Let me start by admitting my bias – I love whippets, they are awesome!
All sighthounds are similar in some ways but totally unique in others. Whippets are one of the newest members of the sighthound group, dating from around the 1840’s and not officially recognised as a breed until 1891.
The “poor man’s greyhound”
Whippets were developed in the north of England by miners and mill workers. At the time, only royalty were allowed to have greyhounds, used for hunting. A peasant found with a greyhound would be imprisoned, his dog maimed or killed. This was to stop commoners from using greyhounds for poaching on royal land. However, there was no ban on peasants having other types of dogs.
The whippet was created to be as fast as a greyhound but more sturdy than an Italian greyhound which was seen as too fine-boned and unable to chase down bigger prey. Whippets originate from a blend of dogs – greyhounds, Iggies, and terriers. They could not look too much like greyhounds or they would be maimed.
There is a bit of debate about the origin of the name. Some believe that it was based on the work “whip” and referred to their speed and sleek appearance. Apparently whippets were also known by other names in the early days including Wappit and Snap Dog. If anyone has better information about this, please let me know!!
That Whippet Look
The Coat – fine and short, can be single coloured or a major colour with patches. The patches can be brindled or a solid colour. Whippets come in many colours including fawn, white, black, blue and brindled.
When I first adopted Lawson, he was quite pale; over the years his coat has deepened in colour and his muzzle has darkened. This is not uncommon I believe:
The Body – the chest is very deep (giving them lots of room for a massive heart so they can race like the wind) and the back well-muscled. Whippets have a graceful tapered shape with legs that appear too small but which work like springs. Their tails are long and short haired; they are also renowned for causing pain if humans get in the way of their enthusiasm!
The face – could melt any heart. Whippets have lean, flat heads that are not as long as a greyhounds. The nose only comes in one colour (black) and their eyes are oval and most often (but not always) a deep brown colour. Whippets have incredibly soft ears that speak volumes. Want to know what your whippet is thinking? Read the ears…
The paws – Whippets have paws that are long like those of a hare except with long nails that can be a mix of white and black. Due to the fact that whippets are exceptionally flexible, they will often present their mother with a paw bouquet..
The wardrobe – Whippets have extremely thin skin and very little fur (particularly on their tummies). This helps them to regulate their temperature when running but it makes life pretty tough for Whippets in winter. No self-respecting whippet mama would let her fur baby out in the cold and wet without a warm and stylish outfit to keep him or her toasty.
That being said – a whippet mama or papa must show their fur baby some respect and make sure they look cool and not silly when they hit the ‘hood to roll with their homies.
Yes No, no,no, just no.
NEXT TIME….
Hope you have enjoyed this post. Next time I will talk a bit more about the whippet personality (or personalities as may be the case).
Whippet Mama 