Whippet Dog Breed Profile And Characteristics

Overview

• Lifespan: 12-14 years

• Weight: 11-16 kg

• Height: 44-51 cm

• Colors: Black, fawn, blue fawn, chocolate, sable, tan, red fawn, blue, slate grey, grey, yellow and red

• Size: Medium

• Personality: sweet, friendly, athletic dogs and of course needy in desire for affection.

Due to its impressive body, it excels in various dog sports, including agility, lure coursing, and obedience trials. Despite their impressive speed and agility, Whippets are sensitive and respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.

With their combination of grace, speed, and affectionate nature, Whippets are a delightful breed for those looking for a loyal and loving companion.

History And Origin

These breeds of dogs, like most of the popular hunting dogs, were also bred in England in the 18th century.  These dogs are still known by their nickname as "the poor man's racehorse" as they were typically bought by the mining families for the rag race.

Descended from the greyhound with some terrier bloodlines, the Whippet was a favorite among royals and aristocrats, with Queen Alexandra owning several. Today many families enjoy this breed for their athleticism and affectionate character.

In the 1800s, whippets became popular in northern England with coal miners. People loved these dogs not just for hunting, but also 'cause they could run super fast. Whippet racing, which folks sometimes call "rag racing," has become a big deal. The dogs would chase after a rag or piece of cloth on a straight track showing off how quick and nimble they were. This fun activity ended up turning into organized whippet racing competitions.

Characteristics And Rating

Here are the characteristics and ratings of Whippets out of 5.

• Family Friendly: 5
• Intelligence: 4
• Energy Level: 5
• Trainability: 4
• Adaptability: 4
• Grooming Needs: 5
• Health: 4
• Social Needs: 4
• Good with Children: 5
• Protectiveness : 3

Personality Traits

Friendly and Affectionate

Whippets are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are often described as loving and loyal pets. They enjoy being around their owners. 

Gentle and calm

Although filled with high energy, these dogs love to be calm and don't usually attack or defend due to their gentle nature.

Intelligent and Quick Learners

Whippets are intelligent creatures and can learn tricks easily but being independent thinkers can behave stubbornly sometimes.

Energetic and Athletic

Whippets are very athletic as we already talked about their high energy and racing history, so they require a little more exercise and play time than most dogs.

Adaptable

These dogs of speed are quite adaptable in various living conditions but require a little more care and exercise if it is too cold due to their thin fur coat. Early socialization can help them adapt to different surroundings reducing the chances of aggression or fear.

Good for Children And Other Pets

They generally get along with other creatures and can adapt to other pets in the house due to their calm habits. These dogs are mostly tolerant and patient which is very important as they can handle occasional rough handling by young kids without becoming overly stressed.

Low Grooming Needs

Due to their thin fur coat, they don't require high grooming and occasional brushing can keep them clean and shiny. They might require dog coats or sweaters for protection in colder months.

Nutrition And Diet

Like all dogs, these dogs too require a balanced diet for their proper growth and well-being. Their dietary needs should also be tailored to their age, weight, and activity level.

Dietary Needs

The dietary needs of a Whippet dog breed are crucial for maintaining their sleek, muscular physique and overall health. Given their high metabolism and active nature, Whippets require a balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, fats, and essential nutrients.

Protein sources such as chicken, fish, and lamb are ideal for supporting their lean muscle mass, while healthy fats from fish oil or flaxseed aid in maintaining their smooth coat and skin health. 

Feeding Schedule

Whippets do well with a steady feeding plan, often needing two meals a day. Younger ones might need to eat three or four times daily to help them grow. Grown-up whippets do best with good-quality dog chow that has the right mix of protein and other important stuff.

This helps them stay skinny and full of energy. It's healthier to keep their slim build and high spirits in check with the right food.

Puppy Feeding

For pups up to 6 months old, you should feed them 4-5 small meals per day with high protein and fat content for their rapid growth. Puppies are very curious and will chew on whatever they can find, so a special lookout should be done to ensure they don't swallow plastics or anything harmful.

Adult Feeding

For adult ones, it's generally recommended to feed them two meals per day. This helps in maintaining their energy levels and prevents overeating or weight gain. A balanced diet is required according to their tendency to gain weight.

Portion Control

Dogs are prone to overheating and portion control should be done according to the packaged label and your dog's activity. It is important to control the portion of food your dog eats to prevent it from unhealthy weight gain, ensure nutritional balance, promote digestive health, etc.

Treats

Treats should be given in moderation according to your dog's diet. Go for healthy treats like air-dried liver, sweet potato, Green beans, etc.

Care And Training

These dogs are low-maintenance dogs but do need occasional brushing of hair and a bath for cleanliness. Regular exercise is essential for this active breed who enjoy running and playing for energy release. 

They are sensitive to cold weather due to their thin coat and may require additional warmth during winter.

A balanced diet adjusted to their age, size, and activity level is necessary, alongside regular veterinary check-ups and dental care. They thrive in the company of people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

How To Train Your Dog

• Positive Reinforcement: These dogs respond well to gentle training methods and rewarding good behavior is a must for positive reinforcement.
• Consistency: These dogs, like most other breeds of dogs, thrive on consistent commands and clear instructions.
• Avoid Harsh Methods: These dogs can be stubborn when it comes to harsh corrections, potentially shutting down and refusing to learn.
• Timing: Keeping training sessions short is important to keep them attentive in the process.
• Avoid Negative Reinforcement: Physical punishments can lead to fear and aggression and should be avoided.

Moreover, you should try to socialize your dog ideally from an early age. Exposing them to different people, other dogs, and various locations, can be a great boost for their confidence and can make them an adaptable and well-adjusted dog. 

Also, it is important to train them from a young age to prevent them from developing bad habits like stubbornness, unnecessary digging, chewing plastics or boots

Common Health Issue Of Whippet Dog Breed

These are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be sensitive to certain health conditions. Being aware of such conditions can help in early detection and management.

Some common diseases among them include :

Mitral Valve Disease

It is a hereditary heart condition in dogs where the mitral valve deteriorates, leading to heart murmurs and potentially heart failure. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection and management. It is curable and with proper care and treatment, you can help your pet manage the condition and live a comfortable life.

Hip Dysplasia

Although less common in Whippets compared to other breeds, hip dysplasia can still occur. This genetic disorder affects the hip joint, leading to pain and arthritis. If your dog is much less active, there might be a possibility for it and as a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to monitor your dog's health and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any signs of discomfort or mobility issues.

Congenital Deafness

The condition can be caused by a genetic defect such as those linked to multiple genes and gender, known as a recessive or autosomal dominant mutation. Experts say the most common cause of congenital deafness in dogs is related to pigment. It has mostly been seen among this breed of dog with white coloring.

Dental Issues

Like most dogs, these dogs also have a high chance of having dental problems due to tartar and plaque building. Proper dental hygiene and care are necessary for the betterment of your dog's dental health.

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism occurs when one or both testicles fail to drop into the scrotum. Undescended testicles can become cancerous and/or twisted, so it's important to have them removed while your dog is young.

Even though they are typically healthy dogs, they can be susceptible to several other hereditary health issues like progressive retinal atrophy, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, congenital deafness, cryptorchidism, and hypothyroidism. Regular veterinary check-ups, early detection, and appropriate management can help ensure a healthier and happier life for your house pet.

Activities And Training

In addition to being a loyal companion and a great family pet, there are certain activities you can perform with your whippet as they excel in various games and dog sports including:

Agility

Their speed and their agility make them natural at agility courses like racing, hunting, etc.

Lure Coursing

This is where your dog can mimic hunting and you can make them chase a mechanical lure.

Obedience

Their intelligence and willingness to please can make them excellent candidates for obedience competitions.

Racing

Whippet racing is still popular in many places and their high level of energy is satisfied with this game.

Where To Buy or Adopt ?

If you're looking to bring home this breed as a companion, the United States offers several ways to adopt or purchase one. These cute creatures can be acquired from reputable breeders or rescue organizations. 

To find a breeder, you can consult local shelters or attend dog shows. Ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and health testing.

For adoption, check with rescue groups, both national and regional. General animal shelters and websites like Petfinder.com may also have these dogs. Additionally, consider visiting a local animal shelter or rescue group, as they may have Whippets available for adoption.