Whippet

also known as English Whippet, Snap Dog

Pros History


The Whippet is a breed of dog that has a long and rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, where it was used for hunting small game such as rabbits and hares. The breed was developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller, faster breeds such as the Terrier. The name "Whippet" is believed to have originated from the word "whip," as the breed was known for its speed and agility.

During the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the popularity of the Whippet grew among working-class people, who used the breed for racing and hunting. The dogs were highly prized for their speed and endurance, and were often used in competitions and races. In 1891, the first Whippet Club was formed in England, and in 1894, the first standard for the breed was established.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the Whippet in 1888 and the Kennel Club (UK) recognized the breed in 1891. In the early 20th century, the breed continued to gain popularity in the United States and Europe, and was used in a variety of sports and activities such as lure coursing, racing and conformation shows.

During World War II, the popularity of the Whippet declined, but it began to regain popularity in the post-war years. Today, the Whippet is considered a companion breed, and is known for its intelligence, loyalty and affectionate nature. The breed is still used for racing and lure coursing, but it is also often used in agility and obedience competitions.

Breed Information


Type

Is Whippet a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Whippet name? How do you say Whippets?

WIH-puht

Purpose

What were Whippets originally used for?

racing, rabbit coursing

Lifespan

How Long Do Whippets Live? What is average life expectancy for a Whippet? How long can Whippets live?

12-15 years

The average Whippet lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Whippet Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Whippet?

What is the average height of a Whippet? How big is a Purebred Whippet height? Whippet dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 19-22 inches (48.3 - 55.9 cm) 16.5 inches (41.9 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm)
Female 18-21 inches (45.7 - 53.3 cm) 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) 19.0 inches (48.3 cm) 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Whippet? How much should Whippets weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 25-40 pounds (11 - 18 kg) 17.5 pounds (8 kg) 24.0 pounds (11 kg) 32.5 pounds (15 kg)
Female 20-40 pounds (9 - 18 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg) 22.0 pounds (10 kg) 30.0 pounds (14 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Whippets get fat easily?

The Whippet is a dog breed that has a low risk for obesity. This means that they are less prone to gain weight than many other breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Whippets Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Whippet is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Whippet personality? What are Whippet dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Gentle
Lively
Friendly
Intelligent
Quiet
Outright
Adaptable
Companionable

Shedding Level

Are Whippets heavy shedders? How Much Does a Whippet Shed?

Whippet dogs are low shedders. The coat sheds an average amount and doesn't require much care.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Whippet dog?

The Whippet dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Whippets come from?

England

Ancestry

What are Whippets descended from?

terrier, greyhound, spaniel

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Whippet breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Whippets first bred? How old is the Whippet breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Whippet?

Hound (AKC:1888)
Sighthound & Pariah (UKC)

Whippet Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Whippet eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Whippet nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Whippet coat be naturally?

Black
Blue
White
Fawn
Red
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is a Whippets coat?

The coat of a Whippet dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Whippet Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Whippet?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Whippet have in a litter? How many puppies can a Whippet have in her first litter?

12-15 puppies per pregnancy

A Whippet can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Whippets are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Whippet Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Whippets have a lot of health problems?

The Whippet is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Whippet?

Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Von Willebrand's Disease
Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Corneal Dystrophy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Whippets?

Cataracts
Lens Luxation

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Whippet breed?

Blood Test
Dna For Vwd
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Whippet Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Whippets have a lot of energy?

Whippets are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.

Social Needs

Do Whippets need socialization? How social are Whippets?

Whippets have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Whippets get?

The Whippet dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Whippet have? Do Whippets sleep a lot?

Whippets are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Whippet drool a lot?

The Whippet is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Whippets are known to bark very little or not at all. They tend to be very quiet and do not bark excessively. They may only bark in specific situations, such as when they need to alert their owner to something important or when they are in distress.

Territorial

Do Whippets exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Whippet dogs are not known for their protective nature and may not be the best choice as guard dogs. They do not have a strong drive to defend their territory and may not be inclined to provide protection.

Mouthiness

Are Whippets mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Whippet running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Whippet dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Whippets enjoy doing? How do I keep my Whippet busy?

Run, Nap, Hunt, Fetch, Nose work, Eating Snacks, Dog Parks, Walks, Playdate, Tug-of-war, Toys

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Whippet? How much energy does a Whippet have?

Medium

Whippets are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Whippet walk each week? How many miles should a Whippet walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Whippet, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Whippet should exercise a day? How much activity does a Whippet need?

60 minutes

In general most Whippets usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Whippet?

The Whippet is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Whippet?

Monthly

In general Whippet should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Whippets?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Whippet eat?

2.8 cups

For an average 25-40 pound (11 - 18 kg) Whippet feed 2.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Whippet Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Whippet is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Whippet Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Whippet is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Whippet Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Whippet?

Whippets has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Whippet is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Whippet dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Whippet dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Whippet do well in apartments? Are Whippets good indoor dogs?

Whippets are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Whippets good with kids? Are Whippets good around children?

Whippets are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Whippets good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Whippets good with cats? How friendly Whippets are toward cats?

Whippets are not cat friendly dogs.

Dog Friendly

Do Whippet dogs get along with other dogs? Are Whippets OK with other dogs?

Whippets are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Whippet dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Whippets friendly with strangers?

Whippets are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Whippets like to play? Are Whippets playful?

Whippets have an average level of playfulness. The Whippets, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Whippet easily trained?

Whippet dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Apartment Friendly
    Whippet dogs thrive in apartment environments.
  • Good with children
    Whippets are typically good with children and make good family pets.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    Whippets are at a minimal risk for becoming overweight.
  • Rarely barks
    This breed is known for being relatively peaceful, making it a good choice if you're looking for a quieter dog.
  • Low Shedding
    Whippet shedding is generally minimal and infrequent.
  • Lack of odor
    The Whippet's chance of emitting a foul odor is low.
  • Affectionate
    Whippets are affectionate and loving towards their owners.

Cons

  • Not cat-friendly
    Cats and Whippets are not a good mix.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    An office is not the best place for a Whippet.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    People prone to allergies may have a reaction to Whippets, as they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed.
  • Not suitable for cold weather
    Whippets have a short coat that does not provide much insulation, so they are not well-suited to cold weather.