Whippet

The Whippet is an excellent choice for those who want a dog that will combine the role of an affectionate and gentle pet with performance in the show ring. It has a peaceful temperament but can be a little nervous in strange surroundings.

Origin and history

The Greyhound obviously had a hand in the Whippet's make-up, but there is some controversy as to whether the cross was with a terrier a Pharaoh Hound or some other imported hound. The breed has been popular in the United Kingdom since the beginning of the century and was exhibited at Crufts as early as 1897. It was recognized by the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom five years later. The Whippet is also popular in the United States, where the standard allows for a slightly larger dog. It was designed for racing and coursing, in which it excels. Many Whippet owners derive immense pleasure from keeping a dog that not only satisfies their sporting interests but is also a popular show contender and loving household pet.

Whippet Puppies

Good points

• Clean
• Elegant
• Gentle and affectionate
• Good with children

Take heed

• Strong hunting instincts

Size

The ideal height for dogs is 18112 in (47cm) and for bitches 17V2in (44.5cm). Judges should use their discretion and not unduly penalize an otherwise good specimen.

Exercise

The Whippet is a racer, capable of 35-40 miles (56-64km) an hour. It will adapt to life as a family pet, but make sure that you can give it plenty of exercise.

Whippet Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

Needs little grooming, but the tail usually needs tidying up for show. Teeth should be scaled regularly.

Feeding

Recommended would be 6-130z (170-369g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 3/4-13/4 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 112 cup of hot or cold water.

Whippet Information

Health care

Whippets are hardy, despite their delicate appearance, but should sleep indoors and be kept out of draughts.

General appearance
Should convey an impression of beautifully balanced muscular power and strength combined with great elegance and grace. Symmetry of outline, muscular development and powerful gait are the main considerations; the dog being built for speed and work, all forms of exaggeration should be avoided. It should possess great freedom of action; the forelegs should be thrown forward and low over the ground like a thoroughbred horse, not in a hackney-like action Hind legs should come well under the body, giving great propelling power. I Movementshould not be stilted, high stepping or mincing.

Colour
Any colour or mixture of colours.

Head and skull
Long and lean, flat on top, tapering to the muzzle, rather wide between the eyes; jaws powerful and clean cut. Nose black; in blues a bluish colour is permitted, and in livers a nose of the same colour; and in whites or parti-colours a butterfly nose is permissible.

Tail
No feathering. Long and tapering; when in action, carried In a delicate curve upward but not over the back.

Feet
Very neat, well split up between the toes; knuckles highly arched; pads thick and strong.

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