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The Whippet is a breed of dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family. They are active and playful and are physically similar to a small greyhound. Their popularity has led to the reuse of the Whippet name on a large number of things, from cars to cookies.
Appearance: 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. Whippets are a medium-size dog ranging from 25 to 40
lb (11-18 kg), with a maximum height of 22 inches (56 cm).
Temperament: Whippets are generally quiet and gentle
dogs, content to spend much of the day sleeping. They are not
generally aggressive towards other animals, and although
especially attached to their owners, they are friendly to
visitors. They are not prone to snapping, so they are good
with young children. Because of their friendly nature they
have often been known to be used in aged care facilities. They
may or may not bark when strangers arrive, and are not suited
to be guard dogs due to their trusting and unsuspicious
nature. They do however tend to attack cats that stray onto
their territory. Outside, particularly when they are racing or
lure coursing, they demonstrate their superb athletic skills
and will pursue their “quarry” (even when it is an
artificial lure) with the heart of a lion.
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 to enjoy repetitive play. Females can
be a little more complex and strong-willed, 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 are not well adapted for living in a kennel or as
outside dogs. Their coats do not provide the insulation to
withstand prolonged periods of exposure to the cold. Their
natural attachment to people makes them happiest when kept as
housepets. They are most at home in the company of their
owners, in their lap or lying next to them on the lounge.
Whippets are quiet and thus well suited to apartment life,
although they do need regular exercise. The chance to run free
in open spaces should be made available to the whippet. Care,
however, should be taken with Whippets on the street as it is
difficult to instil any sort of traffic sense into them.
Whippets, as their heritage would suggest (they have been
called a "poorman's greyhound"), are outstanding
running dogs and are top competitors in lure coursing,
straight racing, and oval track racing. In these events, a
temporary track and lure system is set up. The lure is usually
a white plastic trash bag. With new methods of motivational
obedience training being used, whippets are becoming
successful obedience dogs. Many enjoy flyball and agility. The
elegance and ease of grooming of the whippet have made it a
popular show dog, but to be successful at this sport, you must
purchase a puppy who is considered by its breeder to be show
quality.
Health: Given proper nutrition, exercise, and
veterinary care, most whippets live for 12 to 15 years. They
are generally healthy, and are not prone to the frequent ear
infections, skin allergies, or digestive problems that afflict
other breeds. Genetic eye defects have been found in the
breed, but are still very rare. Because of this threat, the
American Whippet Club recommends that all breeders have the
eyes checked clear on their breeding stock. Hip dysplasia is
not a problem in whippets.
Undescended testicles are common in the breed. Whippets,
like many sighthounds, are sensitive to barbiturate
anaesthetics. The heart of a whippet is large and slow
beating, often being arhythmic or even intermittent when the
animal is at rest, sometimes causing concern to the owner, or
to the vet not experienced with this breed. The whippet will
demonstrate regular heartbeat during exercise.
History: These dogs were bred to hunt by sight,
coursing game in open areas at high speeds. Although one can
find numerous representations of small greyhound-like hounds
in art dating back to Roman times, the modern whippet was
created by working-class people of northern England by
crossing greyhounds with several other breeds, including the
Italian Greyhound and a now-extinct long-legged terrier.
These small coursing hounds were cheaper to feed and house
than greyhounds but were very handy at providing rabbits for
the pot. They also were used to provide sport on nonworking
days as their owners enjoyed racing them against each other.
The modern look of the breed was created by upper-class
English dog fanciers, who bought the best-looking whippets and
bred them selectively to appear most similar to a miniature
greyhound.
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