Pets

The Whippet is a member of the sighthound family, there are similar in appearance to the greyhound only smaller.

Appearance
With all colours acceptable in dog shows, they come in a wide variety of colors and marking patterns, from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue, or cream. The puppies of one litter may have no common colourings. They are a medium-size dog ranging from 25 to 40 lb (11-18 kg), with a maximum height of 22 inches (56 cm). They are shorthaired, long haired varieties are considered crossbreeds.

Temperament
Whippets are generally quiet, gentle dogs, happy to spend the day sleeping. They usually not aggressive with other animals and are friendly with strangers and children, and have been used as companion animals. They may or may not bark when strangers arrive, and are not suited to be guard dogs due to their trusting and unsuspicious nature. They will chase the neighbours cat relentlessly though, or other small animals

Unlike many other breeds, the males are as easy to housebreak, and no more aggressive than females. Both sexes make excellent pets, male are generally slightly heavier and taller than females.

Whippets feel the cold, with there very short fur, and are not suited to outdoor living. Though medium in size, they are often toy in temperament, happy to sit on a lap for hours. They do need exercise, they are extremely athletic when they choose to be.

Most enjoy competing, and excel in agility and lure racing activities. They often do well in shows, though if buying a dog for show, do ensure the breeder has been breeding to standards, due to the popularity of the breed, many whippets are bred solely as pets and will not meet AKC or UKC standards.

Health
Given proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, most Whippets live for 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy, and are not prone to the frequent ear infections, skin allergies, or digestive problems that afflict other breeds. Genetic eye defects have been found in the breed, but are still very rare. Because of this threat, the American Whippet Club recommends that all breeders have the eyes checked clear on their breeding stock. Hip dysplasia is not a problem in Whippets. The breed does have instances of dogs with undescended testicles, so be sure to check mail puppies if buying for showing or breeding.(Clearly its not such a problem if you intend to spay your dog.)

History
Initially whippets were bred by crossing greyhounds with terriers, to create a smaller, cheaper to feed, sight hunting dog but the working classes in England around 500 years ago. The modern look of the breed was created by upper-class English dog fanciers, who took the best-looking Whippets and bred them to appear most similar to a miniature Greyhound.

The Whippet is a member of the sighthound family, there are similar in appearance to the greyhound only smaller.

Appearance
With all colours acceptable in dog shows, they come in a wide variety of colors and marking patterns, from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue, or cream. The puppies of one litter may have no common colourings. They are a medium-size dog ranging from 25 to 40 lb (11-18 kg), with a maximum height of 22 inches (56 cm). They are shorthaired, long haired varieties are considered crossbreeds.

Temperament
Whippets are generally quiet, gentle dogs, happy to spend the day sleeping. They usually not aggressive with other animals and are friendly with strangers and children, and have been used as companion animals. They may or may not bark when strangers arrive, and are not suited to be guard dogs due to their trusting and unsuspicious nature. They will chase the neighbours cat relentlessly though, or other small animals

Unlike many other breeds, the males are as easy to housebreak, and no more aggressive than females. Both sexes make excellent pets, male are generally slightly heavier and taller than females.

Whippets feel the cold, with there very short fur, and are not suited to outdoor living. Though medium in size, they are often toy in temperament, happy to sit on a lap for hours. They do need exercise, they are extremely athletic when they choose to be.

Most enjoy competing, and excel in agility and lure racing activities. They often do well in shows, though if buying a dog for show, do ensure the breeder has been breeding to standards, due to the popularity of the breed, many whippets are bred solely as pets and will not meet AKC or UKC standards.

Health
Given proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care, most Whippets live for 12 to 15 years. They are generally healthy, and are not prone to the frequent ear infections, skin allergies, or digestive problems that afflict other breeds. Genetic eye defects have been found in the breed, but are still very rare. Because of this threat, the American Whippet Club recommends that all breeders have the eyes checked clear on their breeding stock. Hip dysplasia is not a problem in Whippets. The breed does have instances of dogs with undescended testicles, so be sure to check mail puppies if buying for showing or breeding.(Clearly its not such a problem if you intend to spay your dog.)

History
Initially whippets were bred by crossing greyhounds with terriers, to create a smaller, cheaper to feed, sight hunting dog but the working classes in England around 500 years ago. The modern look of the breed was created by upper-class English dog fanciers, who took the best-looking Whippets and bred them to appear most similar to a miniature Greyhound.