Whippet

Origins and History

The Whippet originated in England in the late 19th century as a lightweight sighthound bred for racing and hare coursing. Developed from the Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, and various native English terriers, the breed was refined to excel at short‑distance sprinting. The Kennel Club (UK) recognized the Whippet in 1903, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted it full recognition in 1911. Though originally a working and racing dog, the Whippet transitioned to a companion animal after the decline of organized coursing.

General Characteristics

• Elegant, aerodynamic build with a deep chest and long, slender legs.
• Gentle, affectionate temperament; calm indoors but capable of explosive bursts of speed.
• Originally bred for swift pursuit of game; today valued for agility, lure coursing, and conformation showing.

Physical Specifications

• Height: Males 18–22 inches (45–55 cm); Females 17–21 inches (43–53 cm) at the withers.
• Weight: Males 35–45 lbs (16–20 kg); Females 30–40 lbs (14–18 kg).

Coat and Color

• Coat: Short, fine, and close‑lying; lies flat against the body with a glossy sheen.
• Accepted colors: Any solid color (black, white, fawn, brindle, red, blue, chocolate, etc.), or combinations of white with any of the solid colors. No white spotting beyond a small blaze or mask is permitted in the AKC standard; the FCI allows a broader range of white markings.

Temperament Considerations

Whippets are sensitive and eager to please, yet they retain a strong prey drive inherited from their sighthound ancestry. They respond best to positive reinforcement and can become shy if subjected to harsh correction.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization with people, children, and other dogs to mitigate timidity.
• Consistent, reward‑based training sessions of 5‑10 minutes to match their short attention span.
• Daily exercise that includes at least one opportunity for safe, off‑leash sprinting or lure coursing to satisfy their need for high‑intensity activity.

Daily Grooming

• Brush the coat once or twice weekly with a soft bristle brush to remove loose hair and maintain the glossy finish.
• Bathing only as needed (typically every 6–8 weeks) to avoid stripping natural oils.
• Trim nails regularly; check ears for debris and clean gently. Dental care should include brushing or dental chews several times per week.

Show Preparation

• Begin a light brushing regimen 2–3 days before the show to ensure a smooth, dust‑free coat.
• Apply a light, dog‑safe coat conditioner the night before to enhance sheen.
• Ensure the dog is well‑exercised but not fatigued on the day of the ring; a calm, focused Whippet presents best when the musculature is defined and the posture is upright.

Common Health Issues

• Cardiac: Aortic stenosis and other congenital heart defects – recommended annual cardiac auscultation and, if indicated, echocardiogram.
• Ophthalmic: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts – annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
• Musculoskeletal: Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation – screening via OFA or PennHIP for hips; orthopedic evaluation for knees.
• Neurological: Idiopathic epilepsy – monitor seizure activity and consider genetic testing where available.
• Dermatologic: Autoimmune skin disorders (e.g., pemphigus) – maintain a clean environment and seek veterinary dermatology consultation if lesions appear.

General Care

• Exercise: Minimum 1 hour of vigorous activity daily, including a safe, fenced area for sprinting.
• Nutrition: High‑quality protein‑rich diet formulated for medium‑sized, active dogs; maintain body condition score 4–5/9.
• Lifespan: Typically 12–15 years; regular veterinary wellness exams support longevity.

Disclaimer: The information provided reflects current breed standards and widely recognized health concerns. Individual dogs may vary, and owners should consult their veterinarian for personalized care recommendations.