The Whippet originated in Great Britain in the 19th century as a cross between terriers, small greyhounds, and Italian greyhound. Today it is used as a racing dog and for coursing small game. Whippets are highly adaptable to suburbs, apartment and country life. They are gentle, affectionate, and reliable dogs. They shed very little and come in all colors. They should never be allowed to run off-leash.
The Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound with a long, muscular, elegantly arched neck, deep chest and long legs. The breed came into existence in the early 19th century and was known as "snap-dog". 
In snap dog competitions bets were made on which dog could snap up the most rabbits in a large circle drawn on the ground. It was often referred to as "the poor man's greyhound". Whippet racing was a popular entertainment before better commercially organized Greyhound racing and still is very popular in England.
Energetic and athletic in the field, Whippet is a very calm, gentle and loving family dog. Whippets adore people and easily adjust to all kinds of housing conditions, but like most short-haired breeds they cannot withstand severe cold. He is naturally reserved with strangers.
Whippets have become very popular sighthounds because of their stable temperament. While other popular breeds are plagued by hip, joint, heart, eye and blood problems, Whippets are remarkably healthy.
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Whippet Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Great Britain |
| FCI Classification: |
Group 10: Sighthounds (without working trial) |
| Utilization: |
Racing Dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Hound |
| Personality: | Gentle, affectionate, dependable, and easy-to-care-for, Whippet makes an ideal family pet. |
| Size: | Medium |
|
Height: | 17.5-20 inches at shoulders (FCI), 18-21 inches at shoulders (AKC) |
| Colors: |
Any color or shades of color (solid color, parti color or brindled). The color saturation can be intense or dilute. Dilute colors are sometimes less favored in show Whippets. |
| Average Litter Size: | 6 |
| Life Span: | 14 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
The Whippet's coat is wash-and-wear. No fancy haircuts or extensive brushing is required. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to think of anything to groom on a Whippet. Their close-fitting coat naturally repels dirt. Whippets have virtually no odor. |
| Shedding: | Little |
| Social skills: |
Whippets get along well with other pets, but will chase cats. |
| Suitability for Children: | According to many Whippet owners and breeders, few other breeds can be recommended so whole-heartedly as children companions. |
| Exercise Needs: | Medium. They are always on the lookout for something to chase, so a fenced yard is a must, but watch out: Whippets are the best fence jumpers in the world. Make sure the fence is tall enough. |
| Train Ability: | Whippets respond well to gentle methods. They are natural followers, not leaders and forcing will intimidate them.
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| Health & Behavior Issues: | Cataracts, color dilution alopecia, ectodermal defect, pattern baldness. Some pink-skinned, white-haired dogs a are more susceptible to demodicosis. Their thin skin is prone to lacerations. Whippets easily become chilled. |