This must be one of the most annoying things a whippet mama or papa can hear. Whippets are the hidden treasure of dogs, mistaken for greys all the time. Not only that, but people often think that Italian greyhounds are whippets! As a proud whippet mama I have taken upon myself to educate the good people of the world to recognise and adore this beautiful breed.
Here is a great pic that demonstrates the difference between greyhounds, whippets and Italian greyhounds (better known as Iggies). ‘Nuff said.
So, what is a whippet? Whippets are part of a class of dogs called sight hounds. Sight hounds were used in hunting and were able to find and bring down their prey using sight alone. This sets them apart from bloodhounds that rely more on smell. Historically, sighthounds were found in North Africa, Arabic countries, Afghanistan, Russia, Ireland and Scotland.
Whippets aren’t really used for hunting anymore, although other sight hounds still are. I find it hard to imagine my boy Lawson as a hunter but then I remember his obsession with trying (and sometimes succeeding, much to my horror) to catch birds.
Sight hounds include:
Whippets
Smaller than greyhounds but with a similar temperament, whippets are a hidden treasure being discovered by people now who realise that they make great city dogs. They don’t bark, rarely shed, don’t need grooming, sleep a lot and are happy with a run in the local park each day. Did I mention that they are freaking awesome?!
Greyhounds
The original and best known. Gorgeous creatures with the souls of poets and the body of athletes, greyhounds are unfortunately exploited for their speed and abused in terrible ways. Thankfully there are organisations such as the Greyhound Adoption Program to rescue “failed” racers from death or worse. Greyhounds are not, as most people think, high maintenance, exercise wise. A quick burst of speed at the park and they are ready for their bed!
Italian greyhounds
A lot of people think that whippets and Italian greyhounds are one and the same. However, that is like confusing Jack Russell’s with Staffies. Italian greyhounds have the faces of Chihuahuas and are more highly strung than whippets. They are fast and seem to have inexhaustible energy.
Irish wolfhounds
The biggest dogs that exist. They are bigger than a lot of humans but have the soul of greyhounds and are very affectionate. The original gentle giant.
Scottish deerhounds
Like a cross between Irish Wolfhounds and greyhounds, deerhounds have the speed and strength but without the huge mass of the former.
Staghounds
Staghounds are made for hunting. In America they are called Staghounds, in Australia they are called Kangaroo dogs. Staghounds are essentially lurchers – a mix between sighthounds and working dogs. From the picture above you might think that staghounds are not the kind of dog you could cuddle with on the couch – however, my gorgeous girl is a staghound and the most affectionate dog I have ever known. Stereotypes be damned!
Salukis
The glamour models of the sighthound world. Saluki’s come in a range of colours, all of them gorgeous. To be honest, whenever I see Salukis out and about they always seem to be a bit skinny for my liking but maybe that’s just me…
Borzoi (aka Russian wolfhounds)
They are a bit gorgeous really but require a lot more grooming than most other sighthounds. They come in different coats – some more fluffy than others. Essentially, borzois are very regal in appearance but similar in temperament to other sighthounds.
Azawakh (African)
I just want to give them a big bowel of potato and gravy! However, I know that they are this weight for a reason. They are refined in appearance;their personality relies a lot on how they are trained. They have the potential to be as affectionate as their fellow sighthounds if allowed.
Ibizan hounds
An off-shoot of pharaoh hounds, they have the distinctive ears of pharaoh hounds but with white and red colouring and amber coloured eyes. Ibizan hounds come in smooth and rough coated varieties. They are stockier than greyhounds, very intelligent and expert escapologists.
Pharaoh hounds
Despite their Egyptian sounding names, pharaoh hounds are the national dog of Malta. It’s native name is Kelb Tal-Fenek – In Maltese, it’s name means “rabbit dog”. Like the Ibizan hound it is a smart, agile and athletic dog; however, unlike the Ibizan dog, it only comes in the smooth coated variety.
Galgo’s
Galgo’s are an ancient breed, from whom the greyhound is descended. Galgo’s tend to be smaller, lighter in breed, with a longer tail and streamlined head that makes the ears look much bigger. Galgo’s chests are not as deep chests as greyhounds and their coats come in both rough and smooth varieties.
Galgo’s are gentle creatures, very much like their greyhound relatives. They are used for hunting in Spain and are one of the most abused animals in the world. Spaniards often keep Galgo’s emaciated to encourage them to hunt; if they fail to be good hunters, their death is long and brutal.
And there are many more sighthounds not mentioned here…
They all have in common a graceful, tapered form with a long neck and long legs holding up a muscular body. Sighthounds use a bounding gallop when they run, similar to that which a cheetah uses. Sighthounds can reach 45 kms per hour from little or no run up.
Sight hounds are more known for speed than stamina, so a quick run in the park is usually following by a long sleep on the couch!
I will talk more about these awesome dogs over the course of this blog and I look forward to any contributions you might choose to make.
Cheers, Maree
Whippet Mama 