Whippet: History, characteristics and care

The Whippet, an elegant and swift dog, is often praised for its friendliness, speed and adaptability. This athletic breed, which originates from England, has an interesting history and unique needs. In this article, we explore every aspect of the Whippet, from its temperament and physical characteristics to its daily care, diet and living environment. Size: 44–51 cm Weight: 10–18 kg Temperament: Calm, gentle, fast Coat: Short, smooth, all colours Origin: United Kingdom FCI Breed Group: Group 10 – Sighthounds Life expectancy: 12–15 years For more details on each breed, please consult official breed clubs or the FCI standards.

What is the history of the Whippet?

Where does the Whippet come from?

The Whippet originated in 19th-century England, where the breed was developed by miners and labourers. By crossing sighthounds with smaller terriers, they created a slender, fast dog suitable for hunting small game and later for racing. Earlier varieties of small sighthounds were already in use in the Middle Ages, but the breed as we know it today was refined in the late Victorian period.

How did the Whippet become famous?

Following the ban on certain forms of animal hunting, such as hare hunting in 1835, activities such as snapdog coursing and rag racing began to emerge. Whippets became famous for their speed, which won them both prize money and public enthusiasm. By the late 19th century, the breed was officially recognised by the English Kennel Club in 1891 and the American Kennel Club in 1888.

What is the character and temperament of the Whippet like?

What characterises the Whippet’s behaviour?

• Gentle and Good-natured: Whippets are known for their affectionate nature. They make excellent family dogs and enjoy human interaction.
• Calm and Quiet: They bark very little and know how to behave calmly indoors.
• Playful but Sensitive: Although they are energetic and playful, they require a calm and patient approach in handling and training due to their sensitive nature.

How do Whippets get on with others?

• Children: Whippets are generally affectionate and tolerant towards children, making them a good choice for families.
• Other Dogs: With proper socialisation, they get on well with other dogs. However, due to their strong prey drive, they may have difficulty with smaller animals such as cats and rabbits.

What are the physical characteristics of a Whippet?

How big and heavy does a Whippet get?

• Height at the withers: Whippets range in height from 44 cm to 51 cm. Generally, males are slightly larger (47–51 cm) than females (44–47 cm).
• Weight: This breed weighs between 9 and 19 kilograms, with males typically being heavier than females.

What is unique about their coat and colours?

• Coat type: They have a short, smooth coat that requires little maintenance.
• Colour variations: Whippets come in a wide variety of colours, including black, brown, blue, white, and combinations such as brindle or with white markings.

How do you care for a Whippet’s coat?

How often should Whippets be brushed?

Although their short coat requires little care, weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hairs and keep the skin healthy. Use a soft brush or rubber curry comb for this.

What is important when bathing a Whippet?

• Frequency: A bath every 8 to 12 weeks is usually sufficient.
• Shampoo: Use a mild dog shampoo that does not strip the natural oils from their skin.

How do Whippets socialise with other dogs?

Why is socialisation important?

Whippets are sociable dogs that generally get on well with others, but early socialisation is crucial to prevent behavioural problems and make them comfortable with all sorts of situations and other animals.

How can you encourage socialisation?

Organise supervised play sessions with other dogs and consistently reward positive behaviour. This helps the Whippet develop confidence and learn to interact well with others.

How do you train a Whippet properly?

What are some important training tips?

1. Early training: Start training as soon as possible and focus on basic commands such as ‘sit’ and ‘stay’.
2. Positive reinforcement: Use rewards such as treats or toys and avoid harsh corrections.
3. Keeping the hunting instinct in check: This breed has a strong prey drive, so a lead is essential outdoors unless the area is fenced off.

What are the ideal living conditions for Whippets?

Is a Whippet suitable for an apartment?

Yes, Whippets adapt easily to apartment life, as long as they get sufficient daily exercise. They love to lie comfortably, preferably on a soft surface such as your sofa or bed.

How much exercise do Whippets need?

Half an hour to an hour and a half of activity per day, such as running or walking, is ideal. They enjoy doing occasional fast sprints (off-leash, in a safe area).

What health problems are common in Whippets?

What are the most common diseases?

Although Whippets are generally healthy, they can suffer from:

• Heart conditions, such as Mitral Valve Disease (MVD).
• Eye problems, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts.
• Blood disorders, such as von Willebrand disease.
• Sensitivity to anaesthesia, due to their low body fat percentage.

What is the life expectancy of a Whippet?

Whippets have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, depending on health and lifestyle. Consistent veterinary care and a balanced diet contribute to a long life.

How much does a Whippet cost?

What are the initial costs?

The purchase price varies between €800 and €2,500, depending on pedigree and lineage. Adoption can be cheaper, averaging around €300.

What are the monthly costs?

Below is an overview of monthly expenses:

• Nutrition: €40 – €70.
• Veterinarian and preventative care: €15 – €35.
• Other essentials: treats and toys add around €20.

What is the Whippet’s nutrition like?

What do Whippets need in their diet?

• Protein-rich nutrition: High-quality energy sources such as chicken or lamb are essential.
• Omega fatty acids: Omega-3 contributes to healthy skin and coat.
• Portion sizes: An adult Whippet needs around 200–400 grams per day (depending on weight and activity level).

What types of exercise are suitable for Whippets?

What activities suit Whippets?

• Lure coursing: Ideal for Whippets due to their natural instinct to chase.
• Agility training: Good for physical and mental stimulation.
• Flyball: Combines speed and focus, which is perfect for Whippets.

The Whippet is a breed that combines elegance, intelligence and friendliness in an athletic body. With the right care, training and social interaction, the Whippet is an ideal companion for families and lovers of active dogs.