Whippet

The Whippet is an elegant medium-sized dog breed, known for its appearance similar to a miniature Greyhound. They are fast and agile, with a lean and muscular body.

General details

The Whippet is a medium-sized dog breed, with an average weight ranging from 6 to 14 kg. Their height at the withers varies between 44 and 51 cm. As for their life expectancy, they usually live between 12 and 15 years. According to the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), the Whippet belongs to Group 10, within the classification of Greyhound breeds.

Breed history in brief

The Whippet is a breed of dog that originated in England in the 19th century. It was developed by selectively breeding different breeds of Greyhounds to create a smaller, more agile dog, but without compromising its speed and ability to hunt small prey. Throughout history, the Whippet has been highly valued for its hare coursing ability and its participation in Greyhound racing. Its popularity spread quickly among miners and lower class workers, who appreciated its ability to hunt and provide food for their families. Over time, the Whippet gained recognition at dog shows and became a prized pet for its elegance, friendly temperament and affectionate nature.

Breed characteristics

The Whippet has a lean, muscular body with long limbs and fine bones. Its head is elongated and narrow, with a soft expression and dark, bright eyes. The ears are small and folded back, while the tail is long and slender, curving slightly upward. The coat is short, soft and dense. It does not require excessive care, as it is easy to keep clean and brushed. The characteristic colors of this breed can vary and include black, blue, brindle, fawn, white and spotted. Temperamentally, the Whippet is known to be a friendly, affectionate and calm dog. It is a very sociable breed and gets along well with people of all ages, including children and other animals. Although he is an energetic companion dog, he can also be quite relaxed and enjoy long naps. However, when stimulated, he demonstrates great speed and agility.

Common health problems

Some of the most common diseases that can affect Whippets are knee dislocation, hypothyroidism, heart disease such as coronary cardiomyopathy and degenerative valve disease, as well as eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy.