Whippet Hound: Basic Dog Breed Info

Breed Group

These fast and elegant dogs that have been employed around the world to chase and take down prays of various size and strength.

Other breeds in this category are the Saluki, the Afghan Hound, the Greyhound, the Borzoi, the Scottish Deerhound, the Irish Wolfhound, the Sloughi, the Ibizan hound, the Galgo.

Size

Whippet dogs fit nicely in the category of medium dog breeds.

According to the Kennel Club, a male whippet should be 47-51 cms (18 1/2-20 ins) a female 44-47 (17 1/2-18 1/ins) at the withers.

The American Kennel Club allows bigger whippets; 19-22 ins for dogs and 18-21 for bitches.

Coat

The short and fine hair makes these hounds low maintenance dogs for the happiness of housekeepers.

To suit everyone’s taste any color and combination is allowed.

High energy outdoors. The whippet is a superb sprinter reaching speeds of 35 miles per hour in short races but has a limited stamina.

Very calm at home especially when they have a chance to nap on your favorite couch.

Protection

Good alarm dog but little protection abilities.

Life Expectancy

Despite their delicate appearance whippets are healthy dogs. They can easily live up to 14-16 years.

Like other sighthounds, whippets are sensitive to anesthesia.

Children

Whippets don’t appreciate rough games but are definitely among the dog breeds good with children.

Other Animals

Non aggressive with other dogs but cats and rabbits can look like natural whippet prey.

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Minimal shedding, a weekly grooming with a hound glove will keep your whippet coat in top condition.

Abilities

Lure coursing, racing, agility, shows, snoozing.

Living Conditions

When daily exercise is provided, a small fenced yard is sufficient.

In extreme weather whippets need coats for their outings.

Low body fat demands soft bedding.