Whippet: origin of the breed and character of the dog

Origin story

The history of the breed begins in the 15th-16th centuries; it was during this time that the first mentions of its name date back. The ancestors of the whippet were greyhounds - large dogs whose size did not allow many ordinary people to keep them. They ate too much, took up a lot of space, and were difficult to maintain.

Then the crossing of greyhounds with representatives of smaller breeds began. The goal of the breeders' work was to breed a dog with the same skills and speed as the Grays, but with a smaller size. At first they were called simply small greyhounds, then the name whippet stuck to them forever.

The word "Whippet" literally means "whip", which describes the speed of the breed. It is so high that it looks like the blows of a whip or whip.

The peak of popularity of the small English greyhound came in the 19th century, when greyhound racing began to spread throughout England. The owner of the whippet had a breadwinner - he went hunting with the pet, entered it into races, which also brought profit. In 1891, the final breed standard was approved. Today whippets are common in different circles and are often used to participate in exhibitions.

Origin of the breed

There is no exact information about the history of the origin of whippets. There are several versions. According to one, the breed was bred by English miners in the early 19th century to participate in driven hunts for hares, foxes, rabbits and other small game.

However, the Whippet was not used as a hunting dog for long. It began to be used in rag racing, a widespread form of entertainment in Wales. The poor had fun with dog racing, but, unlike chasing a mechanical hare, which aristocrats were fond of, dogs chased a “rag” one - a scarf or piece of fabric.

This version does not stand up to criticism, since it is doubtful that miners bred dogs that had no practical value. But there is no documentary evidence that the whippet helped the miners by exterminating rats in the pits. And the speed with which this breed was recognized makes one wonder whether it was previously known in England and then forgotten.

Facts support this version - most likely, whippets arrived in Great Britain with the Roman conquerors. It is not without reason that next to Diana the huntress a dog was depicted with an appearance and characteristic posture reminiscent of a modern whippet. But the roots of the breed go back even further into centuries. Dog handlers refer to images and figurines of dogs dating back to the 3rd century. BC.

Description of the breed

Whippets have a breed description similar to Greyhounds, which is why they are sometimes called “reduced Greyhounds.” However, the characteristics of the structure of some parts of the body have fundamental differences. The peculiarity of whippets is their gracefulness, which evokes admiration in such a large dog. Their body is curved in a beautiful arc, the stance is so excellent that it seems that the animals were born to participate in exhibitions.

According to the official breed standard, whippets have the following parameters:

• adult dog weight – 10-12 kg;
• height at withers – 44-51 cm;
• elegant, oblong head shape, tapering towards the nose;
• straight, even teeth;
• small nose, color depends on coat;
• the eyes provide a wide viewing angle - located far from each other, but not deep;
• eye color depends on color;
• small pink-shaped ears;
• body structure – athletic, long, arched back;
• neck oval, slightly arched;
• the belly is tucked up; when the dog runs quickly, a fold forms between it and the undercut of the groin;
• the tail is thin, but muscular, very tense when running;
• The paws are powerful, the hind paws are wider and more stable than the front paws.

A running whippet looks especially graceful, causing admiration for the harmonious structure of its body. In ordinary life, its appearance is also unique; the animal has charm and charm, which attracts the attention of many lovers of four-legged animals.

Colors

The coat of the breed is short and thick. Its length is the same throughout the body, there is a small undercoat. Initially, the Whippet was bred for practical purposes; humans used the dog as an assistant. Because of this, breeders did not pay much attention to appearance, especially colors.

Absolutely any colors of the Small English Greyhound are allowed. Monochromatic representatives of the breed are rare; most often the wool contains several shades. The most common of them are white, black, blue, gray colors. The chest is often white. Blue whippets are the most prized breed for showing.

The long-haired whippet was considered defective for a long time. Now this variety is recognized, but is not in great demand; you rarely see such a puppy.

Description

The Whippet was supposed to look like a small greyhound and that's exactly what it looks like. Everything about his appearance speaks of speed and grace. The breed standard does not allow details that change the overall balanced appearance of the dog.

These are medium-sized dogs, males reach 47-51 cm at the withers, females 44-47 cm. The breed standard does not describe the ideal weight, but they weigh 9.1–19.1 kg.

Whippets are fairly lean for a dog of their size. Most have clearly visible ribs, which makes casual people think of exhaustion. In fact, she simply has very little subcutaneous fat.

Despite their thinness, they are quite muscular and have long legs. The tail is long, thin, tapering towards the end.

The muzzle is typical of a sighted hunting greyhound. The ears are small, thin and elegant, shaped like a rose. When the dog is relaxed, they hang in the direction opposite to the muzzle.

Since there is a trace of terriers in the blood, sometimes puppies are born with erect ears, which is considered a serious defect and leads to disqualification. The eyes are large, as befits a greyhound.

The coat is very short, smooth, fine and close-lying. She does not hide scars and other skin imperfections, but this is not a reason for disqualification from the show. Whippet breeders were concerned with the dog's speed and did not pay attention to conformation.

Therefore, whippets can be of any color. The most common: gray, black, brindle. But, this is one of the most variable breeds in color.

Character

Representatives of the greyhound family are dogs bred for work; they were widely used for hunting, for guarding, and for other useful purposes. Because of this, they are loyal to their owner, but have a strong character and are able to live independently. Each species has its own differences; whippets differ from other breeds in their strong attachment to humans.

They are companion dogs that require daily close contact with their owner. Often they “get under his feet”, trying to constantly accompany him. The docile nature makes the breed suitable for older people. Getting along with children is also possible, but only if you treat your pet with respect.

If there is a child in the family, it is important to explain to him that the dog requires good treatment. In response to constant rudeness, your pet may resist the urge to bite, but will want to retaliate in other ways, experiencing great stress in the process.

Living in an apartment is optimal for representatives of the breed; if necessary, they can live in the courtyard of a private house. If a pet lives on the street, it still needs constant walks and spending time with its owner.

The hunting instinct remains in the blood of the small English greyhound dog, so they do not get along well with other domestic animals. A whippet and a cat, rodent, or other small pet will not be able to find a common language. If you approach the issue of upbringing competently, it is possible to teach a dog to live with other animals that appeared in the house before it. However, if she calmly accepts the owner’s cat, she can tear apart the neighbor’s cat in a minute.

Character, abilities, skills

The Small English Greyhound is a calm companion, without aggression, a friendly and affectionate friend. The dog will become a good partner, assistant and favorite of all family members. The whippet's bark can only be heard when a stranger appears. The breed is a hunting breed, so it is suitable for an owner who is a hunter or a person leading an active lifestyle. The whippet can reach speeds of up to 56-64 km/h, quickly accelerates from a jump and flies at full speed.

Running on a mechanical hare helps keep your pet in shape; such a hobby will provide an outlet for excess energy and maintain muscle tone. The whippet's running is a graceful, graceful soaring over the ground, especially the gallop. The movements are peculiar: the front legs are carried far forward and low above the ground, with a large seizure of space, like a blood trotter; The dog brings the hind legs deep under the body and with a strong push ensures a powerful thrust of the body forward. The hunting instinct is caused by visual movements, the dog needs to see the prey, following the scent is not its strong point. The Whippet adapts to the rhythm of its owner's life, gets up and goes to bed with him. The breed is friendly to all adults and children, even strangers; on walks they can let themselves be petted and treated. They love their owners madly, trying to be with them every second, and do not tolerate separation well.

The breed is very vulnerable and sensitive - the greyhound is afraid to be left alone at home, does not accept shouting and disagreements in the family. She directs excess energy to small pranks, furniture and interior items.

Care and maintenance

If a whippet lives in the yard of a private house, then in winter it should still move into the house. This is also required in extreme heat; keeping a pet outside all year round is impossible. This is due to the short hair of the representatives of the breed and the lack of subcutaneous fat. Dog handlers recommend conditioning the animal if you plan to take it hunting. In other cases, you can simply stock up on warm clothes for a walk in frosty weather.

Daily walking should be at least twice a day, preferably for an hour. This time can be used for practical purposes by combining walks with training. Experts explain that when a whippet swims, runs, especially behind a bicycle, its muscles become stronger. Such active walks contribute to the normal well-being of dogs.

Combing, bathing, and grooming are required as the coat becomes dirty. During the molting period, it is recommended to comb the animal twice a week; usually the hair does not fall out profusely. Given the short length of the coat, it is necessary to use a rubberized brush for short hair so that the pet does not experience discomfort.

Care also involves regular examination of the dog, especially the eyes and ears. If an inflammatory process is detected, you must contact a veterinarian. If you have chronic ear diseases, you may need to wipe the organ daily with a cotton swab soaked in a solution prescribed by your veterinarian.

Feeding

Feeding with natural products requires time and effort from the owner to prepare dishes, but has advantages: the possibility of diversifying the diet, using fresh products. The dog's diet should consist of meat (preferably beef, lamb, horse meat), boiled boneless fish, vegetables, and cereals. The best cereals are rice and buckwheat. It is advisable to stew vegetables and serve them along with porridge and meat.

The most useful vegetables that many representatives of the breed like are zucchini, carrots, and pumpkin.

When feeding dry food, the pet must receive a sufficient amount of vital vitamins and microelements. Therefore, it is better to use only premium food. The advantage of this method of feeding is that it requires a minimum of time, it is easy to calculate the portion, and the pet receives everything it needs for good health.

If your dog has allergies, using dry food is especially practical. With the help of a veterinarian, you can choose the appropriate option, then give it throughout your life.

Breed characteristics and character

In the history of the breed there was a relationship with the large Greyhound, the popular Italian Greyhound, and the long-legged Bedlington. The middle class needed a dog that did not require care and food, that could hunt and participate in dog racing.

Selection shaped qualities and appearance. The owners' desire to shine at dog shows led to work on the spectacular appearance of the greyhound. The name of the breed means “whip” in English. The word is associated with the blow of a whip and the high speed that characterizes the English Whippet .

The peculiarity of the breed, recognized in 1891, is its special grace and sophistication. To the uninitiated, dogs appear emaciated, but thinness is the result of a lack of subcutaneous fat. Therefore, the ribs and muscles of the dog are visible.

Despite its external fragility, this is a strong breed with life-supporting systems and a strong psyche. The Whippet is recognized as perhaps the fastest dog in the world, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h and high maneuverability.

The character of the whippet is distinguished by loyalty. They adore people, are affectionate to families, and get along well with children, the elderly and the disabled. They are very sensitive to the atmosphere at home, emotional about rudeness or scandals, but do not show aggression. At the same time, whippets show distrust of strangers, so they can perform security functions.

They get along well with other dogs, because in the past they had to work in a pack while hunting. Other animals, especially small ones, will be persecuted. The hunting instinct is triggered instantly by the appearance or smell of prey.

Walks and exercise are essential to keeping your whippet healthy.

A whippet may not notice a domestic cat, but it will not miss a stranger. While on a walk, a pet may simply suddenly disappear, succumbing to the instinct of the chase. The Whippet is hunting dog This is a choice for active people.

If on the street the pet is all in motion, then in the home environment it turns into a calm and relaxed dog. Adapted to living in an apartment, he loves to lie buried in a blanket and maintain communication. The Whippet rarely barks.

It is clean and has no specific smell. The dog has an independent character and only accepts gentleness and patience in training. Rude methods lead to aggravation of relationships and deterioration of behavior.

Whippets have a calm, good-natured character

Training and education

Whippet training should begin from the moment it arrives in the house. The gentle nature of a pet and its attachment to its owner do not mean that they can be allowed to relax. The hunting instincts of representatives of the breed must be controlled, energy directed in the right direction.

When raising, it is also important to take into account the innate sense of independence inherent in whippets. It is important to combine gentle handling of your pet with strictness. The quick wit and high intelligence of the representatives of the breed allow them to quickly remember commands, but it takes time to achieve unquestioning obedience.

Agility, a popular sport among dogs, is widely used to develop the physical fitness of whippets. Training involves going through various obstacles that allow you to develop speed, flexibility, intelligence, and reaction. For high-speed whippets, this will be a good part of their training.

Diseases and life expectancy

Typically a whippet lives 12-15 years. Representatives of the breed are distinguished by good health, like most other greyhounds. Sometimes the following diseases occur:

• Deafness – Whippet puppies may be born deaf or lose it in the first few weeks of life;
• ophthalmological diseases, most of which can be cured with timely detection and appropriate treatment;
• diseases of the circulatory system;
• viral diseases, especially plague and rabies.

To prevent viral infection, like some other illnesses, you must complete all recommended vaccinations.

How to choose a puppy

When choosing a puppy, you need to contact a trusted kennel that offers dogs with documents. It is easy for non-professional dog breeders to fall for the trick of scammers by purchasing a non-purebred whippet. It is also recommended to pay attention to the following factors:

• health, characteristics of the puppy’s parents, usually breeders provide documents on participation in exhibitions and other achievements;
• appearance, compliance with the breed standard;
• no defects;
• presence of hearing (given the prevalence of deafness among representatives of the breed);
• activity, disposition, behavior of the puppy.

Timid, fearful puppies will not grow up to be active, energetic dogs. Hunting instincts and high speed when running are reflected in the behavior of representatives of the breed immediately after birth.

Comparison of breeds

Some people have to choose, before getting a pet, between a Whippet and a Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, or Saluki. Each breed has its own characteristics:

1. Whippet and Greyhound. Grayhs are larger in size, but otherwise the appearance of the dogs is similar. Whippets are less tolerant of rudeness, but their main advantage is their developed guard skills.
2. Whippet and Italian greyhound. Italian Greyhounds are distinguished by their smaller size and character - these pets are more active in the house, they are not inclined to sleep for a long time or lie in their place. Whippets are more skilled watchdogs.
3. Whippet or Saluki. The Saluki is a Persian greyhound that differs from the English greyhound by its higher intelligence. If there are children in the family, it is better to get a whippet, he is more tolerant and calm.

In addition to general behavioral characteristics, each dog has individual character traits. Therefore, when choosing a puppy, you need to spend some time with it, carefully observing the animal’s disposition.

Pros and cons of the breed

The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the breed:

Where to buy and price

The average price of representatives of the breed is 25-35 thousand rubles. The Small English Greyhound dog is of average popularity in our country. You can buy it in the nurseries “Love Story”, “Volar Black Shark”, and others.

If you decide to purchase a Whippet, you will get an amazingly graceful dog with a unique appearance. Of all greyhounds, representatives of this species are distinguished by their strong attachment to their owner, good attitude towards children, and companionship skills. However, hunting instincts require proper education and timely training.

Features of hunting with whippets

It is customary to hunt hares and waterfowl with whippets. In some cases, after completing a training course, the breed is used to hunt small foxes.

Hunting with this greyhound is different in that the dogs are not interested in the very fact of tracking down prey. They are attracted precisely by catching an animal at speed and the process of pursuit. For this reason, poorly trained whippets can chase game, catch it and then abandon it, returning to their owner with empty teeth.