low shedder, and may therefore be suited to those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
Given proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, most whippets live for 12 to 15 years. Genetic eye defects, though quite rare, have been noted in the breed. Undescended testicles are common in the breed. Whippets, like most sighthounds, are intolerant to barbiturate anesthetics. The Whippet is one of the fastest dogs. The heart of a whippet is large and slow beating, often being arrhythmic or even intermittent when the animal is at rest. This sometimes causes concern to the owner, or to the vet not experienced with the breed. Whippets will, however, demonstrate a regular heartbeat during exercise. They are very sensitive to cold because of their thin skin, and should be provided with a sweater in colder weather when outdoors. Make sure that you provide the Whippet with soft, cushioned bedding to protect his bones and joints from pressure. The parents of the Whippet puppy should have CERF certificates and clearance for sebaceous adenitis (SA).
HISTORY
One of the fastest breeds in the world, the Whippet was developed from the greyhound and terriers and originates from England. Developed as a racing dog as well as a rabbit hunter, the breed was registered with the AKC in 1888.
