WHAT IS A WHIPPET?
A Whippet is a medium-sized
Sighthound--a group of dogs which includes the
Greyhound, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, Pharaoh Hound, Afghan Hound,
Saluki, and others. 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 very handy at providing
rabbits for the pot.... |
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They also were used
to provide sport on non-working 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 "Greyhound in miniature". Because color is considered
"immaterial" in judging Whippets, they come in the widest variety of color and marking
patterns of any breed -- everything from solid black to solid white, with red, fawn, brindle,
blue, cream. And all manner of spots and
blazes and patches are seen--sometimes all in the same
litter! |
WHAT ARE THEY LIKE?
Whippets are
generally quiet and gentle dogs in the house, content to
spend much of the
day sleeping on the couch. They are not generally
aggressive with 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. They may or may not bark
when strangers arrive, and are not suited to be guard
dogs due to their trusting and
unsuspicious nature. Outside, however, 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. To see these dogs in
full stride is breathtaking!
Please note
that many whippets do seem to suffer from "Excessive
Greeting Disorder" characterized by wild displays of exuberance when their
owners return from long absences
of 10 minutes or more. This can be a problem with very
young children in the house as they may easily be knocked over. |
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MALE OR FEMALE PETS ?
Unlike many
other breeds, the males are as easy to housebreak, and
are no more aggressive,
than bitches. Both sexes make excellent pets. Males tend
to be slightly more dependent
and enjoy repetitive play. Females can be a little more
complex and strong-willed,
but are equally devoted to their owners. Males tend to
run one to two inches taller,
and three to six pounds heavier, than females. |
WHERE CAN I GET ONE?
Breeder
referrals in your area can be obtained by contacting
American Whippet Club Referral contact Mary Downing at
whimsy@gte.net
.
Also many wonderful
Whippets have lost their homes
through no fault of their own and reside now with
Whippet Rescue and Placement (WRAP). Check out their website at www.whippetrescue.com
and/or contact WRAP Regional Advisor Nancy Billups at
cloudnine@arn.net
The American
Whippet Club strongly discourages anyone from purchasing
a Whippet through a pet store or other commercial
breeder.
For further
information
www.nopuppymills.com.
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