ALLEMAND
ESPAGNOL
FRANÇAIS
ITALIEN
NÉERLANDAIS
PORTUGAISWhippet
Welcome to our page dedicated to the breed of dog whippet!
Here, you will find all the useful information about whippet. This descriptive profile will allow you to discover the aspects of this breed. You can notably consult information about the average price, monthly and annual upkeep expenses, their health, name ideas, as well as their official recognition by competent authorities.
Explore this page to discover everything you need to know.
Overall description of the breed
It was recognized under the name Whippet in Great Britain at the beginning of the 19th century; however, its presence dates back to around the 17th century, when it was known as "levrette" or "levron." The Whippet is a direct descendant of the Greyhound.
At that time, the English Greyhound was exclusively owned and bred by the Anglo-Saxon nobility due to its high maintenance costs, which made it inaccessible to the British working class. Since they didn't have access to this type of dog, some groups of enthusiasts decided to create their own breed by crossing Greyhounds with dogs that were much more common among the lower classes, such as Fox Terriers or Bull Terriers.
The puppies from these crossings were selected for their physical qualities like speed, endurance, and resistance to effort. After years of selection, the Whippet managed to stand out in speed races organized by the mining population. In fact, it owes its name to these events, as "Whippet" is derived from the expression "Wip It," which means "go, run."
The breed was officially registered by the FCI on April 27, 1955, and its currently applicable standard was recently published on September 4, 2019.
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog that shares many similarities with its close relative, the English Greyhound. Its lines are graceful, and its appearance is athletic. Its body is muscular, its chest is narrow and deep, combined with a well-arched abdomen, giving it an extremely dynamic morphology.
Its loins are defined by beautiful curves, its tail is thin and long, always carried to the side when in motion. Its head is small but proportional to the rest of its body, with a long, slender muzzle, a slightly pronounced stop, and small ears. Its almond-shaped eyes are lively and expressive. The Whippet's coat is short, dense, and covers the entire body. Colors permitted by the breed standard include Black, Red, Blue, various shades of Fawn, White, or Brindle with White.
Like all sighthound types, the Whippet is primarily a high-performing athlete and an excellent hunter. However, it also proves to be particularly pleasant within the family. Affectionate and expressive towards members of its household, its temperament is calm, sometimes even timid. It will need time to build trust with people it doesn't know.
Intelligent and playful, the Whippet enjoys sharing and interacting with its owners. Its training generally poses no problems since it's obedient, docile, and sociable with its peers. Remarkably fast and dynamic, it greatly enjoys long walks and open spaces, yet it can easily contain itself and respect calm moments when necessary. A gentle and caring companion, it is an atypical and endearing pet that brings balance and tenderness to many families.
In adulthood, the Whippet weighs around 13 kg (29 lb) and measures between 47 and 51 cm (18.5" to 20") for males and between 44 and 47 cm (17.3" to 18.5") for females.
Awareness of acquiring an animal
Each animal is a sensitive being, deserving love, attention and care.
When you choose to adopt an animal, you take on the responsibility of ensuring its health and well-being throughout its life.
To learn more about animal welfare, we invite you to consult our FAQ by clicking the button below:
Origins
The whippet is a dog breed originating from England. It was developed in the 19th century by crossing Greyhounds with terriers and small Italian greyhounds. The goal was to create a fast and agile dog for dog racing and rabbit hunting. Primarily used by workers and miners, whippets are often called "the poor man's racehorse". Their name comes from the English word "whip", referring to their speed. Whippets are also appreciated for their elegance and gentle character, becoming ideal companions for families.
History
The history of the whippet begins in the 19th century in the industrial regions of England, especially in the north of England and the Midlands. Miners and workers used these dogs for impromptu races and hunting small game. The whippet quickly gained popularity thanks to its impressive speed, reaching up to 56 km/h, and its ability to slip into rabbit burrows. The first breed standards were established at the end of the 19th century, and the British Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1891.
Standard
The whippet breed standard highlights a dog of medium size, elegant and muscular. Its silhouette is harmonious, with a slightly arched back and a deep chest. The skull is long and dry, with strong jaws and oval and expressive eyes. The ears are small and rose-shaped. The tail is long and tapering, carried low. The whippet's gait is light and fluid, reflecting its speed and agility. This standard guides breeders and judges in evaluating the conformity of whippets to the desired characteristics.
Physical characteristics
The whippet measures between 44 and 51 cm at the withers and weighs between 9 and 20 kg. It has a short, fine and tight coat, pleasant to the touch. The colors of the coat are varied, including white, black, blue, fawn, brindle and all possible combinations. The body of the whippet is well proportioned, with a fine but powerful musculature. Its legs are long and slender, favoring speed and endurance. The head is long and narrow, with large and expressive eyes that reflect the intelligence and gentleness of this breed.
Character
The whippet is known for its gentle, affectionate, and balanced character. Very attached to its family, it appreciates human company and is generally sociable with strangers. It is a calm dog at home, loving to lounge on the couch, but also very energetic and playful outside. Intelligent and sensitive, the whippet responds well to positive reward-based training. It can sometimes be reserved with other dogs, but generally gets along well with them. Its affectionate and non-aggressive nature makes it an excellent companion for families.
Life expectancy
The whippet enjoys a relatively long life expectancy for a dog of this size, typically living between 12 and 15 years. This longevity is explained by a strong genetic makeup and a relative absence of serious hereditary health problems. To maximize your whippet's lifespan, it is essential to provide balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and appropriate veterinary care. Like all dogs, regular visits to the veterinarian are important to monitor their health and prevent common illnesses.
Exercise and activity needs
The whippet needs daily exercise to stay in good physical and mental health. Although calm indoors, it requires about an hour of activity per day, including walks, games, and races in secure spaces. Whippets love to run and need to expend energy to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. In addition to physical exercise, it is important to stimulate their minds with interactive games and training sessions. Canine sports such as agility and coursing are also ideal for this breed.
Recommended diet
The Whippet's diet should be balanced and tailored to its energy needs. A high-quality diet, including good quality kibble or wet food, is recommended. The amount varies depending on the age, weight, and activity level of the dog. On average, the monthly cost of feeding a Whippet is between 40 and 70 euros. It is important to consult a veterinarian to determine your dog's specific needs and adjust its diet accordingly.
Training and obedience
The whippet is an intelligent and receptive dog, but it can sometimes be stubborn. Training should be based on positive methods, using rewards and encouragement rather than punishments. Start training at a young age to establish good habits. Socialization is also crucial to prevent fearful or aggressive behaviors. Whippets respond well to short and varied training sessions, which helps maintain their interest and motivation. Consistency and patience are essential to successfully train this sensitive breed.
Behavior with children
The whippet is generally very good with children. Its gentle and affectionate nature makes it an ideal companion for families. He loves to play and is patient with younger children. However, as with all dog breeds, it is important to monitor interactions between the dog and children, especially toddlers, to avoid any unintentional accidents. Teach children to respect the dog and not bother him when he is eating or sleeping. With good socialization and clear boundaries, the whippet can become an excellent playmate for children.
Compatibility with Other Animals
The whippet can get along well with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. Due to its hunting instinct, it may tend to chase small animals such as cats or rodents. However, with gradual introduction and careful supervision, it is possible to acclimate them to peacefully coexist. Whippets generally get along well with other dogs and enjoy their company. Their non-aggressive nature makes interactions easier, but it is always important to monitor the first meetings.
Grooming needs
The whippet has a short and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is sufficient to remove dead hairs and keep its coat in good condition. Bathing is only necessary when the dog is particularly dirty. Whippets are clean dogs that do not tend to emit a strong odor. Additionally, it is important to regularly check the ears, brush the teeth, and trim the nails to prevent health problems. Compared to other breeds, the whippet is relatively easy to care for.
Health
The whippet is generally healthy, but can be prone to certain specific conditions. Among the most common health problems are hip dysplasia, heart issues, and skin allergies. Due to their low body fat percentage, they are also sensitive to cold and skin injuries. Regular veterinary care is crucial to monitor and treat these conditions at an early stage. Additionally, a balanced diet and appropriate exercise help maintain the whippet's health throughout its life.
Average price
The price of a whippet varies depending on several factors such as the reputation of the breeder, lineage, and geographical location. On average, the cost of a whippet puppy ranges from 800 to 1500 euros. Dogs from champion bloodlines or intended for shows can cost more. It is important to choose a responsible breeder who conducts health tests on their breeding dogs to ensure a healthy puppy. Initial costs often include vaccinations, microchipping, and an initial veterinary examination.
Expenses
Monthly expenses for a whippet include food, veterinary care, grooming, and accessories. On average, these costs range between 50 and 100 euros per month. Food represents the majority of expenses, followed by preventative healthcare such as deworming and parasite treatments. Toys, beds, and other accessories can also add to the expenses. It is important to budget for unexpected medical expenses and regular veterinary visits to ensure the well-being of your dog.
Name ideas
Choosing a name for your whippet can be fun. Here are some suggestions: Speedy, Rocket, Flash, Bella, Luna, Milo, Max, Daisy, Bella, Zoe, Charlie, Finn, Lily, Scout, Ace, Rosie, Ruby, Jack, Duke, Ellie. Opt for a short and easy to pronounce name that captures the energy and elegance of your whippet. Make sure the name is distinctive so the dog can easily recognize it. Test out several names to see which elicits the best reaction from your puppy and choose the one that seems most fitting.
Legislation and regulation
The whippet is not classified as a dangerous breed or subject to strict regulations. However, it is important to respect local laws regarding dogs, such as registration, vaccination, and rules of conduct in public places. In France, all dogs must be identified by microchip or tattoo and registered in the national database. Owners must also have liability insurance to cover any potential damages caused by their animal. Check with local authorities to learn about specific requirements in your region.
Official recognition
The whippet is recognized by many cynological organizations around the world. In France, the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) recognizes the breed. In the United States, it is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). In the United Kingdom, it is recognized by the Kennel Club. Other international organizations such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) also recognize the whippet. These organizations define the breed standards and supervise dog competitions and shows to ensure the breed's characteristics are respected.
Pedigrees
Whippet pedigrees can be obtained from recognized breed clubs. In France, the French Whippet Club (CFW) is a reference for breeders and owners. In the United States, the Whippet Club of America (WCA) offers resources and information on lineages. In the UK, the Whippet Club is the main authority for this breed. The Canadian Whippet Club (CWC) in Canada and the Whippet Association in Australia are also recognized organizations. These clubs offer pedigrees, breeding and maintenance advice, and organize events for whippet enthusiasts.
Destination and usage
The whippet is a versatile dog appreciated for various uses. Historically used for hunting and dog racing, it is now primarily a pet. Thanks to its speed and agility, it excels in canine sports such as agility, coursing, and lure coursing. Its gentle and affectionate nature also makes it an excellent therapy dog. In addition, whippets are often present in conformation and obedience competitions. Their balanced temperament and natural elegance make them ideal companions for families and active individuals.
Prohibitions
There are no specific prohibitions related to the possession of whippets, but it is essential to respect local dog regulations. In France, whippets are not classified as dangerous dogs and are therefore not subject to ownership restrictions. However, they must be registered, identified with a microchip or tattoo, and vaccinated in accordance with the law. It is also important to respect local rules regarding the behavior of dogs in public spaces, including the use of a leash and the management of feces.
Breeders of Whippet
Want to see more breeders of Whippet?
Check out the page of our directory listing all breeders of WhippetClassified Ads of whippet
No of whippet classified ads are available on Preeders.
If you’re a breeder, sign up for free now and be the first to post a classified ad
Breed clubs of whippet
No of whippet breed clubs are currently registered on Preeders.
If you would like to highlight your breed club, sign up for free now and be the first to appear on this page.