The Whippet breed
Whippet
Whippet: the elegant and tender sprinter
The Whippet is a medium-sized English sighthound, elegant and surprisingly fast (up to 60 km/h). Gentle, calm at home and discreet, it is an excellent and often overlooked family companion.
Origins of the Whippet
Developed in England in the 19th century by northern workers from reduced Greyhounds, for rabbit hunting and racing. Nicknamed the “poor man’s greyhound”, it was officially recognised in 1891.
Temperament and personality
The Whippet is known for:
- A gentle and discreet character
- Great affection for its family
- Astonishing calmness at home
- A strong chase instinct (prey)
It is sensitive, playful outside, homebody inside.
Training and socialization
Intelligent and sensitive, it needs kind training without harshness. Its chase instinct requires rigorous recall work and caution around small animals.
Health and care
The Whippet is generally robust, with a few predispositions:
- Anaesthetic sensitivity (low body fat)
- Heart conditions
- MDR1 mutation (rare)
- Cold sensitivity (short coat, low fat)
- Wounds (thin skin)
Its short coat needs very little care (weekly brushing). Excellent longevity (12-15 years).
The Whippet in the family
It is an excellent family dog, very gentle with children. Suited to apartment life with outings to run. Poor tolerance of prolonged solitude.
📌 Summary
Gentle, elegant and surprisingly homely, the Whippet is an excellent family companion for calm owners able to offer sporty outings.