Description

The Whippet breed resembles a Greyhound but is much smaller, hence the nickname “Poor Man’s Greyhound”. Like most sight-hounds, the Whippet has a long head with a tapered, delicate muzzle with teeth that meet in an even scissor bite. The oval eyes are usually dark, and the ears are floppy. The Whippet’s chest is quite deep, and the front legs should be straight, ending with cat-like feet. The long tail is tapered and held low.

Origin: England

Look

Whippet dogs have short, shiny fur with a smooth texture. Their sleek fur is quite thin, so they don’t fare well in cold weather. They shed only moderately, and regular brushing will help keep their fur in good condition. Whippets come in a large variety of colours and patterns: everything from solid white to black and brindle.

Health

Whippets are typically healthy dogs; however they may be affected by the following conditions:

• Sensitivity to anaesthesia (they cannot tolerate Barbiturates)
• Deafness
• Von Willebrand’s disease
• Eye diseases

At NewDoggy.com, we promote puppies coming from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. NewDoggy.com’s Health Certificate certifies that all promoted puppies are in good health.

Learning

Whippets are usually sweet-tempered and very clever. They are sensitive dogs, so it’s best to avoid rough training methods. Whippets love to run and play, and will be eager to listen to you if they realise that training involves games and running. Once you find a motivating reward for your Whippet, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quickly they are capable of learning.

Temperament

Be warned: Whippets make terrible guard dogs – they are just too friendly! A well-socialised Whippet is docile and friendly, even with strangers. They get along well with just about everyone, including children and other dogs. Socialisation is important for these sensitive dogs, as without it they may become shy and timid.

Living with

If you opt for a Whippet, you’ll need to make sure they have a good run every day to work off their excess energy. They don’t need frequent exercise, and once they’ve had their runabout, Whippets will spend the rest of the day relaxing.

A properly exercised Whippet will be comfortable living in any size home; they even do well in apartments. Without exercise, your Whippet may become bored and destructive. Whippets have very sensitive skin, and their short fur doesn’t protect them from extreme temperatures, so your Whippet will be more comfortable living indoors. Living indoors with you will also reduce the chances of your Whippet developing separation anxiety.

Although Whippets get along with most people and other dogs, they are not suited for houses with other animals. They have a strong urge to chase and hunt, and may chase or attack animals such as cats. Your Whippet might get along with cats if raised with one from a young age.