Whippets are graceful and affectionate dogs that are well suited to apartment life. They are a type of sighthound dog, which simply refers to the way they hunt. Unlike scent hound dogs, sighthounds use their keen eyesight and fast speed to catch their prey.

Whippets look just like small greyhounds, with a thin frame, arched back, long legs and small, tapered head. And just like a greyhound, the whippet breed is a dog that loves to race. Keep this in mind if you do have an apartment and decide to get a whippet - they do need regular exercise.

Because of their thin coat, whippets should be kept indoors. They are not insulated from drops in temperature, and in any case, these are dogs that have a strong connection with their owner. They like nothing better than to curl up on their owners lap or lie next to them whilst they watch tv or use the computer!

Whippets love people. They are very friendly with strangers, and as such should not be bought if you're after a guard dog. They are good with children too.

If you have cats and you want to get a whippet, make sure you get a puppy so he can grow up with your cats. Whippets will chase cats, and according to Wikipedia, they tend to attack cats that wander into their territory, unless they have been brought up with them. So, if you have cats, I would avoid getting an adult whippet. 

Whippets are an interesting mix of the quiet and the active. They are happy to curl up and sleep on the couch for hours, yet they also love to run and excel at racing. So, they are definitely a dog that needs their walks (or runs). Be careful in traffic though, as whippets don't have a lot of road sense.

Whippet Information At A Glance

Size:  The ideal height for the male Whippet is 18 ½ in and the ideal height for the female Whippet is 17 ½ in. 

History and origin:  By looking at the Whippet, it is quite obvious that the Greyhound accounts for half of this breed's make-up.  However, there is a controversy as to whether he was crossed with a Terrier, a Pharaoh Hound, or some other imported hound. 

The Whippet has been widely known and popular in Britain since the start of the century and was exhibited at Crufts as early as 1897.  Five years later, the breed was recognized by the British Kennel Club.  This breed is also popular in the United States, where the standard allows for a slightly larger dog.  Other than a great companion and a popular show contender, this breed is also designed for racing and coursing, in which he does extremely well.

Feeding:  Recommended feeding for the Whippet is ½ -1 can (13.3oz size) of high-quality meat product with biscuit added in equal part by volume or 1 ½ cupfuls of dry food.

Exercise:  This breed is one of the fastest dogs that exist today.  He is a racer, capable of running at 35-40 miles an hour.  He can easily adapt to apartment living as long as he gets plenty of vigorous exercise.

Health care:  Despite his delicate appearance, the Whippet is a strong and healthy dog.  He needs to be kept indoors and kept out of draughts.

Grooming:  This breed generally requires minimal grooming, but the tail usually needs to be tidied up when performing in the show ring.  His teeth should be scaled regularly and his nails need regular clipping.


Do you have a whippet? What's he like? Share you stories and thoughts on this beautiful dog below.