Whippets are elegant dogs that do not require a lot of work from their owners and make great pets. Keep reading to learn how to properly care for this intelligent and loving dog.
Breed Snapshot
• Size: Medium-sized breed. They can weigh anywhere from 8 to 12 kgs and get be anywhere from 44 to 47 cm tall
• Coat: Short coat. This breed isn’t known to shed too much. They should be brushed occasionally
• Energy: Moderate energy levels. They are content staying home, but also love going outside and running. They should be taken on a brisk walk or jog at least once a day
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
• Country of Origin: England
• Breed Type: Descendants of the greyhound. This breed is athletic and agile
• Great Breed For: Apartments, homes with fenced-in yards, families with children
What is a Whippet?
Whippets are elegant, low-maintenance dogs that love to run and play outside, but also enjoy cozying up on the couch and watching TV with their owners. These tall, slender dogs have some striking resemblances to their greyhound ancestors. However, they are slightly smaller and easier to maintain.
This breed was first created during the Victorian era in England. The coal miners in northern England were big fans of dog racing, but most of them did not have the space or the financial ability to properly feed and house a greyhound. So, they decided to breed the greyhound with a smaller breed of dog. The result of this crossbreeding gave birth to the whippet, which was just as fast and athletic as a greyhound, but its smaller size meant that it was able to live comfortably in smaller dwellings.
What Does the Whippet Look Like?
Many people think that a whippet looks like a small version of the greyhound. They are a medium-sized breed that can get around 47cm tall when they are fully grown. They have very slender bodies that curve up slightly at the back. They also have long necks and a slender head that features a long, narrow snout.
What Makes the Whippet Special?
Whippets are loveable dogs that are able to easily adapt to their owner’s lifestyle. They enjoy regular exercise, but they are also happy to stay home and lounge around the house. They do not require a big house or a big yard to be happy.
The whippet is a friendly breed that is able to get along well with humans and animals. They are intelligent creatures that are loyal and well-mannered.
How Often Should I Groom My Whippet?
Whippets have a short coat of hair that does not require a lot of maintenance. In order to keep their hair and skin healthy, they should be brushed and bathed occasionally. For the most part, whippets are exceptionally clean dogs and don’t seem to have the “dog smell” that other breeds have. They do a good bit of self-grooming and self-cleaning, so their owners don’t really have to do much to keep them clean.
If they spend a lot of time indoors, it is important that you check their nails every few weeks to ensure that they are not getting too long. You will also want to check their ears occasionally to make sure that they do not have any dirt or wax buildup, which could lead to an infection.
How Often Should I Walk My Whippet?
Whippets are notoriously good runners, and extremely fast. They have the ability to travel up to 183m in just 12 seconds. On average, a whippet can run around 50 km/h. They enjoy running and stretching their legs. However, they are also content to stay indoors and lounge around the house. They should be taken for a walk at least once a day, but other than that, they are happy with being however active their owner wants them to be.
How to I train My Whippet?
While they are loving and friendly, whippets have the tendency to running away from their owners or chase after small animals. For this reason, it is important that you teach your whippet basic commands and give them proper obedient training at an early age.
They have been known to be sensitive to their owner’s emotions, so during the training process it is important that you remain calm and use a gentle but firm tone. They also respond well to positive reinforcement. Try to have plenty of treats available and reward them when they have mastered a command.
Even after their training is complete, your whippet may still want to chase after small animals. Therefore, it is important that you have your dog on a leash or in a fenced-in yard if you expect other animals to be present. Remember, whippets can jump really high, so you will want to make sure that you have a tall fence if you plan on leaving them in a fenced-in area unattended.
Quickfire Questions
How long will my whippet live?
Whippets have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years
Can my whippet be left home alone all day?
Whippets are loving and compassionate and love to spend time with their families. However, they are also well-mannered dogs that don’t mind being at home by themselves. However, if you plan on being away from your dog all day, it is a good idea to make sure that they have plenty of food and water, as well as a few toys to help keep them entertained.
What kind of health risk do whippets have?
Whippets are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. However, they have been known to suffer from a few different illnesses, including hearing and vision disorders. Some whippets have been known to develop heart disease when they get older.
Is a whippet the right breed for me?
Whippets are loving and affectionate dogs that are able to easily adapt to their owner’s lifestyle. They are usually well-mannered around children and make great family pets. They are also very athletic and tend to do exceptionally well in various dog competitions. For the most part, whippets get along well with other animals. However, if you have a small animal living in your home, such as a gerbil or rabbit, the whippet needs to be monitored closely as they love to chase and catch small animals.
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