Page 130 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SIGHT HOUNDS

Whippet

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Any color
17–20in 24–40lb 12–15 years
(44–51cm) (11–18kg)

The ultimate sprinter, this dog is calm, sweet-natured,
and adoring at home but remains an avid hunter

The fastest domesticated animal for its towns. Today the breed is still used for
Fine-haired,
weight, the Whippet is capable of speeds racing, as well as lure coursing and agility short coat
of up to 35mph (56km/h). It has impressive trials, but is mostly kept as a pet.
powers of acceleration, and can twist and Quiet, docile, and affectionate, the
turn at speed with dexterity. This elegant Whippet behaves well in the house and
little dog was developed in the north of is gentle with children. A sensitive breed,
England in the late 19th century by crossing it needs tactful handling and is easily
the Greyhound (see p.126) with various distressed by rough play or harsh commands.
terriers. Originally bred for hunting hare, With its delicate skin and short, fine hair,
rabbit, and other small game, the Whippet the Whippet needs to wear a coat in cold
soon became popular as an affordable weather. Its own coat is almost odor-free,
sporting dog. Whippet racing, held wherever without a doggy smell even when wet.
there was enough space for dogs to sprint a Puppies with long coats are occasionally
couple of hundred yards, became a regular born but are not officially recognized.
fixture for working men of mill and mining The Whippet has abundant energy and
should be given regular exercise and, in safe
areas, plenty of opportunity to run free. It
THE POOR MAN’S RACEHORSE is generally good with other dogs but has
a strong hunting instinct and chases cats
In the industrial areas of 19th-century England, and small animals if given the chance.
rag racing with Whippets, in which the dogs A Whippet will tolerate, or at least
chased a lure made of cloth, was immensely ignore, a household cat if the two are
popular. Working families took great pride in
their racing Whippets and valued the extra raised together, but it should not be left
income that winning dogs could earn. The unsupervised with other family pets such
breed came to be known as the “poor man’s as rabbits or guinea pigs. This breed is
racehorse.” The owners lavished care on their wary of strangers, so it makes a
dogs, allowing them to share the family’s food
reasonable watchdog. Toward its
and even the children’s beds.
owners, the Whippet shows
unswerving loyalty.

Long, tapering
tail reaches as
far as hock

Neat, oval feet with
well arched toes

THE CRADLEY HEATH
WHIPPET RACING
CLUB, UK, 1961

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