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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.
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 can include:
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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:
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog
Health Problems
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 Symptom 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:
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Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
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Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
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Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
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Exercising
requirements for the Whippet
breed
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Living
Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
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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:
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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. |
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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.
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:
Whippet
Dog Breed
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