 Bred
for speed and work, the Whippet is a breed displaying both
the characteristics of stregth and elegance. Orginally, bred
in England to privide small game for the table, the Whippet
also entertained on weekends as a popular form of racing.
It is believed that Whippets were first brought to the US
by English mill operatives of Massachusetts. They are considered
sight hounds and are member of the AKC Hound group.
Capable
of speeds up to 35MPH, Whippets are excellent athletes with
mich success in agility, coursing, racing, obedience and Frisbee
competitions. Because they are sight hounds, Whippets enjoy
chasing small objects and game. With high energy, Whippets
require several periods of vigorious exercise daily, which
should be supervised in a fenced area or on a leash. Due to
their sight hound genes, Whippets should not be left loose,
as they are an oblivious to cars and other dangers while they
may be in pursit of game or other moving objects. Due to their
trusting nature, Whippets usually do not fair well when fenced
with an agressive dog-another reason for close supervision.
Whippets
are friendly, gentle and affectionate with their family and
fit in well with children and other dogs. They are just "at
home" on the couch as they are engaged in sporting events
and make excellent house dogs. While they may bark at strangers,
Whippets are not considered aggressive and may even be aloof
with strangers. Whippets are wonderful family companions as
well as accomplished athletes. |
| Height: |
Male: 19-22 in., Female: 18 -21 in. |
| Weight: |
20
- 35 lbs. |
| Temperament: |
Affectionate.
Wonderful with children. |
| Color(s): |
All
colors such as fawn, red, blue, black, brindle, white, solid
and spotted patterns (immaterial in competition). |
| Grooming: |
Brushing,
nail trimming |
| Coat(s): |
Short,
close |
| With
Children: |
Yes |
| With
Pets: |
Yes |
| Training: |
Not
a good dog for those interested in obedience training. Medium
level of trainability. |
| Exercise: |
Multiple outdoor sessions with lots of chasing and romping activities.
|
| Health
Issues: |
Genetic eye problems |
| Housing: |
Indoors, with frequent outdoor exercise, should be kept with
the leash on in a fenced yard. |
| Life
Span: |
12
- 15 years |
| Country
of Origin: |
England |
| Conformation
Group: |
Hound
|
| More
Resources: |
