7 Little Known Characteristics of Whippets

The whippet breed is a member of the hound family, and countless owners agree that the whippet is one of the most beautiful and graceful dog breeds. Whether at rest or running full throttle, the aerodynamic whippet is built for speed. Its short coat requires minimum grooming, and the whippet is gentle, kind, affectionate, and quiet, making this breed an ideal family pet and companion…even if you have fun with weekend racing. Here are 7 characteristics of the whippet you may or may not have known:

1.) WHIPPET ORIGINS – Many have differing opinions of the origin of the whippet breed. In the mid 19th century in the industrialized areas of Northern England, there existed a canine breed resembling a smaller greyhound, demonstrating traces of Italian greyhound or terrier. It is believed that the breed we are familiar with today is a result of many crosses between greyhounds (selected for speed and strength) and certain terriers (selected for courage & game hunting abilities).

2.) BREED DEVELOPMENT – Whippets originally bred for racing and hunting had a higher degree of terrier blood, giving them added strength and tenacity, while those whippets kept strictly as pets or for visual appearance showed more Italian greyhound influence, used to give greater refinement and reduce size. Because of the numerous cross breeding practices over time, this explains why the breed demonstrates a sturdy hound breed with few hereditary issues.

3.) WHIPPET RACING – In the smaller towns of Northern England, whippets were raced through the narrow streets and in fields and meadows on weekends, giving owners great pride in their racing ability. Over time, the breed received the name “poor man’s race horse.” Such increasing popularity of the whippet created a decline in the use of the breed for hunting, and a greater focus on racing. Whippets were known as “straight racers” because they raced in straight alleyways and in between rows of houses.

4.) PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS – Weighing on average from 27-31lbs. (12.5-14kg), the average whippet is a balanced combination of strength and muscular power, also coupled with grace and elegance. Whippets have relatively thin skin and get cold easily, which is why they don’t like to get wet.  Whippets tend to carry their tails between their legs (except when walking or playing) because the curve of the tail follows their natural curved spine. Despite their fragile appearance, whippets are surprisingly strong, not typically prone to illness, and are not typically susceptible to hip issues.

5.) WHIPPETS AS PETS – As domestic pets, whippets are clean, and can be easily housebroken and trained. Whippets are remarkable watchdogs and surprisingly rarely bark, which is important with neighbors close by or little children in the home. Whippets are basically indoor dogs and require nothing more than a warm blanket or bed to curl up.

6.) MATERNITY – The female whippet is usually an excellent mother, taking great care in protecting her litter. They have been known to birth up to 10 pups, although the average litter is around 5 or 6 pups. The puppies look much like other pups when born but begin to really look like a whippet around 6 weeks.

7.) WHIPPETS IN THE UNITED STATES – Prior to 1900, British-born New England residents introduced to the United States. Since its recognition by the American Kennel Club in the early 1930′s, the whippet has gradually increased in popularity.