Whippet Dog & Puppies

 

" The Snap Dog "

Breed Origins: The Romans & Egyptians - but specifically bred in Northern England
Breed usage: Hunting Dog: Small Game, especially rabbits and later as Racing Dogs
Dog Weight: 18 - 22 Pounds
Dog Height: 17.5 to 20 inches to the shoulder
Cost of Puppies: From $350 US Dollars

 

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Information, Facts & Origins of the Whippet
The Whippet is believed to originate from the Greyhound, but they are physically smaller, and they share a common ancestors with Roman and Egyptian dog breeds. The Whippet Hound is referred to by other names such as 'The Poor Man's Greyhound'. the 'Rag Dog' and the 'Snap Dog'. The Whippet was bred originally to hunt rabbits. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.

Whippet Dog Names

The Whippet - A Sighthound
The Whippet Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet, although they were bred to hunt rabbits, the Whippet is active and playful. It is good around children and will adapt well to family life. The whippet is virtually free of "doggy odor."

 

Information, Facts and History of the Whippet Hound Dog
The Whippet is a very old sight hound dog breed claiming an ancient heritage as it's ancestor was the Greyhound. The Pharaohs of Egypt kept the the Whippet's ancestors and references to these appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient papyrus, pillars and tablets. The whippets spread right across the Roman Empire and resembles the greyhound but is somewhat smaller. The modern whippet was created by working-class people of northern England by crossing Greyhounds with several other breeds including the terrier. These small coursing hounds were much cheaper to feed and house than the conventional Greyhounds, which is why they proved so popular with the working classes. So how did the Whippet get it's name? It is believed to be derived from Middle English word wippen, to whip or to move in a sudden, quick manner similar to a whip - to thrash or snap about. We can therefore understand why Whippets are so called and why they are also referred to as 'Snap Dogs'. It is no coincidence that whippets have a long whip like tail. Their hunting prowess proved extremely useful to poorer families but as time went by, and man's requirements changed, the Whippet was bred specifically for dog racing. The racing function was believed to have started in the 1700's when men, many of them coalminers, used their hunting dogs for racing on their day off. When their owners raced them they also waved rags at the finish line hoping that it would encourage them to run faster. Thus the Whippet acquired another nickname of 'Rag Dogs'. Whippet racing has never gained the commercial appeal of greyhound racing and so it remains a strictly amateur sport. The Whippet was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1888.

Description of the Whippet Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Whippet's coat can be any selection of colours from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue and cream. The coat is short, fine and close.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Whippets
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Whippet, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Whippet may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

  • Eye problems including cataracts

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

 

Dog photograph

 

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Whippet Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Whippet dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Whippet compared to the height of a male or female - essential information, especially in relation to this massive dog, but nevertheless info which is unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Whippet dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Whippet Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information about Grooming and Care of the Whippet Dog Breed
The Whippet's coat needs to be brushed once only once  every week - it requires minimal grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information about the Temperament and Character of the Whippet Dog Breed
The Whippet is a a gentle, demonstrative, obedient and sensitive dog who makes a docile and pleasant pet. They are extremely active and playful and make devoted companions. They are quiet indoors but outdoors like to to run around and play. They are good with children and will adapt well to family life. It will chase any small moving animals and it has absolutely no road sense!

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Whippet Dog Breed
The Whippet dogs and puppies make good apartment dogs if they are given daily exercise daily exercise. It is comfortable either indoors on a soft bed and dislikes cold weather intensely and should not be expected to live outside. As a hunting dog it is inclined to chase any small animals - don't forget that it has absolutely no road sense!

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Whippet - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Information about Whippet Puppies
The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing puppies:

  • Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
  • Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
  • Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
  • Exercising requirements for the Whippet breed
  • Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
  • Family - child suitability

Age comparison between the Whippet Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the Whippet Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 - 15 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

 
  • Hunting and running down small quarry
  • Flushing out and Driving game
  • Vermin Hunting
  • Guard duties
  • Tracking

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Whippet dog breeding program successful.

 

The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Whippet dog - essential information but unique to this site. 

 

Whippet Dog Breed

Examples of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group 
The Hound group of dogs includes the Whippet and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis and Scottish Deerhounds. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds, together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:

 

Dog Breeds - ABC List

Dog Names & Breeds Site Index

Hound Dog Breeds

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