The Secret World of Whippets!

Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone. Don't let the people in on the secret. Whippets are awesome dogs. Let's not admit that to anyone. Why? Because we don't want the breed to become popular to the general public and become overbreed by puppy mills and backyard breeders. Okay, they already are. Which is unfortunately why Whippet Rescue is necessary.

But for those of us who have owned this breed or are currently owners, we know just how special our Whippets are. A beautiful and dignified breed. An easy to care for breed that requires very little grooming. A healthy breed with almost no hereditary illnesses. A smart breed that brings us joy and comedy into our lives daily. A snuggle bug that will push us off the bed at nights. A fast breed that will take your breath away when they run and chase. A lazy breed when they take over your sofa and don't move for 8 hours. LOL (laughing out loud). But it's true. Much like a greyhound, they are happy to laze around in complete comfort. If only my life was as good as my Whippet's!

Having owned Boxers and a German Shepherd Dog in the past, I thought my heart was forever stolen by the Boxer breed. Now that I own a Whippet, I have found the breed that will forever be in my life until the day I die. However, if you aren't a whippet owner and are considering this breed, do your research. It's not for everyone. And finding the right breeder and the right dog is very important if you do choose a whippet.

Ask people who own whippets the pros and cons of whippet ownership. You can easily find information and ask questions at the WhippetTalk Forums where real people will answer your questions.

Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Hart

The first thing that comes to the mind is that song by the band Devo. Many people do not have any idea what a whippet is and sometimes refer to them as a small greyhound. The Whippet was known as the poor man's racehorse in England where the breed was created.

Whippets were bred to hunt by sight (sighthound), chasing game in open areas at high speeds. Greyhound type dogs were depicted in art, from sculpture to painings in Roman times but the first written English use of the word "whippet" with regard to a type of dog was in 1610. The Whippet became an official breed in 1890 when the English Kennel Club granted the breed recognition. That meant the whippet was eligible for competition in dog shows, and that's when the recording of pedigrees began. Fans of the breed took whippets from the race track and exported them all over the world. The whippet soon became a popular breed due to it's ability as companion, show dog, lure courser and hunter.

What does a Whippet look like?


Photo Courtesy of Jonathan Hart

Well, a small greyhound! But if you don't know what a greyhound looks like then here you go: Whippets are a medium-size dog averaging in weight from 25 to 40lbs, with height of 18.5 inches for males and 17.5 inches for females. Whippets tend to be somewhat larger in the United States with show, coursing and some race Whippets required to be within the AKC standard of 18.5 to 22.5 inches for males, and 17.5 to 21.5 inches for females. Because color is considered immaterial in judging whippets, they come in a wide variety of colors and marking patterns, everything from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle, blue, or cream. All manner of spots and blazes and patches are seen, sometimes all in the same litter.

What is the Whippet Personality?

Whippets are generally quiet and gentle dogs, often seen sleeping on the couch. They are not generally aggressive towards other animals (some have more prey drive than others), and although especially attached to their owners, they are friendly, but wary, to visitors. Because of their friendly nature they have often been known to be used in aged care facilities. Whippets do not make good watch dogs as many will not bark at strangers or protect the home. They do however tend to attack cats or any small animals that stray onto their territory. Whippets are so fast, some have caught birds! Outside, particularly when they are pursing prey, they demonstrate their superb athletic skills and will chase(even when it is an artificial lure)
with intense focus. When in the chase, the whippet becomes deaf (not really, but it seems like it).

Unlike some other breeds, the males are as easy to housebreak, and no more aggressive, than females. Both sexes make excellent pets. Males are sometimes considered to be slightly more loyal and affectionate. Females can be a little more complex and strong-willed (they aren't called bitches for nothing), but are equally devoted to their owners. Males tend to be one to two inches taller, and three to six pounds heavier, than females.

Whippets don't do well as ouside dogs. Their coats are thin and there's just not enough (if any) fat to provide the insulation and padding to withstand prolonged periods of exposure to the cold. Whippets bond strongly to their people and are happiest when kept as housepets. Whippets think they belong on the sofa or your bed - with you. Or without you if you aren't there. But mostly, with you. Whippets are quiet and thus well suited to apartment life, although they do need regular exercise. The chance to run free in open (fenced in) spaces should be made available to the whippet. However, never let a whippet off leash in open areas with traffic. Whippets have no car sense. And don't forget, they love to chase things.

General Appearance:

An animal of extreme grace, unless it is running anywhere near something expensive. The general appearance of a Whippet is that of a raised bump under the sheets and covers of your freshly made bed.

Eyes:

The eyes are the most important feature of the breed. They can be any colour, though Whippets prefer to have dark eyes, as these are more useful for conning their servants out of the best food and softest bedding. However, Whippets can manipulate their servants in many other ways.

Nose:

Cold, wet, long and shocking when it unexpectedly makes contact with the Whippet's servant's bare thigh.

Feet and Legs:

Sharp, long and unbendable. Really good Whippet feet and legs can shove an adult man off the bed, or render him unable to breathe, with all four of the Whippet's feet pressing into his stomach. A well bred Whippet also will impale armpits, eyes, mouths and other sensitive areas with his feet, while sleeping in his servant's bed.

Body:

The Whippet's body is generally either blurry in motion, or flat on it's side. It is acceptable for the Whippet to rest on his back, with his feet straight in the air- remember the legs are not to bend and allow any room or comfort for the human.

Teeth:

The Whippet has very special teeth and cannot eat regular food. If you wouldn't eat it, neither will the Whippet.

Ears:

Ideally, these resemble those of a bat when the Whippet goes for car rides and the window is open. Whippets are deaf at all times, except their scheduled dinner time.

Movement:

As little as possible.

Color:

Whatever colour your bedspread is, so will be the lump curled up underneath of it.

Temperament:

Whimsical, stubborn, manipulative, lazy and all together wonderful.

Disqualifications:

Failure to disobey at least twice a day, sigh loudly with disgust at least three times a day, and to take up more room in the bed than two people, shall disqualify.

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