The "poor man's greyhound," about two-thirds the height and one-third the weight of his big and ancient ancestor, was developed by British miners some 100 years ago. Bred out of small greyhounds crossed with terriers and the miniature Italian greyhounds, the whippet from the start filled the roles of rabbit courser, racer and family companion. As speedy over a short stretch as the greyhound, the whippet is generally less high-strung and reserved. Hardy and easy to raise, even-tempered and dependable with children, his qualities have won him increasing respect and adoption.
 

What is a Whippet?

A Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound - a group of dogs which includes the Greyhound Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, Pharoah Hound, Afghan Hound, Saluki, and others. These dogs were bred to hunt by sight, coursing game in open areas at high speeds. Although one can find numerous representations of small Greyhound-like hounds in art dating back to Roman times, the modern Whippet was created by working-class people of northern England by crossing Greyhounds with several other breeds, including the Italian Greyhound and a now-extinct long-legged terrier. These small coursing hounds were cheaper to feed and house than Greyhounds, but very handy at providing rabbits for the pot They also were used to provide sport on non-working days as their owners enjoyed racing them against each other. The modern look of the breed was created by upper-class English dog fanciers, who bought the best-looking Whippets and bred them selectively to appear most similar to a "Greyhound in miniature", Because color is considered "immaterial" in judging Whippets, they come in the widest variety of color and marking patterns of any breed - everything from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue, cream.
And all manner of spots and blazes and patches are seen-sometimes all in the same litter!

What kind of Personality does the Whippet have?

Whippets are generally very quiet and gentle dogs in the house, content to spend much of the day sleeping on the couch! They are not generally aggressive with other animals, and although especially attached to their owners, they arc friendly to visitors. They are not prone to snapping, so they are good with young children, They may or may not bark when strangers arrive, and are not suited to be guard dogs due to their trusting and unsuspicious nature. Outside, however, particularly when they arc racing or lure coursing, they demonstrate their superb athletic skills and will pursue their "quarry" (even when it is an artificial lure) with the heart of a lion. To see these dogs in full stride is breathtaking!

Does a male or a female make a better pet?

Unlike many other breeds, the males are as easy to housebreak, and no more aggressive than bitches. Both sexes make excellent pets, Males tend to be slightly more loyal and enjoy repetitive play. Females can be a little more complex and strong-willed, but are equally devoted to their owners. Males tend to run one to two inches taller, and three to six pounds heavier, than females.

How should I care for my Whippet?

Whippets, like other dogs, require a good quality kibble and plenty of fresh water. Grooming is minimal - cut their nails regularly, bathe as needed, and keep them free of parasites. They are not well-adapted for living in a kennel or as outside dogs. Their coals do not provide the insulation for them to withstand prolonged periods of exposure to the cold. Their natural attachment to people makes them happiest when kept as house pets. They need soft bedding on which to sleep, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care. The most important thing you can do to care for your Whippet is to protect him from being hit by a car, or attacked by aggressive dogs. Whippets generally get the worst of any dog fight, so "invisible fences" are not recommended. Protect your Whippet with a safely fenced yard, or by walking him on leash. Puppies can be chewers, so crating is recommended when you are not able to supervise their activities. Obedience training will snake your Whippet a better canine citizen.

Can they live in an apartment or condominium?

Yes, provided their owners are active and can take them someplace to get exercise at least four times a week. The quiet Whippet Is well-suited to apartment life, provided their owners train them to stay safety by themselves or crated while the owner is away.

What kind of activities can I do with my pet Whippet?

Many enjoyable competitive sports are open to pet Whippets. Whippets, as their heritage would suggest, are outstanding running dogs and are top competitors in lure coursing, straight racing, and oval track racing. In these events, a temporary track and lure system is set up. The lure is usually * white plastic trash bag. All of these events are purely for sport, and are put on for the enjoyment of the dogs and their owners. Top competitors win ribbons and points towards running titles, No betting is allowed. Thus, win or lose, every dog goes home to be "king of the couch". With new methods of motivational obedience training being used, Whippets are becoming successful obedience dogs. Many enjoy flyball and agility. All of the above activities are open to Whippets who are spayed or neutered. For racing and coursing, your Whippet must not have any breed disqualifications, such as being oversized (see Breed Standard). The elegance and ease of grooming of the Whippet have made it a popular show dog, but to be successful at this sport, you must purchase a puppy who is considered by its breeder to be show quality.

What types of health problems do Whippets have?

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 dysphasia is not a problem in Whippets.

Will I be able to keep my Whippet off the furniture?

Probably not!. They love the sofa and will gladly warm your feet in bed at night I hey make wonderful hot water bottles! Luckily for them and for you, it is easy to keep your Whippet clean and free of parasites so that he will be a welcome guest on your furniture. You can also put a sheet or threw over the "dog chair" and remove it when company comes.

Is there a long-coated variety of Whippet?

There are dogs who have been referred to as "long-haired Whippets", but it is the opinion of the American Kennel Club and the American Whippet Club that these dogs are actually mixed-breeds. They are not recognized by AKC or any other major canine registry, and cannot compete in events such a racing or coursing

Where can I get a Whippet?

Breeder referrals in your area can be obtained by contacting Cathy Gaidos, the Secretary of the American Whippet Club, at 10177 Blue River Hills Road, Manhattan, KS 66303(913) 485-2850. There are also many wonderful Whippets who have lost their homes through no fault of their own.. These dogs may be available through AWC Rescue. The Rescue Chairperson, Peggy Bush, may be contacted at (214) 337-1758
Resources for WHIPPET ADOPTION - click here

How can I learn more about Whippets?

An excellent place to see Whippets and learn more about them is a local dog show, It is best to approach the exhibitors after they have finished showing for the day. They should be delighted to talk with you about their favorite subject - their beloved Whippets! Another good idea is to schedule a visit to the home of a breeder, where you can see Whippets of all ages and colors in a relaxed home setting.

MORE BACKGROUND

Whippets are kin to Greyhounds, and are a member of a group of hounds known as sighthounds, which include Greyhounds, Afghan Hounds, Salukis, Borzois (Russian Wolfhounds), and others. Sighthounds are distinguished by their visual acuity and their dependence on their eyesight for hunting (hence the name). Sighthounds also tend to be lean, deep chested, and leggy.

Can they run really fast?
Whippets are swift and agile runners. They can sprint at 35.5 mph, which is about 5 mph faster than a domestic cat or a white-tailed deer. Greyhounds are faster, topping out at a maximum speed of 39.35 mph, and have greater endurance for longer runs. It is a joy to watch these animals enjoying the full power of their speedy bodies. Despite their fragile appearance, these are tough, resilient little dogs.

Don't you ever feed those dogs?
My dogs eat very well. They have healthy appetites and are permitted to eat all they care to. Their lithe figures are the result of regular exercise and good genes. They are the envy of just about everyone. As with humans, every Whippet has his or her own unique personality. Nonetheless, there are common traits that can be generalized to the breed.

Whippets are bright, playful, exuberant, noble, graceful, loyal, affectionate, independent, and they enjoy playing practical jokes. They are, at heart, basically elves.

Everybody claims that their favorite breed is intelligent and good with children (which, I suppose, means that the dog will refrain from dining upon them).

Whippets are very bright, which helps a great deal in training them, but this can be offset by their independent nature: their desire to do your bidding isn't as great as in working breeds, for example. Motivation can usually be provided in the form of something edible.

Yes, Whippets are good with children, although not so good as to be able to spare you the expense of baby-sitters.

The Longhaired "Whippet" Controversy
There's no such thing. The AKC and AWC are clear on the fact that in order to be a Whippet, by definition, you have to have a short coat. The dogs may be nice enough, but they just aren't Whippets.

Perhaps someday genetic archeology will be able to determine the location and date of the appearance of the prototypic Ur-Whippet... until then, we can only opine and make conjectures. This statue resides in the Museo Nazionale, Naples

Whippet-like dogs have been around since antiquity. The image above shows a statue found among the ruins at Pompeii of two whippet-like dogs attacking a wild boar. A Graeco-Roman 'Group of Dogs' in the British Museum contains two whippet-like dogs in "typically characteristic Whippet poses".

Once you start noticing, you will find examples of Whippets (or dogs so similar as to be indistinguishable from them) to be ubiquitous in European art. They can be seen among the works of Giotto and Dürer, and on Greek terra-cotta vases and French tapestries.

Recently, an archeological dig in Israel uncovered a massive graveyard for dogs described as Whippets ritually buried. Also, the Salisbury Museum has the skeleton of a dog known as the 'Windmill Hill Dog' which is reputed to be the oldest remains of a dog found in England. This skeleton is consistent with that of modern Whippets.

Many authorities feel that none of these are "true" card-carrying Whippets, and that the breed originated from mixes of Greyhounds with (depending upon the account) Bedlington Terriers, and/or Manchester Terriers, and/or Italian Greyhounds, and/or Old English White Terriers as recently as the 19th Century. While certainly plausible, no records of any kind have come to light (to my knowledge) supporting this, and the lack of "throwbacks" in Whippet litters who display traits of other breeds tends to suggest that Whippets may have been around for a while.

The recent history of the breed is rich enough that any questions about Whippets of antiquity are rendered fascinating, but irrelevant. It is well established that the Whippet was popular among coal miners in the north of England in the 19th century for both rabbit hunting and racing. It is also said that the Whippet was a popular breed for poaching chickens, being small enough to conceal under a coat! The popularity of Whippets among the working classes earned Whippets the reputation as "the poor man's race horse". Whippets were also referred to as "rag dogs", most likely because rags were used as the lure in neighborhood Whippet races.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The American Kennel Club has published the Whippet Breed Standard online.

Body: Whippets have a very deep chest with a small waist. The muscles of a Whippet are very obvious; in particular when examining the rear legs. Whippets are typically 18.5-20"/47-51cm for a dog; 17.5-18.5"/44-47cm for a bitch.

Coat: The coat is very short and fine. Whippets seldom have to be bathed and it is recommended that owners adhere to that guideline. Whippets do shed but not as much as other dogs.

Head: Whippets have a long head which looks very delicate. The nose should be black.

Eyes: Large, bright and very alert. The eyes should be dark.

Ears: Rose shaped ears

The Tail: A Whippet's tail is very long and thin but covered in fine hair.

Whippets literally do not have an ounce of fat on their bodies, which has implications for certain medications and anesthetics used by veterinarians. Years ago, I remember flea collars had warnings that they shouldn't be used on Whippets. I haven't seen these warnings for a while, but I still avoid using them. Most vets are well informed about this characteristic of the breed, but it is good practice to remind them (just in case) before any surgery or the prescription of medication.

Along with the absence of fat, Whippets are short-haired, and the way they are built, well, their surface to volume ratio is quite high. Therefore, they shouldn't be exposed to extreme temperatures, especially cold. Those precious little dog-sweaters are actually warranted for Whippets in cool and/or wet weather. They should sleep indoors in most climates for the cooler part of the year, and have a draft-free dry place during the daytime, such as a properly appointed dog-house, or your living room couch. Don't be mistaken by the previous paragraphs into thinking that Whippets are delicate little hothouse flowers. They are a strong and hardy breed, and are mercifully free of many of the problems common among other dogs, such as hip or back problems. I have often heard it said (and read) that Whippets, with their fine short coats, do not shed. Unfortunately, this is nonsense. Whippets generally shed only a constant trickle, unless your dog develops an unusually heavy winter coat in response to a lot of time out in the cold. In this case, a good brush is in order.

Whippets love to run, and they need their exercise. If you have a moderately sized yard, these dogs will exercise themselves (especially if you have more than one), but they much prefer playing with their human. Whippets can be trained to catch Frisbees and can excel at it. If you are thinking about a Whippet as an apartment dog, they can be quite happy as long as they get regular walks, and get a good hard run on occasion. By the way, it isn't hard to wear these guys out: they don't have a lot of energy reserves, and once they get a good sprint in, they are ready to lay back and watch the world go by. Even a well trained Whippet shouldn't be let off the leash close to a road. Whippets are coursing hounds, and if a small animal catches their attention, they will usually tear off, regardless of any heavily trafficked road in the way. A properly used leash can make the difference between having a faithful companion for many years, or a bitter memory. The most important element for caring for a Whippet is to love and spend time with them. They thrive on love and attention, and they will return it with substantial interest.

The Whippet by Bo Bengtson. Two editions, 1st ed. David & Charles publishers, England, 1985; 2nd edition, ISBN# 0-9617204-6-8, MIP Publishing, 1994.

 
This listing (and the following synopsis) comes courtesy of Anna-Elisa Liinamo in Helsinki. The whole book is totally about the breed, including lots of pics, history, standards, activities, pedigrees of important dogs, facts of Whips in different countries ... you name it! It may be a bit too much on the conformation side (the writer is a conformation show judge with a *very* high reputation) but I guess it contains about all the information there exists on the breed within 200 or so pages. And no ads! Contact Sighthound Review to obtain copies.

Whippets Today 1994 by Patsy Gilmour, ISBN 0-87605-359-2. Howell Book House, A Prentice Macmillan Company, 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023

The Complete Whippet by Louis Pegram, Howell Book House, 1976. U.S. hardcover. Out of print.

Whippets by Christine Cormany, ISBN 0-86622-686-9 T.F.H. Publications, 1989, U.S. hardcover.
This is one of a set of "breed" books TFH publishes that profiles the featured breed, and then spends the significant bulk of the book on information that is common to all breeds (and is common to all the books in the series). The book contains beautiful color photos of Whippets, which contributes greatly to the illusion that this is a book about Whippets in particular.

How To Raise and Train A Whippet 1964 by Christine Cormany. T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
Another Christine Cormany book, with the same publisher, and same general format as "Whippets", but different content. I suspect (but do not know for certain!) that this is no longer in print, having been supplanted by the newer publication, some 25 years more recent.

The English Whippet by E.G. Walsh and Mary Lowe, The Boydell Press, England, 1984. Hardcover book on all aspects of the Whippet.
Whippets by Shirley Rawlings. The Crowood Press, 1991. Hardcover English book, covers all aspects of Whippets.

The Whippet by C.H. Douglas-Todd (first published as The Popular Whippet in 1961), second edition revised as The Whippet. Published by Popular Dogs Publishing Co, England, 1973.
This is the most complete work on Whippets I've encountered. It is chock full of information about the breed, both academic and practical, delivered with a characteristically British flavor.

Whippet Champions (1960-1985 Vol I, and 1986-1990 Vol II), compiled by Mary Lowe, Alan Sutton Pub. Ltd. England.
1990 soft cover books with pictures and pedigrees of English champions during this period. Available from Mrs. I.H. Lowe, Spring Ford, Newton Reigny, Penrith, Cumbria, England CA11 0A4.

Whippet Champions 1952-1980, compiled and edited by Jan Linzy Pata, 1981.
List of sires and dams with champion get. Many pictures.

Whippet Champions 1981-1986, compiled by Dorothy Johnson and Mary Jane Pruett, Camino E.E. & B. Co., P.O. Box 610, Camino, CA 95709.
Lists Whippets producing champion get during this period. Many pictures.

Who's Who In American Whippets, A.K. Company, P.O. Box 927, Diamond Springs, CA 95619, 1984.
Lists all Whippets published in AKC Stud Book during this period. Many pictures.

Whippets by E. Fitch Daglish, W. & G. Foyle Ltd.
Hardcover English book covering all aspects of Whippets. 1966.

Whippets - Rearing & Racing by Pauline Wilson. Published by Faber & Faber, England. 1979. Out of print.

Whippets - Sporting Bloodlines by Joanna Russell, 1983.
Pedigrees, pictures and information on English coursing, racing and hunting purebred Whippets. Softcover book. This book and the one below are available form Joanna Russell, Bidlake Farm, Germansweek, Beaworthy, Devon, England EX21 5BP.

Whippets - Coloured Bloodlines by Joanna Russell, 1986. Book II published 1991.
Pedigrees, pictures and information on English black and blue purebred Whippets. 1st edition softcover, 2nd edition hardcover.

An outstanding book you may wish to add to your library is:

Care Of The Racing Greyhound by Drs. Blythe, Gannon and Craig. 1994.
Covers complete range of topics including injuries, nutrition, reproduction, etc. Applicable to the Whippet. Available from National Greyhound Association, P.O. Box 543, Abilene, KS 67410.

Videos
The Whippet, available from the American Kennel Club, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
This is the official AKC video on the Whippet Breed Standard, detailing correct conformation, movement, and temperament.

The Whippet, as presented by The Whippet Breed Council of England. Produced and available from Moonlake Productions, Glover's House, Over Norton, Oxon 0X7 5PU, England.
Illustrates the Kennel Club Breed Standard, showing how conformation affects movement. Racing and lure coursing are covered as well as advice on purchasing a puppy.

Periodicals
Whippet Newsletter and WHIPPET NEWS ANNUAL
Editor Christine Hopperstad, 130 34th East, Seattle, WA 98112. Monthly newsletter of the AWC and yearly pictorial annual.

Whippet World
Editor, 4401 Zephyr Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-3299. Quarterly publication on Whippets.

Sighthound Review
Editor Bo Bengtson, P.O. Box 30430, Santa Barbara, CA 93130. Bi-monthly magazine on all sighthounds.

Line and Lure
Editors Connie Austin and Ule James, 5525 N. 225 West, West Laffayette, IN 47906. Official publication of the Continental Whippet Association.

The Whippet Wrunner
Editor Jack Lewis, 13765 Sourth 13000 West, Riverton, Utah 84065. Monthly newsletter of racing results.

The Whippet Biennial (English Publication)
Contact Sighthound Review for copy. Covers activities in a 2 year period. Ads and pictures.

Whippet News (English Monthly Magazine)
Editor Carole Collins, 25 Welland Crescent, Elm Tree Farm, Stockton-On-Tees, Cleveland, England TS19 OUT. Features cross-bred open as well as pedigree/purebred racing.

Whippet World
Editor, 3 Poole Street, Cavendish, Suffolk, C010 8BE, England. Features track, field, and ring. Very similar to the late Whippet Times.

Pure-Bred Dogs AKC Gazette
51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Monthly publication of the AKC. Covers all aspects of pure-bred dogs. Although not a publication, also available from AKC as a valuable reference is the AKC Whippet Slide Show/Videl. It is available in slide, VHS or Beta format. It is a must for serious students of the breed.

AKC Coursing Newsletter
EditorLarry Flynn, R.D. 1, Box 1733, Stewartstown, PA 17363. Official AKC publication on lure coursing.

Field Advisory News
Editor Vicky Clarke, 2234 Walnut Avenue, McKinleyville, CA 95521. Official ASFA publication.

Newsletters
The Greater Twin Cities Whippet Club Newsletter
Editor Gail Wieberdink, 569 Woodhill Drive, Roseville, MN 55113. Newsletter subscrition.

Speed
publication of the Northern California Whippet Fanciers Association
Editor Louise Calkins, 642 Abrigo Ct., San Ramon, CA 94583. Newsletter subscription.