Whippet Dog

Whippet

Whippet Characteristics: The warmhearted and fun-loving Whippet is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1888), a Sighthound. The Whippet, is characterized by its neat, sleek, elegant but powerful appearance with a long, lean head, graceful and gentle expression. Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, bright, oval shaped eyes; small, rose shaped ears; a long, tapering tail and a fluid, easy gait. The temperament of the Whippet can be described as Affectionate, Lively, Gentle.

The coat type of the Whippet is described as short, smooth, fine coat in assorted colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Whippet demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Snap Dog". The origin of the Whippet dog breed dates back to antiquity but the dog was developed was in the United Kingdom (England).

Fast Facts about the Whippet: The following facts provide fast information about the Whippet breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1888), a Sighthound *** Nick name: "Snap Dog" *** Origin: United Kingdom (England) *** Male Height: 19 - 22 inches (47 - 56 cm) *** Female Height: 18 - 21 inches (44 - 54 cm) *** Male Weight: 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) *** Female Weight: 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) *** Coat Type: short, smooth, fine coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Eye problems *** Lifespan: 12-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Whippet Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group (AKC:1888), a Sighthound: The Whippet is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1888), a Sighthound.

Other names for the Whippet: The Whippet is known by the nickname of the "Snap Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the English Whippet. Its nickname "Snap Dog" refers to the dog's sudden closure of its mouth when hunting rabbits and vermin as its jaws were snapped shut.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Whippet" derives from the verb whip meaning "to move quickly".

Whippet - Sighthound: The Whippet is a Sighthound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for speed and agility with excellent eyesight to track small and large game, especially the rabbit and the hare.

Whippet History and Origin: The Whippet dog breed dates back to ancient times but the breed was fully developed was in the United Kingdom (England). The ancestors of the Whippet date back to antiquity and, like the Greyhound, found their way across Europe with Phoenician traders. The Phoenician merchants brought dogs, that closely resembled the Whippet on their trading expeditions to obtain copper and tin from Cornwall, England as early as 1,000BC. The larger Greyhounds were all owned by the English nobility, and during the Middle Ages, it was forbidden by English Law for a commoner to own a greyhound. However, the smaller Whippet was used by poorer people, especially poachers who needed a fast, obedient dog who would chase small game such as for hunting hare and rabbit, but always returned to his owner.

Dogs resembling the Whippet were also used as a 'Ladies Dog' or 'House Dog' as documented in 1630 by the English poet John Taylor (24 August 1578 – 1653). The Whippet went on to become a popular dog in the mines and mills of England. Miners adopted Whippet racing as their sport and became known as the 'poor man's racing dog'. The Whippet is the fastest dog for its weight, capable of speeds of 35mph (56 kilometres per hour), with impressive powers of acceleration. The first mention of the sporting Whippet by name as an 1876 dog show dog in Darlington, in the North of England. The Whippet was also popular in the United States and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888.

Whippet Modern History: The modern history of the Whippet moved on and the breed is now enjoyed as a calm, affectionate and docile family pet and companion.

Whippet Height: The Whippet breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 19 - 22 inches (47 - 56 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 18 - 21 inches (44 - 54 cm).

Whippet Weight: The weight of the male in a medium sized Whippet is 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg).

Whippet Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, smooth, fine coat. The coat of the Whippet is almost odor-free.

Whippet Coat Colors: The colors of the Whippet dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Fawn, White, Red, Brindle and Blue. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color.

Whippet Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Whippet are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Whippet are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Whippet Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-8 puppies. Whippet puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Whippet puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Whippet Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of the popular Whippet dog breed is described as Warmhearted, Affectionate, Lively, Gentle and Fun-loving.

Whippet Exercise Requirements - MODERATE Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Whippet requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a quick, fluid, easy gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game.

Whippet Diet: A fully grown Whippet should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Whippet Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Whippet breed include Eye problems . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Whippet dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Whippet Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Whippet breed is 12-15 years.

Whippet Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Whippet breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Whippet names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Speedy *** Boomer *** Snapper *** Nipper *** Crash *** Eli *** Chase *** Body *** Cash *** Jack.

Whippet Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Whippet girl dog. Our top choice of good female Whippet names are Josie *** Georgia *** Lark *** Jax *** Lilly *** Mia *** Kenzi *** Evie *** Dixie *** Breeze.

Fast Facts about the Whippet: The following facts provide fast information about the Whippet breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1888), a Sighthound *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: United Kingdom (England) *** History / Date: late 1700's *** Male Whippet Height: 19 - 22 inches (47 - 56 cm) *** Male Whippet Weight: 25 - 45 pounds (11 - 21 kg) *** Coat Type: short, smooth, fine coat *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Whippet Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Whippet Lifespan: 12-15 years ***

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