INTRODUCTION

The Whippet breed of dog was a hunter’s best friend, quickly chasing rabbits and other small game. Today, the breed competes in agility, flyball, decoy racing, rally and obedience, and is a loving therapy dog. The breed’s unique nature, friendly personality and elegant appearance make it a favourite as a family companion, as well as at shows. They can even make excellent flat pets, although they require plenty of exercise to burn off their high energy and do not like to be left home alone for many hours a day. A Whippet may not make a great watchdog, as they rarely bark, even at strangers. AniMall24 recommends a dog bed to give your medium-sized Whippet a good night’s sleep. You should also choose this dog brush and massager for your short-haired puppy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Whippets are suitable for flat living if they have access to a secure fenced area where they can run. Whippets have low energy levels indoors, but will become hyperactive and destructive if their exercise needs are not met. When Whippets are not properly socialised they can become shy and stressed by changes in their environment. A properly socialised Whippet is a polite and undemanding dog that gets along wonderfully with strangers and other dogs.Whippets are not very good watchdogs as they rarely bark and are friendly to everyone they meet.Whippets need daily exercise and will enjoy romping and running in a fenced or leashed yard. Whippets should never be allowed to run off leash during walks.Whippets have a strong prey drive and will chase other animals for several miles.Underground electronic fencing is not recommended for Whippets. Underground electronic fencing is not recommended for Whippets, as they will ignore the shock if they see something to chase. A 1.5 or 2 metre fence should be sufficient to confine your Whippet.Whippets do not shed excessively, and weekly brushing will help keep loose hair off their clothing and furniture.A Whippet’s fine fur is vulnerable to scratches, tears and nicks.Without daily exercise, a Whippet can become destructive. When their exercise needs are met, Whippets are usually quiet and calm dogs.Whippets are not outdoor dogs and should live in the house with their people. Whippets can suffer from separation anxiety and may become destructive when they do. It is important that you spend time with your Whippet and allow him the freedom to follow you from room to room or just curl up at your feet, or rather on the couch with you.Although Whippets do very well in multi-dog households, there have been cases of Whippets attacking and killing cats. There have been some Whippets that live happily with cats and other small furry animals, but these dogs were socialised to the animal at a very young age. If you have any other small pets in addition to another dog, be aware that the Whippet could chase the other pet – or worse, injure it – if it is not well socialised or trained.Whippets make great companions for children. However, it is important to teach your child how to interact properly with dogs and never leave a young child alone with any breed of dog.Whippets get cold easily. Buy a jumper or coat for your Whippet in cold, wet or snowy weather.To get a healthy pet, never buy a puppy from a backyard breeder, puppy mill or pet shop. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs for genetic health and temperament.

HISTORY

The Whippet is a fairly modern breed, not much more than a couple hundred years old. It was developed in the north of England, specifically in Lancashire and Yorkshire, probably in the late 1700s, crossing greyhounds with fast long-legged terriers. The result was a small, swift dog often used by poachers to hunt rabbits and other small animals on local farms. Whippet became popular with workers in the north of England, who spent their free hours seeing which Whippets could kill the most rabbits or rats or who was the fastest. Whippet races were generally held on a straight track that stretched across roads and fields. Whippets chased a rag or piece of cloth, and the contests became known as rag races. While the working class bred and perfected the racing and hunting spirit in the breed, the upper class is said to have perfected the look of the breed as it is today by adding some Italian greyhounds for refinement. The Kennel Club of England recognized the Whippet as a breed in 1891. The first Whippet to register with the American Kennel Club was a dog named Jack Dempsey, in 1888. Today, the Whippet continues to inspire admiration for its elegant appearance, versatility and devoted companionship. . It is ranked 60th out of the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the AKC.