The Long Haired Whippet

The long haired whippet is not one of the recognized akc breeds. Sometimes classified in the rare dog breeds, these handsome hounds are now gaining popularity.

Like the whippets, these hounds have a friendly and sweet temperament and are able of great sprints but enjoy the comforts of the home.

The History

In the 1970, a long time whippet breeder, Walter A. Wheeler Jr of the Windsprite Kennels in Massachusetts, claimed to have bred a long coated variety from his smooth coated whippets as the expression of a recessive gene still present in the breed.

This variety is not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs because by definition a whippet can only be short coated as stated in the breed standard.

Nevertheless there are two main clubs for this breed: The Longhaired Whippet Association and International Longhaired Whippet Club that organize activities and events for their members.

To further complicate the matter there are also the Silken Windhounds that come from Francie Stull of Kristull Kennel in Texas. Mrs Stull started her breeding program with dogs from Windsprite kennel of Walter A. Wheeler. Later, whippet and borzoi blood was added to the gene pool.

The result is a small long-haired sighthound that breeds true. This means that this group of dogs are similar enough in their looks and genetic making to produce an offspring that is similar to their parents.

What Does a Longhaired Whippet look like?

In the video below you can see some Silken Windhounds in action.

The attractive look, sweet disposition and moderate grooming requirement are quickly earning to this rare dog breed many fans.

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