WhippetCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says sighthounds of different sizes have been mentioned since the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the 15th century, Edward of Norwich, second Duke of York, wrote about the usefulness of “great, middle and small” greyhounds. In the 16th century, the physician John Caius described the “tumbler”, a small crossbred sighthound, excellent at catching rabbits, which is linked to the Whippet.

The name “Whippet” comes from a 17th-century term meaning “to move briskly”. In the Victorian era, English writers described the new breed, also called the “snap-dog” because it quickly “snapped up” its prey, used for catching rabbits, for coursing and straight-track racing, and at shows.

How the breed developed

• Beginning of the 15th century – Edward of Norwich writes about small greyhounds.
• 16th century – John Caius describes the “tumbler”.
• Victorian era – The modern breed takes shape.
• 27 April 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a balanced combination of muscular power and elegance. The AKC says it looks like a smaller Greyhound, with the classic sighthound “reverse S” lines: a deep chest, a slim waist, a lean head on a long, arched neck and slender but solid legs.

General appearance

The coat is fine, short and close. Wikipedia says it has no undercoat and sheds little, but its short coat and low body fat make it sensitive to cold.

The standard accepts any colour or mixture of colours, except merle.

The standard describes it as an ideal companion, highly adaptable at home and in sport, gentle, affectionate and even-tempered. The AKC says it is calm at home and saves its energy for explosive bursts of running.

The AKC says the puppies are clever, agile and mischievous, jumping and climbing, so they must be kept safe when unsupervised. Early socialisation and puppy classes are recommended.

Tips for effective training

• Always keep it on a lead. The AKC says: on a lead outside fenced areas.
• Be gentle. It is sensitive.
• Supervise the puppies. They jump and climb.
• Give it a coat in winter. It is sensitive to cold.

The AKC says the Whippet is a born sprinter. A few sessions a week of brisk fetch with a ball or disc, regular walks or play with another dog in a well-fenced area are enough. Lure coursing and agility suit it very well.

Tips for a balanced life

• It can also live in an apartment.
• A coat in cold weather.
• The fence must be high.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the short, smooth coat needs little grooming: a weekly brush and the occasional bath. The ears should be checked regularly, and the nails trimmed often if they do not wear down naturally.

Common health problems

The AKC says the Whippet is generally healthy and robust. Wikipedia adds that it is free of many of the hereditary diseases of other breeds. Things to watch for:

Other care

• Tell the vet it is a sighthound before any anaesthetic.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check the skin after running.

The AKC says its build is not made for extra kilos. An adult should not look emaciated, but two to four vertebrae should be visible, and the hip bones should not be buried in fat.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• In a sighthound, some vertebrae may be easy to see; this is normal.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “The poor man's racehorse”. That is what it was called in the 19th century.
• The fastest acceleration. Wikipedia says it gets off the mark faster than any other dog.
• “Snap-dog”. It snapped up its prey quickly.
• Calm in the house. It saves its energy for sprinting.
• Painted by Batoni. A portrait from 1758 shows an early Whippet.

The portrait of the Earl of Northampton

Wikipedia says the portrait of the Earl of Northampton painted by Pompeo Batoni in 1758 shows a dog that looks like an early form of Whippet.

How fast is it?

Wikipedia says it is the fastest dog for its size.

Can it live in a flat?

Yes; it is calm at home, but needs regular sprints.

Does it feel the cold?

Yes, it is sensitive to cold.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–15 years.