WHIPPET Breed Standards
Small, Greyhound-like dogs can be seen in works of art dating back to Roman times. The term “Whippet” was not used until 1610, however, and the Whippet as we know it today was not developed until the end of the 19th century. Whippets were created by the crossbreeding of the Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, and small Terriers. These crossings were done with the intent of producing a small, quick dog that could successfully hunt small game. The Whippet first appeared in England, and was popular among the working class. In fact, the Whippet was once called “the poor man’s Greyhound,” and on non-working days their owners could be found racing their dogs on fields or down roads.
SKILLS: A Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound. 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.
SIZE: Ideal height for dogs, 19 to 22 inches; for bitches, 18 to 21 inches, measured at the highest point of the withers. More than one-half inch above or below the stated limits will disqualify. Length from forechest to buttocks equal to or slightly greater than height at the withers. Moderate bone throughout.
COAT: Short, close, smooth and firm in texture. Any other coat shall be a disqualification. Old scars and injuries, the result of work or accidents, should not be allowed to prejudice the dog's chances in the show ring. Color immaterial.
CARE REQUIRED: The Whippet's smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom. A regular rub all over with a damp chamois will keep the coat gleaming. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. The coat of the Whippet is virtually free of "doggie odor." This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Amiable, friendly, gentle, but capable of great intensity during sporting pursuits. 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.
EXERCISE: The Whippet kept as a pet should have regular opportunities to run free on open ground (in a safe area) as well as a brisk daily walk on a leash. They are sighthound and will chase and kill small animals so a fenced yard is essential.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: This breed is sensitive to the cold. Wearing a coat is advised in the winter. They will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. Whippets are calm indoors and a small yard will do.
TRAINING: They are good watchdogs and may be reserved with strangers. They will pursue and kill cats and other small animals if given the opportunity, but are good with other dogs. Household cats that they are raised with and have become accustom to will be left alone. They can be used to hunt.
