Whippet Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

Whippets were known as “Poor Man’s Greyhounds” during the late 18th century and were mainly used by the poachers. They were also employed in snap contests where they had to snap up rabbits in a round orbit. They have a sleek and elegant body with a high prey drive. Hence, it is essential to supervise them.

Go through the article if you want to learn more about Whippet Dogs!

Whippets are a reasonably modern dog breed originating in Yorkshire and Lancashire, Northern England. They result from the cross made between the Greyhounds and the long-legged terriers. This swift and small dog was mainly bred for hunting and other small games. With time, Whippets became very popular among the working men.

The first ever Whippet to be recorded was named Jack Dempsey. Today, the Whippet ranks 60th in popularity among the 155 breeds.

Some of the characteristics of Whippet dogs are:

• Lifespan: Whippets have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
• Height: Male Whippets grow to 19 to 22 inches, whereas females reach 18 to 21 inches.
• Colour: Whippets are seen in various coat colours such as fawn, blue, cream, brindle, red, black, and white.
• Weight: Males are more significant than females. The average weight for males is 34 pounds, and for females is 29 pounds.
• Temperament: Whippets are amiable and gentle with kids. However, they are pretty intense during a chase.
• Energy Level: Whippet dogs are highly energetic and need moderate exercise.

Whippets might snap back at you at times when they are irritated or agitated. Hence, the following tips will help you to train your Whippet efficiently:

• Keep Training Sessions Short: Like humans, Whippets cannot concentrate on a single activity for extended periods. Hence, it is crucial to divide the training sessions throughout the day and keep them short.
• Consistency Is The Key: Always use the usual commands during the training sessions. Being consistent with the training instructions reduces their confusion and helps your Whippet learn faster.
• Consider Professional Dog Trainers: If, at some point, you are facing difficulty in handling and training your Whippet pup, consider hiring professional dog trainers to hold the reins.
• Don’t Lose Your Calm: Sometimes, Whippets might have problems comprehending your commands. Hence, be patient with them and help them to get hold of the desired behaviours. Punishing and screaming will only worsen the process of learning.

Some of the common health problems seen in Whippet dogs are mentioned below:

• Von Willebrand Disease: This bleeding disorder affects the blood clotting process in your Whippet. The leading cause of Von Willebrand Disease is the reduction in the amount of Von Willebrand factor in the circulating blood. The dogs may pass blood along with stool as well.
• Ocular Problems: Whippets are more prone to specific eye problems such as corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy. Corneal atrophy is an inherited disease that causes the clouding of the eye, whereas the latter causes the degeneration of the retinal layer.
• Anaesthesia Sensitivity: Whippets are sensitive to certain anaesthetic drugs. Due to their low body fat, they cannot even tolerate a regular dose of the drug. Refer to a vet who has knowledge of this issue and knows how to administer medicines in a tolerable amount.
• Congenital Deafness: Whippets have a high chance of developing congenital deafness. Blue-eyed Whippets are more likely to develop deafness in either one or both ears. With proper training and care, deaf dogs are no less than normal dogs. However, they should not be bred further.
• Spinal Cord Problems and Arthritis: With increasing age, the Whippets may develop musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis with inflamed joints. Certain old whippets develop a condition where cartilage in the spinal cord obstructs blood flow, which eventually causes a stroke.
• Hypothyroidism: In this condition, the thyroid gland in your Whippet doesn’t produce much thyroid hormone, resulting in fatigue and obesity. Apart from this, they may suffer from coat dryness and intolerance to exercise. Consult your vet as soon as you observe signs of hypothyroidism.
• Heart Murmurs: Heart Murmurs are medical conditions that indicate underlying cardiac problems in Whippets. However, you can also hear murmurs when your puppy is growing up. In other cases, they may suffer from valvular disorders, which progress to heart failure.

The following section lists a few tips to take care of your Whippet dog:

• Food and Nutrition: The meal portion of Whippet should be divided into 2 meals. They should receive 1 to 2 cups of high-quality dog food, which again depends on metabolism, activity level, age, and body build.  A more active Whippet dog will likely consume more than a lazy dog. The dog food should fulfil all nutritional requirements.
• Grooming: Whippets have a short coat that should be brushed weekly with a hound glove or a brush. This will help to get rid of loose hair that is shed off. Bathing is not required unless dirt or dust sticks to the body. You should also brush it’s teeth twice or thrice a week to prevent tartar buildup.
• Exercise: Whippets need approximately an hour daily to fulfil their exercise requirements. Initially, they might be very active but generally calm down around 2 years of age. They can run fast. Whippets love fun games such as fetch and enjoy a short jogging session.

Whippets love their daily walks and enjoy running alone in a fenced area. They are generally affectionate and undemanding. Whippets make an excellent company for kids owing to their mischievous and playful nature. Apart from this, they also love a cuddle session with their owner and, thus, make a great family pet.