**Breed portrait: Whippet – the elegant sprinter among dogs
The Whippet, a British dog breed recognized by the FCI, originally comes from England and belongs to FCI Group 10 of sighthounds.
With a height of 45-53 cm (bitches) and 48-56 cm (males) and a weight of 6.8-19 kg, the Whippet is characterized by its affection, liveliness, friendliness, intelligence and gentleness. Its home is the United Kingdom, England, and its life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
The history of the Whippet: A working dog with a passion for racing.
Originally a cross between a Greyhound, Italian Greyhound and Terrier, the Whippet served the miners and factory workers in the North East of England in the 19th century. Originally used for the brutal “snatch races”, the Whippet later found its passion in legitimate greyhound racing. These sprinters reach impressive speeds of up to 60 km/h.
Coat and appearance: Elegance in sand, black and brown.
The Whippet’s short, fine coat comes in different color variations such as black, white, chestnut, fawn, blue and red. The Whippet is easy to groom and only needs to be brushed occasionally as it has no undercoat. Its low-set tail is anatomically determined and supports its high running speed.
Whippet character: Easy-care family dog with an athletic temperament.
The Whippet is a gentle, affectionate family dog. Despite its outward appearance, it is powerful and elegant. Its tendency to tremble is an expression of excitement, not coldness. The Whippet loves company, is fond of children and needs plenty of daily exercise, preferably on a racetrack.
**Leisure and training: hunting instinct under control
The Whippet’s innate hunting instinct can be exercised through free running, agility and coursing. Socialization is crucial and consistent but positive leadership leads to an easily led companion. The Whippet is people-oriented, loves children and is relaxed in the house.
Conclusion: Whippet – an elegant sprinter for active families.
All in all, the Whippet is an ideal companion for active families who can offer him enough exercise and loving attention. Its elegant appearance, its balance in the house and its passion for sprinting make it a unique family dog with a fascinating history.
New dog breed descriptions in a quick overview