SCRAPS Breed Profile WHIPPET Stats Country of Origin: England Group: Hound Use today: Hunting, Sighting, Watchdog, Racing, Agility and Lure Coursing Life Span: 12 - 15 years Color: Coat comes in all colors including brindle, black, red, fawn, tiger white or slate blue, either solid-colored or mixed. Coat: The coat is smooth, fine, shorthaired. Grooming: The Whippet's smooth, fine, shorthaired coat is easy to groom. A regular rub all over with a damp chamois will keep the coat gleaming. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat of the Whippet is virtually free of "doggie odor." This breed is an average shedder. Height: Males 19 - 22 inches; Females 18 - 21 inches Weight: Males 25 - 45 pounds; Females 15 - 31 pounds Profile In Brief: The Whippet is a natural athlete and slight upward curve near the end, reaching to at needs regular exercise. As with any breed it is least the hock. Dewclaws are sometimes also important that the Whippet has proper removed. The short, smooth coat comes in all nutrition, vaccinations, and regular veterinary colors including brindle, black, red, fawn, tiger visits. Whippets are particularly well adapted for white or slate blue, either solid-colored or mixed human companionship and make excellent gold color in various shades on the body. house dogs. A medium-sized sight hound giving the appearance of elegance and fitness, the Temperament: The Whippet is intelligent, lively, Whippet denotes great speed, power and affectionate, sweet and docile. This very balance. In fact, the Whippet, an English devoted companion is quiet and calm in the Greyhound in miniature, is the fastest home. The Whippet should never be roughly domesticated animal of his weight, capable of trained, for it is extremely sensitive, both speeds up to 35 m.p.h. A very versatile breed, physically and mentally. Be sure to introduce they can appear in a wide variety of colors and plenty of variety during training. The best results markings. Although keen when racing or will be achieved by including games and coursing, they are quiet and dignified in their running. These dogs are good with children of all owner's living room. ages as long as the children do not roughhouse or tease the dog. Whippets are clean, virtually Description: The Whippet is a medium-sized odor free, easy to care for and easy to travel sight hound that looks similar to its cousin the with. They are good watchdogs and may be Greyhound. The skull is long and lean with a reserved with strangers. They will pursue and kill fairly wide space between the ears. The muzzle cats and other small animals if given the is long with almost no stop, tapering to the nose. opportunity, but are good with other dogs. The nose is black, dark blue or dark brown, the Household cats that they are raised with and latter two being so dark they look black. The have become accustom to will be left alone. teeth meet in a scissors bite. The small, rose They can be used to hunt. The Whippet's sweet ears are held back, folded and are semi-perked personality makes him a fine companion dog. when they are excited. The oval-shaped eyes The Whippet is the ultimate sprinter, are dark in color. The front legs are straight and unsurpassed by any other breed in its ability to the feet are thick, either cat or hare like. The tail accelerate to top speed and to twist and turn is long, tapering to a point. It is held low with a with matchless dexterity. Some can be difficult to housebreak while others housebreak quickly. Origins: The Whippet was developed at the end Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, of the 19th century through crossing among the consistent pack leader to avoid Small Dog Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound, and another Syndrome and behavior problems. Always terrier type dog. Its name derives from the remember, dogs are canines, not humans. Be expression "whip it," meaning “to move quickly.” sure to meet their natural instincts as animals. The Whippet is an outstanding track racer over short distances, reaching speeds of up to 37 Living Conditions: This breed is sensitive to miles per hour (60 km per hour), reaching those the cold. Wearing a coat is advised in the winter. speeds in seconds! Coursing these dogs was an These dogs will do okay in an apartment if they entertaining form of gambling for the lower are sufficiently exercised. Whippets are calm classes in England and the Whippet was indoors and a small yard will do. nicknamed "the poor man’s racehorse." The Whippet was recognized by AKC in 1888 and by Exercise: The Whippet kept as a pet should the English Kennel Club in 1891. Some of the have regular opportunities to run free on open Whippet's talents include: hunting, sighting, watchdog, racing, agility and lure coursing. ground (in a safe area) as well as a brisk daily walk on a leash. It is a sight hound and will chase and kill small animals so a fenced yard is essential. Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal .