Showing posts with label Race Hounds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Race Hounds. Show all posts

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Fact Sheet: WHIPPET DOG

(Original Title: Whippet Dog Breed Profile Information)

Megsy whippet.jpg
Photo by Tai McQueen
Description:
The Whippet is a medium-sized dog in the sighthound group. The dog will be 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder and the bitch 18 to 21 inches. This dog can range in weight from about 25 to 45 pounds. The Whippet is a very streamlined dog with a long neck and legs. The chest is deep for aid in running. The short coat of the Whippet can be found in nearly all colors including white with brindle, white with black, yellow patches, blue, or red. The color may also be solid. The Whippet will live for approximately 12 to 15 years. The name comes from the expression "whip it", which meant to do something quickly. This dog is also known as the Snapdog.

History: 
The Whippet was bred from the Greyhound, the Italian Greyhound, and an unknown terrier at the end of the 1800s in England. The Whippet found itself used as a hunter of rabbits by the peasants, but became a dog used for races during the migration to the cities during the Industrial Revolution. It became known as the "poor man's racehorse", and sums of money were bet on the outcome of dog races. Mill workers from England brought the Whippet with them when they emigrated to America and helped to establish dog racing here.

Temperament:
The Whippet is a docile, affectionate dog that exhibits a good disposition. This dog gets along well with children and will play with them. As the dog has sensitive skin, however, the children should be instructed to take care not to hurt the Whippet accidentally. This dog is calm in the house, reserving its play for outdoors. It should be remembered that the Whippet was developed as a hunting dog and its instincts are still strong. This dog will chase and kill small animals and cats. If the dog is socialized with cats while young, there will generally be no problem. The Whippet makes an excellent companion dog and loves to cuddle and receive attention from its owner.

Health Issues: 

This is a fairly healthy breed with few health problems. Whippets do not seem to suffer from hip dysplasia. This breed is sensitive to the cold and should be protected from winter temperatures. The Whippet has trouble with some anesthetics (barbiturates), and your veterinarian should be aware of this before any surgery is performed.





Grooming: 
The short coat of the Whippet does not require much grooming, just the occasional brushing and bath is all. The teeth, however, should be brushed on a daily basis to prevent build-up of tartar, and professional cleaning is recommended once a year. The Whippet's skin is rather thin and delicate, so care must be taken to prevent cuts or scratches.

Living Conditions: 
Physically and emotionally, the Whippet is a housedog. This dog bonds very closely to its family and is happiest when near them. Although it has been said that the Whippet can live in an apartment, it should be remembered that it needs a good deal of exercise. The Whippet is built for running and should be given an opportunity to burn off its excess energy through a brisk walk, at the very least, every day. The Whippet must sleep in a warm spot and should be dressed in warm clothes during cold weather.



Monday, September 18, 2017

WHIPPET - Fastest Dog For the Size of It

A Whippet is a mid-sized dog that belongs to the sighthound group of dogs. They have short hair and look similar to the greyhounds. It is the fastest of all domesticated creatures of the same weight often traveling as fast as 35 miles per hour.

English: "Fireworks Whippets" at NAW...
"Fireworks Whippets" at NAWRA 2008 Nationals and WWD.
(Photo credit: 
Wikipedia)

History of the Whippet Breed

The Whippet breed was originally bred to use its sight to hunt and chase game at fast speeds. During the 19th century, the Whippet first appeared in the Northern section of England. These dogs came from two different types of greyhounds being mixed with small terriers to produce a hound fast enough to go after a small game like rabbits.

The Whippets were owned by the common laborers. These Whippets became the poor man's racehorse in fact because they would race them. They would have them race down the roads or across the fields for about 200 yards.

The AKC recognized the breed in 1888 and it is in the Hound Group. The English Kennel Club did not recognize the breed until 1891. Today, the Whippet is extremely popular in the dog shows and has won many championships in various sections.

Temperament for the Breed

Whippets are gentle dogs that are very loving and enjoy getting and giving affection. The breed is calm and sweet and very rarely even barks. They will bark when they need to, but they do not make good watchdogs though. They can get snappish at times so they are not recommended for your kids. They are friendly enough though to be used around the elderly in nursing homes.

If they are not raised around cats they will chase them. Both male and female Whippets are equally easy to housebreak. They are very loyal to their owners and love to be with them. They will stay close when they can. Whippets are quiet enough for even apartments.

Health Issues for the Breed

This breed is an extremely healthy one compared to other breeds. With correct care and nutrition, the dogs can live to as old as 15 years with very little health issues. The second leading reason for death is heart disease with the Whippets. Sometimes a genetic eye problem can show up in this breed, but this does not happen that often. Undescended testicles are one problem the Whippets can commonly have.



Grooming Requirements for the Breed

The Whippets are fairly low-maintenance with their coat of short, smooth hair. They shed two times a year the fall and the spring. Brushing one to two times a week will alleviate the shedding. This will be good for the dog year round though. To add a bit more shine to the coat use a chamois cloth and rub the dog down. Only bathe the Whippets when necessary of course followed by brushing and maybe some conditioner.

Their nails need clipping to prevent overgrowth. The ears need to be checked to see if they need cleaning on the outside. Brush their teeth periodically. Also, examine the skin to make sure there are no skin problems.