Whippet Dogs and Puppies

Appearance

Whippets are a medium-size dog weighing from 25 to 40 lb (11–18 kg), with their height (under the FCI standard) of 18.5 inches (47 cm) for dogs and 17.5 inches (44 cm) for female dogs. Whippets are generally more larger in the United States with coursing, show and some race Whippets required to be within the AKC standard of 18.5 to 22.5 inches (48–56 cm) for Whippet dogs, and 17.5 to 21.5 inches (46–53 cm) for female Whippets. Because color is considered irrelevant in judging whippets, the dogs come in a wide variety of colors and marking patterns from solid white to solid black, with red, fawn, blue, brindle, or cream. All manner of blazes and spots and patches are seen, sometimes all in the same litter of Whippet dogs.

Temperament

Whippets are generally gentle and quiet dogs, happy to spend much of the day sleeping. Whippets are not generally aggressive towards people and other animals, and although loyally attached to their owners, they are very friendly to visitors. The dogs are not prone to snapping, so they are great with young children. Because of their friendly nature, Whippets have often been known to be of assistance in aged care facilities. The dogs may or may not bark when strangers are present, and are not well suited to be guard dogs due to their overly trusting and unsuspicious nature. The dogs do however tend to playfully attack cats that stray onto their territory.

Interestingly, many whippets are subject to an excessive greeting condition. Their unique greeting ritual is characterized by wild displays of enthusiasm - bounding, jumping, barking, howling etc. - when their owners return from any long absences of 10 minutes or more. This may be a problem with some very young children in the house as the children may easily be knocked over.

Unlike many other dog breeds, the males are as easy to housebreak, and not any more aggressive, than female dogs. Both sexes of Whippets make excellent pets. Males are sometimes seen to be slightly more loyal and to enjoy constant repetitive play. Females Whippets can be a little more complex and more strong-willed, but are very equally devoted to their owners. Male Whippets tend to be one to two inches taller, and generally three to six pounds heavier, than females.

Whippets are poorly adapted for living as outside dogs or in a kennel. Their coats do not provide sufficient insulation to withstand prolonged periods of exposure to the cold weather. Their natural attachment to people makes them most comfortable when kept as housepets. The dogs are most at home in the company of their owners, lying next to them or in their lap. Whippets are quiet dogs and thus well suited to apartment life, although the dogs do need regular exercise. The chance to run free for Whippets in open spaces should be made available to the whippet. Close and constant care, however, should be taken with Whippets on the street as it is alomost impossible to instill any sort of traffic sense into the dogs.

Ease of grooming and elegance of the Whippet have made the dog a somewhat popular show dog. The Whippet has, however, never quite gained the immense popularity of such dog show stalwarts as the poodle.

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