Whippet
Other names: English Whippet, Snap Dog

Gentle, affectionate, and well-rounded, the Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound with a short coat. Discrete and sensitive, it’s a dog one needs to learn to understand in order to seamlessly communicate with it. Respect and goodwill are key in obtaining this dog’s cooperation, and once he is fully at ease, he will reveal himself to be an exceptional life companion. Active, enduring, and much more robust than his appearance may lead you to think, this sighthound must be taken in by available owners, ready to meet his need for regular outings.
Key facts about the Whippet
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Origins and history
His origins go back more or less a century, since the Whippet was officially recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1900. The first specimens actually saw the light of day in the 17th century. This breed probably descends from a cross between a Fox Terrier and Bull Terrier, and according to some other sources, the Italian Greyhound. The sighthound reportedly owes its name to the old English expressions ‘whip up’ or ‘whip it’, signifying ‘fast as lighting’. These expressions would be used by English miners as commands, aimed at encouraging the hounds to chase for hares, or during races.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 10 - Sighthounds
Section
Section 3 : Short-haired Sighthounds
Physical characteristics of the Whippet
Adult size
Female : Between 17 and 19 in
Male : Between 19 and 20 in
Weight
Female : Between 20 and 35 lb
Male : Between 20 and 35 lb
Coat colour
All colours and colour combinations are admissible.
Type of coat
The coat is short.
The coat is thin and close-lying.
Eye colour
They are generally brown, and their respective shades adapt to the coat’s colour.
Description
The Whippet is a dog of powerful muscular constitution, exuding a balanced strength that renders him elegant and graciously built. The head is long, lean, flat in the upper part, with a rather wide distance between both eyes; it tapers down along the muzzle. The eyes are shiny, and very lively. The ears are small, of a fine texture, and rose-shaped. The thorax is deep, the stomach tucked in. The limbs are long, lean and muscular. The tail is long, thin, worn slightly curled over when in movement.
Good to know
He used to be dubbed the ‘snap dog’, which is a nickname that suits the ever-dynamic Whippet pup very well.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Whippet
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Whippet to adopt

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Compatibility
Price
The price of a Whippet varies depending on its origins, age, and sex. You have to count an average of £580 for dogs subscribed to the Kennel Club.
With regards to the monthly budget required to meet the needs of a dog of this size, you have to estimate an average of £30 per month.
Grooming
This hound’s thin and short-haired coat does not require much maintenance in particular. You must simply remain vigilant that it stays clean.
Regular brushes are enough since, much like a cat, this sighthound is a very hygienic animal that cleans itself.
His ears, on the other hand, much be checked and cleaned regularly.
Shedding
The English Whippet has an advantage in that he experiences very little shedding, moulting seasons are very moderate.
Nutrition of the Whippet
It is above all else with those sighthounds that practice ‘coursing’ or ‘racing’ that one must be particularly careful about the nutrition, and be able to provide food (either dry or raw) that is well adapted to their energetic needs. If this is the case, veterinary supervision is highly recommended in validating a potential, homemade meal plan.
For companion dogs only, high quality kibble can be provided, as long as it is adapted to the age and daily activity level.
One to two daily meals should be provided, in a quiet spot. Self-service is not an option for this active dog.
Health of the Whippet
Life expectancy
Life expectancy is 13 years on average.
Strong / robust
Despite his appearances, the Whippet is a robust dog, but remains vulnerable to bad weather since his coat is thin and his hair short.
Withstand heat
Certain Whippets love the water, which they can cool off in on hot days. Otherwise, they are very good at identifying and securing places in the shade, which helps them stick heatwaves out.
Withstand cold
Very sensitive to the cold, it is important to protect this sighthound in cold weather conditions. You should not consider it an extravagance to make him wear a coat in the winter.
Tendency to put on weight
Very dynamic and energetic, the Whippet is never too ‘fat’. In fact, one often says that he is too ‘skinny’, but it is part of his natural constitution to be that thin.