Whippet
The 40 mph couch potato.
The Whippet is a medium sighthound built for speed, with a sleek body, deep chest and a gentle, quiet nature. It bursts into explosive sprints outdoors yet turns into a calm, affectionate cuddler at home.
Great points
- Calm and quiet indoors
- Minimal grooming and low odour
- Gentle and affectionate with family
- Athletic running and sport companion
Things to consider
- Strong prey drive toward small animals
- Needs a secure fenced area to run
- Thin coat handles cold poorly
- Can be sensitive and timid if under-socialised
The story
Developed in northern England in the 1800s by working-class families who crossed small greyhounds with terriers, the Whippet was bred for rabbit coursing and weekend racing, earning the nickname the poor man's racehorse.
Training
Whippets are intelligent but independent, so keep sessions short, positive and reward-based. Recall is the hardest skill because a moving target can override training, so practise in safe enclosed spaces.
Grooming
The short, fine coat needs little more than a weekly wipe or rubber-mitt brush and the occasional bath. They shed lightly and have very little doggy smell.
Food & diet
Around 1.5 to 2 cups of quality food daily, split into two meals, adjusted for their high-energy build. Keep them lean, as the breed should show a light tuck and a hint of rib.
Exercise
Two short walks plus a daily chance to sprint flat out in a secure area. After their burst of speed they are happy to sleep for hours.
Health to watch
Generally healthy, but watch for anaesthesia sensitivity, heart conditions such as mitral valve disease, and minor skin cuts. Buy from health-tested lines.
Fun fact. The Whippet is the fastest dog of its size, hitting around 56 km/h, and accelerates faster over short distances than almost any other breed.
